Ames, IA

Ames sits in Story, Iowa, and is covered by 5 ZIP code tabulation areas. Across those ZIPs, an estimated 71,183 people live, work, and commute. Demographic and housing figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2018–2022).

Each ZIP code in Ames has its own character. Some are dense and walkable; others are exurban or rural, with single-digit households per square mile. The list below lets you compare the basic shape of each one — population, income, and home value — before clicking through to the full neighborhood profile.

Across the city overall, the typical owner-occupied home is valued near $262,300 and median asking rent runs around $1,010 per month. Median household income hovers around $59,432. These are averages of ZIP-level medians and will read differently depending on which neighborhood you actually settle in — which is precisely what the per-ZIP pages are for.

ZIP codes in Ames

ZIP	County	Population	Median income	Median home value
50010	Story	33,397	$64,573	$235,700
50011	Story	0	—	—
50012	Story	2,061	—	—
50013	Story	4,349	—	—
50014	Story	31,376	$54,291	$288,900

Thinking about relocating to Ames?

A few practical considerations as you evaluate the move:

• Pick the ZIP, not just the city. Median income, school assignments, walkability and crime patterns can vary dramatically between neighboring ZIPs in the same city. Use the per-ZIP pages to compare.
• Compare housing math honestly. The median home value here is $262,300, and median rent is $1,010. At current mortgage rates, that often makes renting the more flexible option for the first 12–24 months while you learn the neighborhoods.
• Verify the commute. Drive your prospective work or school route at peak time — Google Maps optimistic estimates rarely match what locals actually experience.
• Check the boring stuff. Property tax rates, HOA dues, flood-zone designation, and homeowner's insurance availability are easier to research before you sign than after.