Ames, IA vs Columbia, SC
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
73.8
#670 nationally
Ames leads in crime level (4.1 vs 21.1). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 35). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 17.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 73.8 (#670) |
| Population | 65,686 | 142,416 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $230,662 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $54,095 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 17.4 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 21.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 100 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+33.5 |
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
73.8 Score
Columbia, SC
Mid-size South Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$230,662
Population
142,416
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Southeast
View Columbia, SC →