Ames, Iowa: Difference between revisions
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{{use mdy dates|date=June 2022}} | {{use mdy dates|date=June 2022}} | ||
{{Infobox settlement | {{Infobox settlement | ||
| official_name | | official_name = Ames, Iowa | ||
| settlement_type | | settlement_type = [[List of cities in Iowa|City]] | ||
| image_blank_emblem = AmesIAicon.png | | image_blank_emblem = AmesIAicon.png | ||
| blank_emblem_type | | blank_emblem_type = Icon | ||
| blank_emblem_size | | blank_emblem_size = 105px | ||
| motto | | motto = "Smart Choice"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cityofames.org/about-ames/about-ames|title=About Ames |website=City of Ames |access-date=5 April 2019}}</ref> | ||
| image_skyline = Ames | | image_skyline = {{multiple image | ||
| | | border = infobox | ||
| image_map | | total_width = 280 | ||
| mapsize | | perrow = 1/2/1/2 | ||
| map_caption | | caption_align = center | ||
| pushpin_map | | image1 = Ames Iowa Main Street (bannerportada esvoy).jpg | ||
| pushpin_relief | | caption1 = [[Ames Main Street Historic District]] | ||
| pushpin_label | | image2 = Reiman Gardens 33.jpg | ||
<!-- Location --> | | caption2 = [[Reiman Gardens]] | ||
| subdivision_type | | image3 = U.S. Department of Energy - Science - 408 033 001 (9952379574) (cropped).jpg | ||
| subdivision_name | | caption3 = [[Ames National Laboratory]] | ||
| subdivision_type1 | | image4 = Campus of Iowa State University 50 (cropped).jpg | ||
| subdivision_name1 | | caption4 = [[Iowa State University]] and [[Beardshear Hall]] | ||
| subdivision_type2 | | image5 = Jack Trice Stadium - South Endzone (cropped).jpg | ||
| subdivision_name2 | | caption5 = [[Jack Trice Stadium]] | ||
<!-- Government --> | | image6 = 823 Douglas Avenue (cropped).jpg | ||
| leader_title | | caption6 = [[Old Town Historic District (Ames, Iowa)|Old Town Historic District]] | ||
| leader_name | }} | ||
| established_title | | image_map = Story_County_Iowa_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Ames_Highlighted.svg | ||
| established_date | | mapsize = 250px | ||
<!-- Area --> | | map_caption = Location in the State of [[Iowa]] | ||
| unit_pref | | pushpin_map = Iowa#USA | ||
| area_total_sq_mi | | pushpin_relief = yes | ||
| area_footnotes | | pushpin_label = Ames | ||
| area_total_km2 | <!-- Location -->| subdivision_type = Country | ||
| area_land_sq_mi | | subdivision_name = [[United States]] | ||
| area_land_km2 | | subdivision_type1 = State | ||
| area_water_sq_mi | | subdivision_name1 = [[Iowa (U.S. state)|Iowa]] | ||
| area_water_km2 | | subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Iowa|County]] | ||
<!-- Population --> | | subdivision_name2 = [[Story County, Iowa|Story]] | ||
| population_as_of | <!-- Government -->| leader_title = Mayor | ||
| population_total | | leader_name = | ||
| established_title = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]] | |||
| established_date = December 20, 1869 | |||
<!-- Area -->| unit_pref = Imperial | |||
| area_total_sq_mi = 27.92 | |||
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_19.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 16, 2022}}</ref> | |||
| area_total_km2 = 72.32 | |||
| area_land_sq_mi = 27.58 | |||
| area_land_km2 = 71.43 | |||
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.34 | |||
| area_water_km2 = 0.89 | |||
<!-- Population -->| population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]] | |||
| population_total = 66427 | |||
| population_density_km2 = 929.96 | | population_density_km2 = 929.96 | ||
| population_density_sq_mi = 2408.61 | | population_density_sq_mi = 2408.61 | ||
| population_rank | | population_rank = [[List of largest Iowa cities by population|9th]] in Iowa | ||
| population_urban | | population_urban = 60,438<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/ua/ua_list_ua.xls|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010082147/http://www2.census.gov/geo/ua/ua_list_ua.xls|url-status=dead|title=2010 Census Urban Area List|archive-date=October 10, 2012}}</ref> | ||
| population_metro | | population_metro = 89542 (estimate based on Story County) | ||
<!-- General information --> | <!-- General information -->| timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]] | ||
| timezone | | utc_offset = −6 | ||
| utc_offset | | timezone_DST = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]] | ||
| timezone_DST | | utc_offset_DST = −5 | ||
| utc_offset_DST | | coordinates = {{coord|42|01|05|N|93|37|12|W|region:US-IA|display=inline,title}} | ||
| coordinates | |||
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/> | | elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/> | ||
| elevation_ft | | elevation_ft = 922 | ||
<!-- Area/postal codes and others --> | <!-- Area/postal codes and others -->| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]](s)™ | ||
| postal_code_type | | postal_code = 50010, 50011-50013 (UNIQUE ZIP Codes™-for Iowa State University), 50014 | ||
| postal_code | | blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID | ||
| blank1_name | | blank1_info = 2393947<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2393947}}</ref> | ||
| blank1_info | | blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]] | ||
| blank_name | | blank_info = 19-01855 | ||
| blank_info | | website = {{URL|http://www.cityofames.org/}} | ||
| website | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Ames''' ({{IPAc-en|eɪ|m|z}}) is a city in [[Story County, Iowa]], United States, located approximately {{convert|30|mi|km}} north of [[Des Moines, Iowa|Des Moines]] in central Iowa. It is the home of [[Iowa State University]] (ISU). According to the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], Ames had a population of 66,427, making it the state's [[List of cities in Iowa|ninth-most populous city]].<ref name=cen2020>{{cite web |title=2020 Census State Redistricting Data |url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Iowa/ |website=census.gov |publisher=United states Census Bureau |access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref> Iowa State University was home to 30,177 students as of fall 2023,<ref name="enrollment">{{Cite web |title=Enrollment Statistics {{!}} The Office of the Registrar {{!}} Iowa State University |url=https://www.registrar.iastate.edu/resources/enrollment-statistics |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=www.registrar.iastate.edu}}</ref> which make up approximately one half of the city's population. | '''Ames''' ({{IPAc-en|eɪ|m|z}}) is a city in [[Story County, Iowa]], United States, located approximately {{convert|30|mi|km}} north of [[Des Moines, Iowa|Des Moines]] in central Iowa. It is the home of [[Iowa State University]] (ISU). According to the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], Ames had a population of 66,427, making it the state's [[List of cities in Iowa|ninth-most populous city]].<ref name=cen2020>{{cite web |title=2020 Census State Redistricting Data |url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Iowa/ |website=census.gov |publisher=United states Census Bureau |access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref> Iowa State University was home to 30,177 students as of fall 2023,<ref name="enrollment">{{Cite web |title=Enrollment Statistics {{!}} The Office of the Registrar {{!}} Iowa State University |url=https://www.registrar.iastate.edu/resources/enrollment-statistics |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=www.registrar.iastate.edu}}</ref> which make up approximately one half of the city's population. | ||
