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Ames

Learn about the people, housing, costs and businesses in Ames

Median Home$260,188
Median Rent$990/month
Population127,134
Leading IndustriesPublic Administration · Construction · Agriculture & Mining34% public administration
Home Value Growth⬆⬆+15.7% over 2 years
Young Adults44% of residentstop 1% nationally
Homeowners61% of occupied units
NotableHighly Educated31% bachelor's · 13% graduate · top 2% nationally
Ames

Frequently Asked Questions

What are today's mortgage rates in Ames?

Mortgage rates for Ames are updated daily on Safe Rate using live investor pricing. Rates depend on your credit score, loan type (Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo), and down payment. A 30-year fixed rate is the most common product for home purchases.

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What is the median home price in Ames?

The median home value in Ames is $260k. The median monthly rent is $990. Annual property taxes average $4k. Home values are based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates.

Are home values rising in Ames?

Home values in Ames have increased 15.7% over the past two years. This indicates a strong appreciation trend. This data is sourced from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index.

How much income do you need to buy a home in Ames?

Based on a typical all-in ownership cost of $1,132/month (mortgage, taxes, insurance), you'd generally need a household income of approximately $49k/year to keep housing costs at or below 28% of gross income — a common lender guideline. The median household income in Ames is $75k/year.

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What industries drive the economy in Ames?

The largest employment sectors in Ames are public administration (34%) and retail (10%) of the local workforce. Industry data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.