Ames, IA vs Sterling Heights, MI
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
Sterling Heights
72.7
#851 nationally
Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 26 min). Ames leads in crime level (4.1 vs 6.3). Sterling Heights leads in median household income ($75,381 vs $57,428).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Sterling Heights, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 72.7 (#851) |
| Population | 65,686 | 133,306 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $313,695 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $75,381 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 26 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 6.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 101 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+13.7 |
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-
72.7 Score
Sterling Heights, MI
Mid-size Michigan city with community character
Median Home
$313,695
Population
133,306
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Midwest
View Sterling Heights, MI →
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