A [[United States Department of Energy]] national laboratory, [[Ames Laboratory]], is located on the ISU campus. Ames also hosts [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) sites: the largest federal animal disease center in the United States, the USDA Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Disease Center (NADC),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ars.usda.gov/midwest-area/ames/nadc/ |title=National Animal Disease Center : Home |publisher=Ars.usda.gov |access-date=September 19, 2011}}</ref> as well as one of two national USDA sites for the [[Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service]] (APHIS), which comprises the [[National Veterinary Services Laboratory]] and the Center for Veterinary Biologics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services |title=USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) – Animal Health – Veterinary Services |publisher=Aphis.usda.gov |date=August 13, 2009 |access-date=September 19, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915182800/http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/ |archive-date=September 15, 2011 }}</ref> Ames also hosts the headquarters of the [[Iowa Department of Transportation]]. | A [[United States Department of Energy]] national laboratory, [[Ames National Laboratory]], is located on the ISU campus. Ames also hosts [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) sites: the largest federal animal disease center in the United States, the USDA Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Disease Center (NADC),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ars.usda.gov/midwest-area/ames/nadc/ |title=National Animal Disease Center : Home |publisher=Ars.usda.gov |access-date=September 19, 2011}}</ref> as well as one of two national USDA sites for the [[Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service]] (APHIS), which comprises the [[National Veterinary Services Laboratory]] and the Center for Veterinary Biologics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services |title=USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) – Animal Health – Veterinary Services |publisher=Aphis.usda.gov |date=August 13, 2009 |access-date=September 19, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915182800/http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/lab_info_services/ |archive-date=September 15, 2011 }}</ref> Ames also hosts the headquarters of the [[Iowa Department of Transportation]]. | ||
== History == | ==History== | ||
The city was founded in 1864 as a station stop on the [[Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad]] and was named after 19th century U.S. Congressman [[Oakes Ames]] of Massachusetts, who was influential in the building of the [[First transcontinental railroad (North America)|transcontinental railroad]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA37|year=1908|page=37}}</ref> Ames was founded by local resident Cynthia Olive Duff (née Kellogg) and railroad magnate [[John Insley Blair]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ameshistory.org/ames_origin.htm |title=Ames Origin |publisher=Ames Historical Society |access-date=Mar 21, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322030555/http://www.ameshistory.org/ames_origin.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2014 }}</ref> near a location that was deemed favorable for a railroad crossing of the [[Skunk River (Iowa)|Skunk River]] and [[Ioway Creek (Ames, Iowa)|Ioway Creek]]. William West (1821–1919) became the first mayor of Ames in 1870. With his wife Harriet, from 1869 to 1892, he ran Ames's first hotel, known as West House, on Douglas Avenue on the site of the present Octagon Center for the Arts. West was a highly respected pioneer businessman who also served on the Ames School Board in the 1880s when Central School was built on the site of the present Ames City Hall on Clark Avenue and Sixth Street. The Wests raised several daughters and sons. William West spent the last of his life living with his son in northwest Iowa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Hall Time Capsule |url=https://ameshistory.org/content/city-hall-time-capsule-1 |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=ameshistory.org}}</ref> | The city was founded in 1864 as a station stop on the [[Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad]] and was named after 19th century U.S. Congressman [[Oakes Ames]] of Massachusetts, who was influential in the building of the [[First transcontinental railroad (North America)|transcontinental railroad]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA37|year=1908|page=37}}</ref> Ames was founded by local resident Cynthia Olive Duff (née Kellogg) and railroad magnate [[John Insley Blair]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ameshistory.org/ames_origin.htm |title=Ames Origin |publisher=Ames Historical Society |access-date=Mar 21, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322030555/http://www.ameshistory.org/ames_origin.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2014 }}</ref> near a location that was deemed favorable for a railroad crossing of the [[Skunk River (Iowa)|Skunk River]] and [[Ioway Creek (Ames, Iowa)|Ioway Creek]]. William West (1821–1919) became the first mayor of Ames in 1870. With his wife Harriet, from 1869 to 1892, he ran Ames's first hotel, known as West House, on Douglas Avenue on the site of the present Octagon Center for the Arts. West was a highly respected pioneer businessman who also served on the Ames School Board in the 1880s when Central School was built on the site of the present Ames City Hall on Clark Avenue and Sixth Street. The Wests raised several daughters and sons. William West spent the last of his life living with his son in northwest Iowa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Hall Time Capsule |url=https://ameshistory.org/content/city-hall-time-capsule-1 |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=ameshistory.org}}</ref> | ||
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===Neighborhoods=== | ===Neighborhoods=== | ||
*[[Ames Main Street Historic District]] | *[[Ames Main Street Historic District]] | ||
* Campustown, south of Iowa State University, is a high-density mixed-use neighborhood with many student apartments, nightlife venues, and restaurants.{{ | * Campustown, south of Iowa State University, is a high-density mixed-use neighborhood with many student apartments, nightlife venues, and restaurants.<ref name="AmesPlan">{{cite web |title=Ames Comprehensive Plan: Land Use Policy Framework |url=https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/planning/comprehensive-plan |access-date=March 17, 2026 |publisher=City of Ames Planning & Housing Department}}</ref> | ||
