Ames, IA vs Maple Grove, MN
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
Maple Grove
75.5
#450 nationally
Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 13). Maple Grove leads in median household income ($127,001 vs $57,428). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 24.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Maple Grove, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 75.5 (#450) |
| Population | 65,686 | 71,288 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $430,006 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $127,001 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 24.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 13 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 119 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+42.6 |
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 →
C
75.5 Score
Maple Grove, MN
Minnesota community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$430,006
Population
71,288
Crime
Low
Walk Score
13
Midwest
View Maple Grove, MN →