Ames, IA vs Harrisburg, 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
Harrisburg
69.3
#1226 nationally
Harrisburg leads in median household income ($134,767 vs $57,428). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 30.3 min). Ames leads in cost of living index (100 vs 118).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Harrisburg, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 69.3 (#1226) |
| Population | 65,686 | 19,883 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $500,007 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $134,767 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 30.3 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 118 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+7.7 |
Data coverage note: Harrisburg is missing data for 1 metric that Ames has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
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 →
D+
69.3 Score
Harrisburg, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$500,007
Population
19,883
Crime
Moderate-Low
Median Income
$134,767
Southeast
View Harrisburg, NC →