===Climate=== | ===Climate=== | ||
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}} | }} | ||
== Demographics == | ==Demographics== | ||
{{Historical populations | {{Historical populations | ||
|title= Historical populations | |title= Historical populations | ||
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===2020 census=== | ===2020 census=== | ||
As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], Ames had a population of 66,427 and 25,579 households, of which 10,641 were families. The [[population density]] was 2,407.5 inhabitants per square mile (929.5/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 27,806 housing units at an average density of 1,007.8 per square mile (389.1/km<sup>2</sup>); 8.0% were vacant, with a homeowner vacancy rate of 2.0% and a rental vacancy rate of 8.0%.<ref name="Census2020DP">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME%2CDP1_0021P%2CDP1_0024P%2CDP1_0025C%2CDP1_0049C%2CDP1_0045C%2CDP1_0069C%2CDP1_0073C%2CDP1_0125P%2CDP1_0126P%2CDP1_0129P%2CDP1_0133P%2CDP1_0137P%2CDP1_0138P%2CDP1_0139P%2CDP1_0141P%2CDP1_0142P%2CDP1_0143P%2CDP1_0145P%2CDP1_0146P%2CDP1_0147C%2CDP1_0148C%2CDP1_0149C%2CDP1_0156C%2CDP1_0157C%2CDP1_0158C%2CDP1_0159P%2CDP1_0160P&for=place%3A01855&in=state%3A19|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 7, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref><ref name="Census2020PL"/> | |||
About 99.2% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.8% lived in rural areas.<ref name="Census2020DHC">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME%2CP2_002N%2CP2_003N&for=place%3A01855&in=state%3A19|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2023|access-date=April 7, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref> | |||
The median age was 23.6 years. 12.8% of residents were under the age of 18 and 10.8% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 112.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 114.1 males age 18 and over.<ref name="Census2020DP"/><ref name="Census2020PL"/> | |||
Of the 25,579 households, 17.5% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 32.5% were married-couple households, 6.8% were cohabiting couples, 29.5% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present, and 31.2% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present. About 58.4% were non-families; 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name="Census2020DP"/> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census<ref name="Census2020PL">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=place%3A01855&in=state%3A19|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 7, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref> | |||
! Race !! Number !! Percent | |||
|- | |||
| [[White Americans|White]] || 51,469 || 77.5% | |||
|- | |||
| [[African Americans|Black or African American]] || 2,765 || 4.2% | |||
|- | |||
| [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian and Alaska Native]] || 214 || 0.3% | |||
|- | |||
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]] || 5,258 || 7.9% | |||
|- | |||
| [[Native Hawaiians|Native Hawaiian]] and [[Pacific Islander|Other Pacific Islander]] || 31 || 0.0% | |||
|- | |||
| Some other race || 2,091 || 3.1% | |||
|- | |||
| [[Multiracial Americans|Two or more races]] || 4,599 || 6.9% | |||
|- | |||
| ''[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (of any race)'' || 3,948 || 5.9% | |||
|} | |||
=== 2010 census === | ===2010 census=== | ||
As of the census<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=May 11, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 58,965 people, 22,759 households, and 9,959 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2435.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 23,876 housing units at an average density of {{convert|986.2|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 84.5% White, 3.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 8.8% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population. | As of the census<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=May 11, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 58,965 people, 22,759 households, and 9,959 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2435.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 23,876 housing units at an average density of {{convert|986.2|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 84.5% White, 3.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 8.8% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population. | ||
There were 22,759 households, of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.6% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 56.2% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.82. | There were 22,759 households, of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 56.2% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.82. | ||
The median age in the city was 23.8 years. 13.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 40.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 15% were from 45 to 64; and 8.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.0% male and 47.0% female. | The median age in the city was 23.8 years. 13.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 40.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 15% were from 45 to 64; and 8.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.0% male and 47.0% female. | ||
=== 2000 census === | ===2000 census=== | ||
As of the census of 2000,<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website |df=mdy }}</ref> there were 50,731 people, 18,085 households, and 8,970 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,352.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 18,757 housing units at an average density of {{convert|869.7|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 87.34% White, 7.70% Asian, 2.65% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.76% Pacific Islander and other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population. | As of the census of 2000,<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website |df=mdy }}</ref> there were 50,731 people, 18,085 households, and 8,970 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,352.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 18,757 housing units at an average density of {{convert|869.7|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 87.34% White, 7.70% Asian, 2.65% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.76% Pacific Islander and other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population. | ||
