Is Ames Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ames

Ames, Iowa, offers a unique blend of a robust academic environment, driven by Iowa State University, and a characteristic Midwestern charm. This city in Story County is known for its lively atmosphere, influenced by a significant student population, alongside its appeal to families and professionals. With its tree-lined streets, extensive bike paths, and numerous parks, Ames presents an attractive setting for a diverse range of residents.

The city’s infrastructure supports a high quality of life, with convenient access to amenities and a strong sense of community. Ames provides a welcoming environment, bolstered by a stable local economy and a commitment to fostering growth and development. Its appeal is further enhanced by key landmarks and recreational hubs that contribute to its overall desirability as a place to live and work.

Is it Safe to Live in Ames?

Ames generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with a crime rate that is lower than the national average. In a typical year, the crime rate is reported at 27.06 per 1,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This safety perception is further supported by a majority of residents, with 46% reporting feeling very safe and 48% feeling generally safe in their community (as indicated by Niche user polls). The city’s safety score is noted as 69 out of 100, which is near the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

However, it is important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood. While the northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, the chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 17 in eastern neighborhoods to 1 in 57 in northwestern areas (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime in Ames is reported at approximately 148.3 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 473.3 per 100,000 (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also below the national average, with Ames recording 1,505.5 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to the national figure of 2,279.1 per 100,000 (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Rental Market

The housing market in Ames presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters, with costs generally aligning with or below national averages. The median listing price for a home in Ames is approximately $404,000 (as reported by Housing Market Trends). This figure indicates a robust entry point for prospective homeowners. For renters, the median rent stands at about $1,300 per month (according to Housing Market Trends).

Ames’s housing expenses are noted to be 11% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The average rent for an apartment in Ames is around $915 per month, which is 44% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends across various apartment sizes, with studios averaging $774, one-bedrooms at $915, and two-bedrooms around $1,077 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

For those considering purchasing a home, the median sale price in Ames is $404,000, with homes spending an average of 32 days on the market (as indicated by Housing Market Trends). The sale-to-list price ratio is 98%, suggesting that homes are selling very close to their asking prices. Housing inventory in Ames is measured, with 268 homes currently listed for sale, indicating a balanced market that supports competition without significant oversupply.

Job Market and Major Employers

Ames boasts a dynamic job market, significantly influenced by Iowa State University and a growing presence in specialized industries. The city is a notable hub for animal vaccine development, with institutions like the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and USDA facilities contributing to this sector (as highlighted by Live In Ames). Major companies in this field include Boehringer Ingelheim, DSM-Firmenich, and Merck Animal Health.

Beyond animal health, Ames is also a strong contender in advanced manufacturing and AgTech. Key companies in manufacturing and technology sectors include Danfoss, 3M, Sukup, and Ag Leader (as detailed by Live In Ames). Iowa State University itself is a major employer, with over 6,000 faculty and staff, and plays a crucial role in supplying skilled graduates to the local economy (as reported by Ames Regional Economic Alliance). Other significant employers in Ames include Mary Greeley Medical Center, the City of Ames, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The employment landscape in Ames saw growth, with a 3.31% increase in jobs from 2023 to 2024, reaching approximately 68,900 employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. The unemployment rate in Ames was reported at 2.9% in 2026 (as per Data USA).

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Ames is considered affordable, ranking below the national average. Generally, Ames is 5.2% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability is particularly noticeable in housing, which is about 11.0% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Groceries in Ames are also more affordable, costing 3.8% less than the national average, while utilities are 5.1% less expensive, and transportation costs are 2.2% lower (as reported by Apartments.com). For a single adult without dependents, a comfortable annual salary is estimated to be around $63,000 before taxes, with estimated annual expenses for housing, groceries, and goods/services totaling approximately $38,016 (as detailed by Apartments.com).

The median household income in Ames was reported at $60,991 in 2024 (as per Data USA). This median income provides a good benchmark for understanding the financial landscape for residents. The cost of living for renters is also favorable, with monthly expenses estimated around $4,036 (as detailed by Apartments.com).

Climate and Weather

Ames experiences a classic four-season climate, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 10°F in January to a high of 84°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Over the year, temperatures typically fluctuate between 14°F and 84°F, rarely dipping below -5°F or exceeding 93°F (as indicated by Weather Spark).

Annual snowfall in Ames is moderate, averaging around 31 inches, with February typically being the snowiest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Total annual precipitation is also moderate, at approximately 38 inches, with the highest amounts usually occurring in May (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The period from May to September generally offers comfortable weather, with daily high temperatures between 65°F and 86°F.

Winter months can be colder and windier, with average wind speeds around 11 mph, contributing to a brisk feel. Summers are warm and relatively dry, with lower wind speeds and more sunshine, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and humidity levels, though spring can be wetter.

Education and School Ratings

Ames offers a strong educational landscape, particularly noted for its public school system and the presence of Iowa State University. The Ames Community School District is rated as above average, serving approximately 4,735 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (as per Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, and state test scores show that 70% of students are proficient in math and 73% in reading.

Top-ranked public schools in Ames include Fellows Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School, and Edwards Elementary School (as highlighted by Niche). Ames public schools generally demonstrate above-average math and reading proficiency scores compared to the state average. For instance, Ames schools have an average math proficiency score of 72% and a reading proficiency score of 73% (as reported by Niche).

Ames High School has also received recognition, being named 13th in the state and 2,303rd in the nation in the 2023-2024 U.S. News and World Report Best High School rankings. This commendation places it within the top 40% of schools nationally (as per Ames Community School District). Iowa State University, a major research institution, further enhances the educational opportunities in Ames, attracting a significant student population and contributing to the city’s academic vibrancy.

Demographics

Ames is home to a population of approximately 67,700 residents, with a projected growth to over 70,000 by 2026 (as reported by Data USA and Ames Population). The city has a relatively young demographic, with a median age of 23.3 years (as per Ames Population). This youthful population is largely attributed to the presence of Iowa State University, which enrolls over 30,000 students.

The racial makeup of Ames is predominantly White, accounting for about 78.2% of the population (as per Point2Homes). Other significant racial groups include Asian residents, making up approximately 9.3% of the population, and African Americans, representing about 3.9% (as reported by Point2Homes). A notable portion of the population, around 11.6%, was born outside the country, contributing to the city’s diversity (as per Data USA).

Regarding household composition, Ames has about 25,785 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Of these, 38% are families, while the remaining 62% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives. The median household income in Ames was $60,991 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with a poverty rate of 25.45% (as per Ames Population).