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
Largest counties in Iowa
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Metro areas in Iowa
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).
Where to stay in Ames
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.