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The median income for a household in the city was $36,042, and the median income for a family was $56,439. Males had a median income of $37,877 versus $28,198 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,881. About 7.6% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the [[Poverty line in the United States|poverty line]], including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over. | The median income for a household in the city was $36,042, and the median income for a family was $56,439. Males had a median income of $37,877 versus $28,198 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,881. About 7.6% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the [[Poverty line in the United States|poverty line]], including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over. | ||
=== Metropolitan area === | ===Metropolitan area=== | ||
[[File:Ames-Boone CSA.png|thumb|Location of the Ames-Boone CSA and its components: {{legend|#FF0000|Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area}} | [[File:Ames-Boone CSA.png|thumb|Location of the Ames-Boone CSA and its components: {{legend|#FF0000|Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area}} | ||
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Ames metropolitan statistical area combined with the [[Boone, Iowa]] [[micropolitan statistical area]] ([[Boone County, Iowa]]) make up the larger Ames-Boone [[combined statistical area]]. Ames is the larger principal city of the Combined Statistical Area that includes all of Story County, Iowa and Boone County, Iowa.<ref>[https://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List4.txt Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Components] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526063716/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List4.txt |date=May 26, 2007 }}, [[Office of Management and Budget]], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref><ref>[https://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List5.txt Micropolitan Statistical Areas and Components] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629011245/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List5.txt |date=June 29, 2007 }}, [[Office of Management and Budget]], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref><ref>[https://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List6.txt Combined Statistical Areas and Component Core Based Statistical Areas] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629011223/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List6.txt |date=June 29, 2007 }}, [[Office of Management and Budget]], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref> which had a combined population of 106,205 at the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]].<ref name="GR2" /> | Ames metropolitan statistical area combined with the [[Boone, Iowa]] [[micropolitan statistical area]] ([[Boone County, Iowa]]) make up the larger Ames-Boone [[combined statistical area]]. Ames is the larger principal city of the Combined Statistical Area that includes all of Story County, Iowa and Boone County, Iowa.<ref>[https://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List4.txt Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Components] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526063716/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List4.txt |date=May 26, 2007 }}, [[Office of Management and Budget]], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref><ref>[https://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List5.txt Micropolitan Statistical Areas and Components] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629011245/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List5.txt |date=June 29, 2007 }}, [[Office of Management and Budget]], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref><ref>[https://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List6.txt Combined Statistical Areas and Component Core Based Statistical Areas] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629011223/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List6.txt |date=June 29, 2007 }}, [[Office of Management and Budget]], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref> which had a combined population of 106,205 at the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]].<ref name="GR2" /> | ||
== Economy == | ==Economy== | ||
Iowa State University contains the [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]]'s National Animal Disease Center, which developed the [[Ames strain]] | Iowa State University contains the [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]]'s National Animal Disease Center, which developed the [[Ames strain]], and the [[U.S. Department of Energy]]'s [[Ames National Laboratory]], a major materials research and development facility.{{cn|date=April 2025}} | ||
Located in Ames are the main offices of the [[Iowa Department of Transportation]], and state and Federal institutions are the largest employers in Ames.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-05 |title=About the AREA - Ames Regional Economic Alliance {{!}} AREA |url=https://amesalliance.com/business-development/about-the-area/ |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=amesalliance.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | Located in Ames are the main offices of the [[Iowa Department of Transportation]], and state and Federal institutions are the largest employers in Ames.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-05 |title=About the AREA - Ames Regional Economic Alliance {{!}} AREA |url=https://amesalliance.com/business-development/about-the-area/ |access-date=2025-06-22 |website=amesalliance.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Ames and [[Boulder, Colorado]] as having the lowest unemployment rate (2.5%) of any metropolitan area in the United States in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ames, Iowa, and Boulder, Colorado, had the lowest unemployment rates in January 2016|url=https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2016/ames-iowa-and-boulder-colorado-had-the-lowest-unemployment-rates-in-january-2016.htm|website=TED: The Economics Daily|publisher=US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics|date=March 25, 2016}}</ref> By June 2018, unemployment in Ames had fallen even further, to 1.5%, though wage increases for workers were not keeping pace with rising rents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/in-the-nations-hottest-job-market-wages-rise-but-costs-are-higher/2018/08/17/54f301ca-9fee-11e8-b562-1db4209bd992_story.html|title=Stuck in a belligerent doldrum': Wages rise in the nation's hottest job market — but so do costs|last=Franckel|first=Todd C|date=August 15, 2018|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en|access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref> | The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Ames and [[Boulder, Colorado]] as having the lowest unemployment rate (2.5%) of any metropolitan area in the United States in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ames, Iowa, and Boulder, Colorado, had the lowest unemployment rates in January 2016|url=https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2016/ames-iowa-and-boulder-colorado-had-the-lowest-unemployment-rates-in-january-2016.htm|website=TED: The Economics Daily|publisher=US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics|date=March 25, 2016}}</ref> By June 2018, unemployment in Ames had fallen even further, to 1.5%, though wage increases for workers were not keeping pace with rising rents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/in-the-nations-hottest-job-market-wages-rise-but-costs-are-higher/2018/08/17/54f301ca-9fee-11e8-b562-1db4209bd992_story.html|title=Stuck in a belligerent doldrum': Wages rise in the nation's hottest job market — but so do costs|last=Franckel|first=Todd C|date=August 15, 2018|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en|access-date=2018-08-18}}</ref> | ||
