Ames, IA vs Ruston, LA

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

Ruston

72.3

#911 nationally

Ames leads in crime level (4.1 vs 11.7). Ames leads in median household income ($57,428 vs $32,877). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 25).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Ames, IA Ruston, LA
WhereAtHome Score 76.2 (#367) 72.3 (#911)
Population 65,686 22,233
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $306,337 $229,937
Median Household Income $57,428 $32,877
Average Commute 15.8 min 13.9 min
Walk Score 42 25
Crime Level 4.1 11.7
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 100 95
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+10.4 R+25.4
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 →
Ruston, LA
C-
72.3 Score

Ruston, LA

Small Louisiana city with local appeal

Median Home

$229,937

Population

22,233

Crime

Moderate-High

Walk Score

25

Southeast View Ruston, LA →

Try a different matchup

Swap Ames for:

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Swap Ruston for:

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