Ames, IA Census Data
The 9th largest city in Iowa by population · 11 cities ranked
Ames is the 9th largest city in Iowa by population and ranks 9th of 11 for median household income. With 66,112 residents, its poverty rate of 25.9% ranks among the higher rates in Iowa. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · 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 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%
Per Capita Income
$17,388
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.4%
Disability rate: 8.7%
How Ames Compares to Other Iowa Cities
Rankings among all 11 Iowa cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 9th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 9th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 10th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 1st of 11 | Top 10% |
| Highest Home Value | 4th of 11 | Top half |
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).
How does Ames rank among Iowa cities?
Ames is the 9th largest city in Iowa by population, the 9th highest for median household income, the 10th lowest for poverty rate, the 1st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 11 ranked Iowa cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Ames?
The unemployment rate in Ames, IA is 6.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.1%. Per capita income is $17,388.
Cities Similar to Ames
Other Iowa cities with comparable population and income levels.