=== Top employers === | ===Top employers=== | ||
As of 2022, the top employers in the city are:<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2022 |title=2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report |url=https://www.cityofames.org/home/showpublisheddocument/71993/638193027074030000 |access-date= |website=City of Ames}}</ref> | As of 2022, the top employers in the city are:<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2022 |title=2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report |url=https://www.cityofames.org/home/showpublisheddocument/71993/638193027074030000 |access-date= |website=City of Ames}}</ref> | ||
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|} | |} | ||
== Arts and culture == | ==Arts and culture== | ||
*The Ames History Museum was founded in 1980, and includes a historic schoolhouse.<ref>{{cite web | title = About Ames History Museum | publisher = Ames History Museum | url = https://ameshistory.org/content/about-ames-history-museum | accessdate = May 24, 2022}}</ref> | *The Ames History Museum was founded in 1980, and includes a historic schoolhouse.<ref>{{cite web | title = About Ames History Museum | publisher = Ames History Museum | url = https://ameshistory.org/content/about-ames-history-museum | accessdate = May 24, 2022}}</ref> | ||
*Ames Public Library, a [[Carnegie library]],<ref name="carnegieiowa">{{cite web |url=http://clip.grad.uiowa.edu/ |title=Home – Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project |access-date=December 18, 2010 |author=University of Iowa |year=2010}}</ref> was founded in 1904.<ref name="aplhistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.amespubliclibrary.org/aboutLibrary/HistoryofAPL.asp |title=History of APL |access-date=December 18, 2010 |author=Ames Public Library |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212031556/http://amespubliclibrary.org/aboutLibrary/HistoryofAPL.asp |archive-date=December 12, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | *Ames Public Library, a [[Carnegie library]],<ref name="carnegieiowa">{{cite web |url=http://clip.grad.uiowa.edu/ |title=Home – Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project |access-date=December 18, 2010 |author=University of Iowa |year=2010}}</ref> was founded in 1904.<ref name="aplhistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.amespubliclibrary.org/aboutLibrary/HistoryofAPL.asp |title=History of APL |access-date=December 18, 2010 |author=Ames Public Library |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212031556/http://amespubliclibrary.org/aboutLibrary/HistoryofAPL.asp |archive-date=December 12, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
*The Octagon Center for the Arts includes galleries, art classes, art studios, and a retail shop. They sponsor the local street fair, The Octagon Arts Festival, and | *The Octagon Center for the Arts includes galleries, art classes, art studios, and a retail shop. They sponsor the local street fair, The Octagon Arts Festival, and holds an annual National Juried Exhibition judging artwork in material categories such as Clay, Fiber, Paper, Glass, Metal, and Wood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.octagonarts.org|title=Art Matters|publisher= Octagon Center for the Arts|access-date= June 17, 2011}}</ref> | ||
== Sports == | ==Sports== | ||
The [[Iowa State Cyclones]] play a variety of sports in the Ames area. The [[Iowa State Cyclones football]] team plays at [[Jack Trice Stadium]] in Ames.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honoring Jack Trice - Fall 2023 - Iowa Stater |url=https://iowastater.iastate.edu/fall-2023/article/honoring-jack-trice |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=iowastater.iastate.edu |language=en}}</ref> The Cyclones' Men's and Women's Basketball teams and Volleyball teams play at [[Hilton Coliseum]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hilton Coliseum |url=https://www.center.iastate.edu/hilton-coliseum/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418191013/https://www.center.iastate.edu/hilton-coliseum/ |archive-date=2025-04-18 |website=Iowa State Center}}</ref> The Iowa State Cyclones are a charter member of the [[Big 12 Conference]] in all sports and compete in [[NCAA]] Division I-A.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big 12 Conference |url=http://big12sports.com/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Big 12 Conference |language=en}}</ref> | The [[Iowa State Cyclones]] play a variety of sports in the Ames area. The [[Iowa State Cyclones football]] team plays at [[Jack Trice Stadium]] in Ames.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honoring Jack Trice - Fall 2023 - Iowa Stater |url=https://iowastater.iastate.edu/fall-2023/article/honoring-jack-trice |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=iowastater.iastate.edu |language=en}}</ref> The Cyclones' Men's and Women's Basketball teams and Volleyball teams play at [[Hilton Coliseum]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hilton Coliseum |url=https://www.center.iastate.edu/hilton-coliseum/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418191013/https://www.center.iastate.edu/hilton-coliseum/ |archive-date=2025-04-18 |website=Iowa State Center}}</ref> The Iowa State Cyclones are a charter member of the [[Big 12 Conference]] in all sports and compete in [[NCAA]] Division I-A.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big 12 Conference |url=http://big12sports.com/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Big 12 Conference |language=en}}</ref> | ||
== Parks and recreation == | ==Parks and recreation== | ||
