Ames, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Ames, Iowa is 66,112 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest city in Iowa. The median household income is $60,102, the median home value is $263,800, and the median age is 23.3.
The population has grown 16.8% since 2010 (59,098 → 69,026).
66,112
Population
2344
People / sq mi
$60,102
Median Income
$263,800
Median Home Value
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Ames covers 28.2 sq mi of land at 2344 people per square mile.
About Ames, IA
Ames skews on age — the median resident is 23.3, younger than the national median. With 66,112 residents, Ames is a city in Iowa. It is the #9-largest of all cities in Iowa nationally.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $60,102, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 5.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $263,800, with typical rent around $1,040.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US cities — 63.5% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 11.3%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Ames city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Ames city had a population of 59,098 in 2010 and 69,026 in 2024, a 16.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 69,026 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.12%.
69,026
Population (2024)
59,098
Population (2010)
69,026
Peak (2024)
1.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 59,098 |
| 2011 | 60,440 |
| 2012 | 61,427 |
| 2013 | 63,053 |
| 2014 | 64,773 |
| 2015 | 65,685 |
| 2016 | 65,915 |
| 2017 | 66,301 |
| 2018 | 66,001 |
| 2019 | 66,258 |
| 2020 | 66,490 |
| 2021 | 67,028 |
| 2022 | 67,329 |
| 2023 | 68,428 |
| 2024 | 69,026 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.0% |
| Black or African American | 3.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$60,102
Median Household Income
$33,314
Per Capita Income
5.2%
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$263,800
Median Home Value
$1,040
Median Rent
42.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
97.5%
High School+
63.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
5.8%
Drive Alone
65.3%
Public Transit
11.3%
Work From Home
16.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
34.7%
Foreign Born
86.6%
Non-English at Home
3.4%
Veterans
8.7%
With Disability
94.9%
Health Insurance
96.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 39.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.0% |
| Manufacturing | 8.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.2% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.4% |
| Construction | 3.2% |
| Retail Trade | 2.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
Largest cities in Iowa
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ames, Iowa has a population of 66,112 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest city in Iowa.
The median household income in Ames, Iowa is $60,102, with 5.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Ames, Iowa is $263,800, with median monthly rent at $1,040 and a homeownership rate of 42.9%.
The median age in Ames, Iowa is 23.3 years. The population is 52.9% male and 47.1% female.
The population has grown 16.8% since 2010 (59,098 → 69,026).
Ames city, IA Climate
Ames city, IA has an average annual temperature of 9°C (48°F) and receives about 848 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9°C
Avg Temp
848
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 20 mm |
| February | -4° / 24° | 24 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 54 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 84 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 104 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 128 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 105 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 105 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 86 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 67 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 42 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 29 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Ames city, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Ames city, IA are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ames
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.