Ames, IA vs Apex, NC
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Ames
76.2
#367 nationally
Apex
70.6
#1082 nationally
Apex leads in median household income ($129,688 vs $57,428). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 26). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 23.9 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Apex, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 70.6 (#1082) |
| Population | 65,686 | 72,225 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $601,962 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $129,688 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 23.9 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 26 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 4.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 122 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+25.6 |
C
76.2 Score
Ames, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$306,337
Population
65,686
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Ames, IA →
C-
70.6 Score
Apex, NC
North Carolina community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$601,962
Population
72,225
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Apex, NC →