Ames has multiple parks, including Brookside Park, River Valley Park and the Ada Hayden Heritage Park, which contains a lake, a series of wetlands and trails.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search All Parks |url=https://www.cityofames.org/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Search-All-Parks |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=www.cityofames.org |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Reiman Gardens]], owned by Iowa State University, is a public garden located in Ames.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Support Reiman Gardens |url=https://www.foundation.iastate.edu/s/1463/giving/interior.aspx?pgid=383&gid=1 |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=www.foundation.iastate.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Faaborg |first=Ronna |title=Reiman Gardens is turning 30 and Elwood the giant gnome is 15. How will Ames celebrate? |url=https://www.amestrib.com/story/news/local/2025/03/09/reiman-gardens-celebrates-turning-30-with-over-200-programs-events/81935329007/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=The Ames Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> | Ames has multiple parks, including Brookside Park, River Valley Park and the Ada Hayden Heritage Park, which contains a lake, a series of wetlands and trails.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search All Parks |url=https://www.cityofames.org/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Search-All-Parks |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=www.cityofames.org |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Reiman Gardens]], owned by Iowa State University, is a public garden located in Ames.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Support Reiman Gardens |url=https://www.foundation.iastate.edu/s/1463/giving/interior.aspx?pgid=383&gid=1 |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=www.foundation.iastate.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Faaborg |first=Ronna |title=Reiman Gardens is turning 30 and Elwood the giant gnome is 15. How will Ames celebrate? |url=https://www.amestrib.com/story/news/local/2025/03/09/reiman-gardens-celebrates-turning-30-with-over-200-programs-events/81935329007/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=The Ames Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
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From 1979 through 2011, Ames was the location of the [[Ames Straw Poll]], which was held every August prior to a presidential election year in which the Republican presidential nomination was undecided (meaning there was no Republican president running for re-election—as in 2011, 2007, 1999, 1995, 1987, and 1979). The poll would gauge support for the various Republican candidates amongst attendees of a [[fundraising]] dinner benefiting the [[Republican Party of Iowa|Iowa Republican Party]]. The straw poll was frequently seen by national media and party insiders as a first test of organizational strength in Iowa.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/08/14/iowa.saturday.02/|title=Iowa Saturday|publisher=CNN|date=August 14, 1999}}</ref> In 2015, the straw poll was to be moved to nearby Boone before the Iowa Republican Party eventually decided to cancel it altogether.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Jennifer |date=June 12, 2015 |title=The Iowa Straw Poll is dead |publisher=The Des Moines Register |url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2015/06/12/iowa-straw-poll/71116276/}}</ref> | From 1979 through 2011, Ames was the location of the [[Ames Straw Poll]], which was held every August prior to a presidential election year in which the Republican presidential nomination was undecided (meaning there was no Republican president running for re-election—as in 2011, 2007, 1999, 1995, 1987, and 1979). The poll would gauge support for the various Republican candidates amongst attendees of a [[fundraising]] dinner benefiting the [[Republican Party of Iowa|Iowa Republican Party]]. The straw poll was frequently seen by national media and party insiders as a first test of organizational strength in Iowa.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/08/14/iowa.saturday.02/|title=Iowa Saturday|publisher=CNN|date=August 14, 1999}}</ref> In 2015, the straw poll was to be moved to nearby Boone before the Iowa Republican Party eventually decided to cancel it altogether.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Jennifer |date=June 12, 2015 |title=The Iowa Straw Poll is dead |publisher=The Des Moines Register |url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2015/06/12/iowa-straw-poll/71116276/}}</ref> | ||
Ames is part of [[Iowa's_50th_House_of_Representatives_district|Iowa House of Representatives District 50]], currently represented by [[ | Ames is part of [[Iowa's_50th_House_of_Representatives_district|Iowa House of Representatives District 50]], currently represented by [[Ross Wilburn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Iowa_House_of_Representatives_District_50|title=Iowa House of Representatives District 50 - Ballotpedia|website=ballotpedia.org|access-date=March 30, 2025}}</ref> It is part of [[Iowa's_25th_Senate_district|Iowa Senate District 25]], currently represented by [[Herman Quirmbach]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Iowa_State_Senate_District_25|title=Iowa State Senate District 25 - Ballotpedia|website=ballotpedia.org|access-date=March 30, 2025}}</ref> | ||
== Education == | ==Education== | ||
Schools located in Ames are administered by the [[Ames Community School District]]. | Schools located in Ames are administered by the [[Ames Community School District]]. | ||
=== Public high school in Ames === | ===Public high school in Ames=== | ||
* [[Ames High School]]: Grades 9–12 | * [[Ames High School]]: Grades 9–12 | ||
=== Public elementary/middle schools in Ames === | ===Public elementary/middle schools in Ames=== | ||
*David Edwards Elementary: K-5 | *David Edwards Elementary: K-5 | ||
*Abbie Sawyer Elementary School: Grades K-5 | *Abbie Sawyer Elementary School: Grades K-5 | ||
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*Ames Middle School: Grades 6–8 | *Ames Middle School: Grades 6–8 | ||
=== Private schools in Ames === | ===Private schools in Ames=== | ||
*Ames Christian School | *Ames Christian School | ||
*Saint Cecilia School (preK – 5th grade) | *Saint Cecilia School (preK – 5th grade) | ||
=== Iowa State University === | ===Iowa State University=== | ||
[[File:FI0005331.jpg|alt=Memorial Union, Iowa State College, 1940|thumb|Memorial Union, Iowa State College, 1940]] | [[File:FI0005331.jpg|alt=Memorial Union, Iowa State College, 1940|thumb|Memorial Union, Iowa State College, 1940]] | ||
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Notable buildings on the university campus include the [[Farm House Museum]], [[Beardshear Hall]], [[Morrill Hall (Iowa State University)|Morrill Hall]], [[Memorial Union (Iowa State University)|Memorial Union]], [[Catt Hall]], Curtiss Hall, [[Carver Hall]], Parks Library, the [[Campanile (Iowa State University)|Campanile]], [[Hilton Coliseum]], C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, [[Campus of Iowa State University#Current buildings|Fisher Theater]], [[Jack Trice Stadium]], Lied Recreation Center, and numerous residence halls.{{cn|date=April 2025}} | Notable buildings on the university campus include the [[Farm House Museum]], [[Beardshear Hall]], [[Morrill Hall (Iowa State University)|Morrill Hall]], [[Memorial Union (Iowa State University)|Memorial Union]], [[Catt Hall]], Curtiss Hall, [[Carver Hall]], Parks Library, the [[Campanile (Iowa State University)|Campanile]], [[Hilton Coliseum]], C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, [[Campus of Iowa State University#Current buildings|Fisher Theater]], [[Jack Trice Stadium]], Lied Recreation Center, and numerous residence halls.{{cn|date=April 2025}} | ||
