Ames, IA vs Lubbock, TX
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
Lubbock
77
#290 nationally
Ames leads in crime level (4.1 vs 22.5). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 39). Lubbock leads in cost of living index (96 vs 100).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Lubbock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 77 (#290) |
| Population | 65,686 | 266,878 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $212,191 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $58,734 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 16.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 22.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+39.5 |
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 Score
Lubbock, TX
Growing Texas city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$212,191
Population
266,878
Crime
High
Walk Score
39
Southwest
View Lubbock, TX →