Ames, IA vs Ferndale, MI
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
Ferndale
82.8
#19 nationally
Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 26.1 min). Ferndale leads in walk score (67 vs 42). Ferndale leads in median household income ($86,120 vs $57,428).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Ferndale, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 82.8 (#19) |
| Population | 65,686 | 19,083 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $254,401 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $86,120 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 26.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 67 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 5.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 99 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+10.6 |
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 →
B-
82.8 Score
Ferndale, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$254,401
Population
19,083
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
67
Midwest
View Ferndale, MI →