Ames, IA—50010
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 $274,000, with a year-over-year change of 4.1%. This indicates that home prices in Ames, IA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.0%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $274,000 | 4.1% |
| Single Family | $304,000 | 3.8% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $199,000 | 3.1% |
3 Bed | $275,000 | 4.2% |
4 Bed | $349,000 | 4.2% |
| 5 Bed | $445,000 | 4.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Ames, IA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Ames, IA is $1,300, with a year-over-year rent change of 16.1%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Ames, IA is studios: $670, 1-bedrooms: $818, 2-bedrooms: $1,050, 3-bedrooms: $1,830, 4-bedrooms: $1,450. The most common rental property sizes in Ames, IA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 48.2% and 27.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,040 | $1,300 |
| Studio Rent | $670 | $670 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $795 | $818 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $940 | $1,050 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,800 | $1,830 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,300 | $1,450 |
% 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 57. This is a increase of 20.0% 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 15.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $351,000 | -4.0% |
Listing Count | 95 | 3.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 3.0% |
Days on Market | 57 | 20.0% |
Demographics — Ames, IA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Ames, IA has a population of 33,400, which has decreased by -1.6% over the past 5 years. Ames, IA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 15.2% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 59.1% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 9.9% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 33,400 | -1.6% |
% Under 18 | 15.2% | -7.9% |
% Seniors | 15.0% | 4.9% |
% WFH | 9.9% | 67.8% |
% w/ College Degree | 59.1% | -1.3% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Ames, IA is a predominantly white area, with 79.0% of the population identifying as white. The white population has grown by 2.7% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Ames, IA is asian, making up 7.2% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 10.6% of the population in Ames, IA, and this percentage has decreased by 34.6% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 79.0% | 2.7% |
% Black | 4.1% | 70.8% |
% Hispanic | 6.0% | 42.9% |
% Asian | 7.2% | -44.2% |
% Foreign Born | 10.6% | -34.6% |
Mortgage and Risk — Ames, IA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 499 mortgage originations in Ames, IA, of which 93.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 64.0%, with 18.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Ames, IA. Investor activity is low, as 6.0% 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 | 499 |
% Conventional Loans | 93.0% |
% Government Loans | 7.0% |
% Investor Loans | 6.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% 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 6.3%. 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. 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Ames, IA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 3-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 386 |
Total Units Section 8 | 386 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 6.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 94.6% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $155 | $795 | $950 |
| 2 Bedroom | $110 | $940 | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$330 | $1,800 | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedroom | $460 | $1,300 | $1,760 |
Affordability — Ames, IA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 4 |
| Median Home Price | $274,000 |
| Median Household Income | $65,700 |