Ames, IA Census Data
Key demographic and economic indicators for Ames, Iowa from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-03-23 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
66,112
52.9% male · 47.1% female
Median Age
23.3
15.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$60,102
18,436.0 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
63.5%
28.5 above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 97.5%
Poverty Rate
25.9%
13.5 above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.1%
Broadband Access
96.9%
7.2 above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$263,800
Median rent: $1,040 · 43% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
Labor force participation: 60.1%
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Ames, IA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ames, IA?
The population of Ames, IA is 66,112 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 23.3 years.
What is the median household income in Ames?
The median household income in Ames, IA is $60,102, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $17,388.
What is the poverty rate in Ames?
The poverty rate in Ames, IA is 25.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Ames residents have a college degree?
63.5% of adults (25+) in Ames hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 97.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Ames?
The median home value in Ames, IA is $263,800. Median rent is $1,040 per month, with 43% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Ames?
Ames's population is 79.0% White, 3.7% Black, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 9.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).