Ames, IA vs Prior Lake, 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

vs

Prior Lake

72.4

#898 nationally

Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 14). Prior Lake leads in median household income ($129,539 vs $57,428). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 25.2 min).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Ames, IA Prior Lake, MN
WhereAtHome Score 76.2 (#367) 72.4 (#898)
Population 65,686 28,027
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $306,337 $534,270
Median Household Income $57,428 $129,539
Average Commute 15.8 min 25.2 min
Walk Score 42 14
Crime Level 4.1 2.9
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 100 120
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+10.4 R+8.5
Ames, IA
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 →
Prior Lake, MN
C-
72.4 Score

Prior Lake, MN

Small Minnesota city with local appeal

Median Home

$534,270

Population

28,027

Crime

Low

Walk Score

14

Midwest View Prior Lake, MN →

Try a different matchup

Swap Ames for:

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