Ames, IA vs Leland, 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
Leland
71.5
#976 nationally
Leland leads in crime level (2.6 vs 4.1). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 24 min). Leland leads in median household income ($82,651 vs $57,428).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Leland, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 71.5 (#976) |
| Population | 65,686 | 30,542 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $388,757 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $82,651 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 24 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 2.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 110 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+24.9 |
Data coverage note: Leland 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 →
C-
71.5 Score
Leland, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$388,757
Population
30,542
Crime
Low
Median Income
$82,651
Southeast
View Leland, NC →