== Media == | ==Media== | ||
=== Online and newsprint === | ===Online and newsprint=== | ||
*''[[Ames Tribune]]'', newspaper published in Ames. | *''[[Ames Tribune]]'', newspaper published in Ames. | ||
*''[[Iowa State Daily]]'', Iowa State University student newspaper. | *''[[Iowa State Daily]]'', Iowa State University student newspaper. | ||
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*''Story County Sun'', weekly county newspaper published in Ames. | *''Story County Sun'', weekly county newspaper published in Ames. | ||
=== Radio stations licensed to Ames === | ===Radio stations licensed to Ames=== | ||
*[[KURE]], student radio operated at Iowa State University. | *[[KURE]], student radio operated at Iowa State University. | ||
*[[WOI-FM]], [[Iowa Public Radio]]'s flagship "Studio One" station, broadcasting an [[NPR]] news format during the day and a music format in the evening, owned and operated at Iowa State University. | *[[WOI-FM]], [[Iowa Public Radio]]'s flagship "Studio One" station, broadcasting an [[NPR]] news format during the day and a music format in the evening, owned and operated at Iowa State University. | ||
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Ames is also served by stations in the Des Moines media market, which includes [[Clear Channel Communications|Clear Channel's]] 50,000-watt talk station [[WHO (AM)|WHO]], music stations [[KAZR]], [[KDRB]], [[KGGO]], [[KKDM]], [[KHKI]], [[KIOA]], [[KJJY]], [[KRNT]], [[KSPZ]] and [[KSTZ]], talk station [[KWQW]], and sports stations [[KXNO (AM)|KXNO]] and [[KXNO-FM]]. | Ames is also served by stations in the Des Moines media market, which includes [[Clear Channel Communications|Clear Channel's]] 50,000-watt talk station [[WHO (AM)|WHO]], music stations [[KAZR]], [[KDRB]], [[KGGO]], [[KKDM]], [[KHKI]], [[KIOA]], [[KJJY]], [[KRNT]], [[KSPZ]] and [[KSTZ]], talk station [[KWQW]], and sports stations [[KXNO (AM)|KXNO]] and [[KXNO-FM]]. | ||
=== Television === | ===Television=== | ||
Ames is served by the Des Moines media market. [[WOI-DT]], the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate in central Iowa, was originally owned and operated by Iowa State University until the 1990s. The station is licensed to Ames, with studio's located in [[West Des Moines]]. Other stations serving Ames include [[KCCI]], [[KDIN-TV]], [[WHO-DT]], [[KCWI-TV]], [[KDMI]], [[KDSM-TV]] and [[KFPX-TV]]. | Ames is served by the Des Moines media market. [[WOI-DT]], the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate in central Iowa, was originally owned and operated by Iowa State University until the 1990s. The station is licensed to Ames, with studio's located in [[West Des Moines]]. Other stations serving Ames include [[KCCI]], [[KDIN-TV]], [[WHO-DT]], [[KCWI-TV]], [[KDMI]], [[KDSM-TV]] and [[KFPX-TV]]. | ||
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Channel 16 is a public access TV channel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/media-production-services/channel-16|title=Channel 121-16 - Ames Public Access TV | City of Ames, IA|website=www.cityofames.org}}</ref> | Channel 16 is a public access TV channel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/media-production-services/channel-16|title=Channel 121-16 - Ames Public Access TV | City of Ames, IA|website=www.cityofames.org}}</ref> | ||
== Infrastructure == | ==Infrastructure== | ||
[[File:Power plant in Ames.jpg|thumb|right|upright|City power plant at night blows steam into the air]] | [[File:Power plant in Ames.jpg|thumb|right|upright|City power plant at night blows steam into the air]] | ||
=== Transportation === | ===Transportation=== | ||
Highways include [[U.S. Route 30 in Iowa|U.S. Highways 30]], [[U.S. Route 69 in Iowa|69]] and [[Interstate 35 in Iowa|Interstate 35]]. | Highways include [[U.S. Route 30 in Iowa|U.S. Highways 30]], [[U.S. Route 69 in Iowa|69]] and [[Interstate 35 in Iowa|Interstate 35]]. | ||
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Ames is home to the headquarters of the [[Iowa Department of Transportation]].<ref>"[http://www.iowadot.gov/where.htm Where We Are Located] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728084104/http://www.iowadot.gov/where.htm |date=July 28, 2009 }}." [[Iowa Department of Transportation]]. Retrieved October 25, 2009.</ref> | Ames is home to the headquarters of the [[Iowa Department of Transportation]].<ref>"[http://www.iowadot.gov/where.htm Where We Are Located] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728084104/http://www.iowadot.gov/where.htm |date=July 28, 2009 }}." [[Iowa Department of Transportation]]. Retrieved October 25, 2009.</ref> | ||
=== Health care === | ===Health care=== | ||
Ames is served by [[Mary Greeley Medical Center]], a 220-bed regional hospital. | Ames is served by [[Mary Greeley Medical Center]], a 220-bed regional hospital. {{Citation needed|date=August 2025}} | ||
== Notable people == <!--consensus reached to standardize this heading per WikiProject Cities/US Guideline--> | == Notable people == <!--consensus reached to standardize this heading per WikiProject Cities/US Guideline--> | ||
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END OF NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * END OF NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *END OF NOTICE -->{{See also|List of Iowa State University alumni|Category:People from Ames, Iowa}} | END OF NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * END OF NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *END OF NOTICE -->{{See also|List of Iowa State University alumni|Category:People from Ames, Iowa}} | ||
=== Acting === | ===Acting=== | ||
* [[Evan Helmuth]], actor (1977–2017) (''[[Fever Pitch (2005 film)|Fever Pitch]]'', ''[[The Devil Inside (film)|The Devil Inside]]'')<ref name=reston>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Emke |title=Obituary: Actor Evan Helmuth, 40, Lived in Reston as a Boy |url=https://www.restonnow.com/2017/07/28/obituary-actor-evan-helmuth-40-lived-in-reston-as-a-boy/ |work=RestonNow.com |date=2017-07-28 |access-date=2017-07-29}}</ref> | * [[Evan Helmuth]], actor (1977–2017) (''[[Fever Pitch (2005 film)|Fever Pitch]]'', ''[[The Devil Inside (film)|The Devil Inside]]'')<ref name=reston>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Emke |title=Obituary: Actor Evan Helmuth, 40, Lived in Reston as a Boy |url=https://www.restonnow.com/2017/07/28/obituary-actor-evan-helmuth-40-lived-in-reston-as-a-boy/ |work=RestonNow.com |date=2017-07-28 |access-date=2017-07-29}}</ref> | ||
* [[Nick Nolte]], actor, lived in Ames, 1945-1950<ref>{{cite web |title=residents_nolte |url=http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_nolte.htm |website=ameshistoricalsociety.org |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804180346fw_/http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_nolte.htm |archive-date=4 August 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | * [[Nick Nolte]], actor, lived in Ames, 1945-1950<ref>{{cite web |title=residents_nolte |url=http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_nolte.htm |website=ameshistoricalsociety.org |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804180346fw_/http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_nolte.htm |archive-date=4 August 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
