Ames, IA vs Raleigh, NC
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
Raleigh
71
#1035 nationally
Ames leads in crime level (4.1 vs 32.0). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 24.3 min). Raleigh leads in median household income ($82,424 vs $57,428).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 71 (#1035) |
| Population | 65,686 | 470,763 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $435,237 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $82,424 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 24.3 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 31 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 32.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+25.6 |
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-
71 Score
Raleigh, NC
Research Triangle innovation hub
Median Home
$435,237
Population
470,763
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
B+
Southeast
View Raleigh, NC →