City profile
Ames, IA
Story County · Population 67,669
Ames is a city in Story County, IA with about 67,669 residents and a typical home value near $277,000. It is 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
21°F
Summer avg
76°F
Sunny days / yr
200
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$277,400
Typical monthly housing
$1,837
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
97
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- State income tax (top)
- 3.8%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 6.94%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 69/100
Top hazards: Drought, Tornado, Winter weather
Nearest major airport
34 mi to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Democratic · 54% Democratic / 44% Republican
Community
Population
67,669
Black population
3.9%
County
Story County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hail, derechos
Highlights
- About 67,669 residents
- Typical home value about $277,000
- 30 miles from Des Moines, IA
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.