Ames, IA—50014
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Ames, IA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Ames, IA is $262,000, with a year-over-year change of 2.5%. This indicates that home prices in Ames, IA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.1%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $262,000 | 2.5% |
| Single Family | $356,000 | 2.6% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $173,000 | 3.6% |
3 Bed | $280,000 | 2.2% |
4 Bed | $344,000 | 2.4% |
| 5 Bed | $494,000 | 3.3% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Ames, IA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Ames, IA is $1,330, with a year-over-year rent change of 16.7%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Ames, IA is 1-bedrooms: $852, 2-bedrooms: $956, 3-bedrooms: $1,630, 4-bedrooms: $1,690. The most common rental property sizes in Ames, IA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 33.3% and 26.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,180 | $1,330 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $845 | $852 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $895 | $956 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,300 | $1,630 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,700 | $1,690 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Ames, IA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Ames, IA is 86. This is a increase of 15.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 8.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $440,000 | 2.0% |
Listing Count | 104 | 13.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | 13.0% |
Days on Market | 86 | 15.0% |
Demographics — Ames, IA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Ames, IA has a population of 31,400, which has increased by 4.0% over the past 5 years. Ames, IA is a less popular place for families, as children make up 12.9% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 68.6% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 13.2% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 31,400 | 4.0% |
% Under 18 | 12.9% | 15.2% |
% Seniors | 9.9% | 47.8% |
% WFH | 13.2% | 340.0% |
% w/ College Degree | 68.6% | 6.2% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Ames, IA is a predominantly white area, with 76.1% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 5.7% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Ames, IA is asian, making up 12.2% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 12.7% of the population in Ames, IA, and this percentage has increased by 13.4% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 76.1% | -5.7% |
% Black | 3.5% | 34.6% |
% Hispanic | 3.2% | -8.6% |
% Asian | 12.2% | 34.1% |
% Foreign Born | 12.7% | 13.4% |
Mortgage and Risk — Ames, IA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 238 mortgage originations in Ames, IA, of which 92.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 61.0%, with 18.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Ames, IA. Investor activity is low, as 10.0% of loans were by investors. 8.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 238 |
% Conventional Loans | 92.0% |
% Government Loans | 8.0% |
% Investor Loans | 10.0% |
% Second Loans | 4.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 8.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Ames, IA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Ames, IA under the Section 8 program is 1.8%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. In Ames, IA, all tracked home sizes have HUD payment amounts above market rent, suggesting strong Section 8 opportunity across the board.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 144 |
Total Units Section 8 | 144 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 1.8% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 97.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $235 | $845 | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedroom | $315 | $895 | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedroom | $390 | $1,300 | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedroom | $320 | $1,700 | $2,020 |
Affordability — Ames, IA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 4.5 |
| Median Home Price | $262,000 |
| Median Household Income | $57,400 |