Ames, IA vs Fargo, ND
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
Fargo
77.9
#209 nationally
Fargo leads in walk score (46 vs 42). Fargo leads in median household income ($62,891 vs $57,428). Fargo leads in cost of living index (94 vs 100).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 77.9 (#209) |
| Population | 65,686 | 129,798 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $326,637 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $62,891 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 16.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 46 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+8.4 |
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+
77.9 Score
Fargo, ND
Northern Plains energy
Median Home
$326,637
Population
129,798
Crime
Low
Schools
B
Midwest
View Fargo, ND →