Ames, IA vs McAllen, 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
McAllen
79.3
#134 nationally
Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 21.4 min). McAllen leads in cost of living index (93 vs 100). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 41).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 79.3 (#134) |
| Population | 65,686 | 146,593 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $228,710 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $56,326 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 21.4 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 93 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+2.9 |
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+
79.3 Score
McAllen, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$228,710
Population
146,593
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
41
Southwest
View McAllen, TX →