Ames, IA vs Columbia Heights, MN
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
Columbia Heights
74.9
#527 nationally
Ames leads in crime level (4.1 vs 8.8). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 24.2 min). Columbia Heights leads in walk score (53 vs 42).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Columbia Heights, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 74.9 (#527) |
| Population | 65,686 | 22,278 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $303,089 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $70,470 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 24.2 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 8.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+4.4 |
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
74.9 Score
Columbia Heights, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$303,089
Population
22,278
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
53
Midwest
View Columbia Heights, MN →
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