Ames, IA vs Ocean Springs, MS
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
Ocean Springs
77
#292 nationally
Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 28.6 min). Ocean Springs leads in crime level (2.4 vs 4.1). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 25).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Ocean Springs, MS |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 77 (#292) |
| Population | 65,686 | 18,997 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $271,190 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $72,500 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 28.6 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 25 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 2.4 |
| 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+39.9 |
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
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C+
77 Score
Ocean Springs, MS
Small Mississippi city with local appeal
Median Home
$271,190
Population
18,997
Crime
Low
Walk Score
25
Southeast
View Ocean Springs, MS →