Ames, IA vs Minneapolis, 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
Minneapolis
73
#799 nationally
Minneapolis leads in walk score (69 vs 42). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 23.4 min). Minneapolis leads in median household income ($70,099 vs $57,428).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 73 (#799) |
| Population | 65,686 | 425,115 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $338,118 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $70,099 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 23.4 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 69 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 103 |
| 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
73 Score
Minneapolis, MN
City of Lakes with Fortune 500 opportunities
Median Home
$338,118
Population
425,115
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
B-
Midwest
View Minneapolis, MN →