Ames, IA vs Helena, AL
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
Helena
74.5
#582 nationally
Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 12). Helena leads in crime level (2.0 vs 4.1). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 30.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Helena, AL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 74.5 (#582) |
| Population | 65,686 | 22,117 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $367,018 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $107,360 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 30.4 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 12 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 2.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 101 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+40.8 |
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
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C
74.5 Score
Helena, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$367,018
Population
22,117
Crime
Low
Walk Score
12
Southeast
View Helena, AL →