=== Artists and photographers === | ===Artists and photographers=== | ||
* [[Mary Alice Barton]] (1917–2003), quilter, quilt historian, collector, and philanthropist<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nickols |first=Pat L. |date=1984 |title=Mary Barton |url=https://quiltershalloffame.net/mary-barton/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214101435/https://quiltershalloffame.net/mary-barton/ |archive-date=2025-02-14 |access-date=2025-06-24 |website=[[Quilters Hall of Fame]] |language=en-US}}</ref> | * [[Mary Alice Barton]] (1917–2003), quilter, quilt historian, collector, and philanthropist<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nickols |first=Pat L. |date=1984 |title=Mary Barton |url=https://quiltershalloffame.net/mary-barton/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214101435/https://quiltershalloffame.net/mary-barton/ |archive-date=2025-02-14 |access-date=2025-06-24 |website=[[Quilters Hall of Fame]] |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
* [[John E. Buck]], sculptor | * [[John E. Buck]], sculptor | ||
| Line 478: | Line 511: | ||
* [[Brian Smith (photographer)|Brian Smith]], Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, born July 16, 1959 | * [[Brian Smith (photographer)|Brian Smith]], Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, born July 16, 1959 | ||
=== Aviation === | ===Aviation=== | ||
* [[Neta Snook Southern]], pioneer aviator, taught [[Amelia Earhart]] to fly | * [[Neta Snook Southern]], pioneer aviator, taught [[Amelia Earhart]] to fly | ||
=== Musicians === | ===Musicians=== | ||
* [[Buster B. Jones]], fingerpicker guitarist | * [[Buster B. Jones]], fingerpicker guitarist | ||
* [[John Darnielle]], musician from indie rock band [[The Mountain Goats]]; former Ames resident | * [[John Darnielle]], musician from indie rock band [[The Mountain Goats]]; former Ames resident | ||
| Line 489: | Line 522: | ||
* [[Richie Hayward]], drummer and founding member of the band [[Little Feat]]; former Ames resident and graduate of Ames High School | * [[Richie Hayward]], drummer and founding member of the band [[Little Feat]]; former Ames resident and graduate of Ames High School | ||
=== Journalists === | ===Journalists=== | ||
* [[Robert Bartley]], editorial page editor of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' and a [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] recipient; raised in Ames and ISU graduate | * [[Robert Bartley]], editorial page editor of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' and a [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] recipient; raised in Ames and ISU graduate | ||
* [[Wally Bruner]], [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] journalist and television host | * [[Wally Bruner]], [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] journalist and television host | ||
* [[Michael Gartner]], former president of [[NBC News]]; retired to own and publish the ''[[Ames Tribune]]'' | * [[Michael Gartner]], former president of [[NBC News]]; retired to own and publish the ''[[Ames Tribune]]'' | ||
=== Politicians === | ===Politicians=== | ||
* [[Ruth Bascom]], Mayor of [[Eugene, Oregon]] | * [[Ruth Bascom]], Mayor of [[Eugene, Oregon]] | ||
* [[Edward Mezvinsky]], former U.S. Congressman; father-in-law of [[Chelsea Clinton]]; raised in Ames | * [[Edward Mezvinsky]], former U.S. Congressman; father-in-law of [[Chelsea Clinton]]; raised in Ames | ||
| Line 502: | Line 535: | ||
* [[Henry A. Wallace]], 11th [[United States Secretary of Agriculture]], 10th [[United States Secretary of Commerce]], and 33rd [[Vice President of the United States]], ISU graduate; lived in Ames from 1892 - 1896 | * [[Henry A. Wallace]], 11th [[United States Secretary of Agriculture]], 10th [[United States Secretary of Commerce]], and 33rd [[Vice President of the United States]], ISU graduate; lived in Ames from 1892 - 1896 | ||
=== Sports === | ===Sports=== | ||
* [[Harrison Barnes]], [[NBA]] player, 2015 NBA champion, 2016 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Ames HS graduate | * [[Harrison Barnes]], [[NBA]] player, 2015 NBA champion, 2016 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Ames HS graduate | ||
* [[Sebastián Botero]], soccer player and coach<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sebastian Botero |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/sebastian-botero/ |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=[[Major League Soccer]]}}</ref> | * [[Sebastián Botero]], soccer player and coach<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sebastian Botero |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/sebastian-botero/ |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=[[Major League Soccer]]}}</ref> | ||
| Line 515: | Line 548: | ||
* [[Fred Tisue]], Olympian [[water polo]] player | * [[Fred Tisue]], Olympian [[water polo]] player | ||
=== Scientists === | ===Scientists=== | ||
* [[Laurel Blair Salton Clark]], [[astronaut]], died on [[STS-107]] | * [[Laurel Blair Salton Clark]], [[astronaut]], died on [[STS-107]] | ||
* [[Charles W. "Chuck" Durham]], civil engineer, philanthropist, civic leader, former CEO and chairman emeritus of [[HDR, Inc.]]; raised in Ames | * [[Charles W. "Chuck" Durham]], civil engineer, philanthropist, civic leader, former CEO and chairman emeritus of [[HDR, Inc.]]; raised in Ames | ||
* [[Lyle Goodhue]], scientist, lived and studied in Ames 1925–1934 | * [[Lyle Goodhue]], scientist, lived and studied in Ames 1925–1934 | ||
* [[Frank Spedding]], chemist, creator of the [[Ames process|Ames Process]] during the [[Manhattan Project]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/17/obituaries/frank-spedding-key-figure-in-atom-bomb-development.html | title=FRANK SPEDDING, KEY FIGURE IN ATOM BOMB DEVELOPMENT (Published 1984) | work=The New York Times | date=December 17, 1984 }}</ref> | * [[Frank Spedding]], chemist, creator of the [[Ames process|Ames Process]] during the [[Manhattan Project]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/17/obituaries/frank-spedding-key-figure-in-atom-bomb-development.html | title=FRANK SPEDDING, KEY FIGURE IN ATOM BOMB DEVELOPMENT (Published 1984) | work=The New York Times | date=December 17, 1984 }}</ref> | ||
* [[Dan Shechtman]], awarded 2011 [[Nobel Prize in Chemistry]] for "the discovery of quasicrystals"; Professor of Materials Science at Iowa State University (2004–present) and Associate at the Department of Energy's [[Ames Laboratory]] | * [[Dan Shechtman]], awarded 2011 [[Nobel Prize in Chemistry]] for "the discovery of quasicrystals"; Professor of Materials Science at Iowa State University (2004–present) and Associate at the Department of Energy's [[Ames National Laboratory]] | ||
=== Writers and poets === | ===Writers and poets=== | ||
* [[Ann Cotten]], poet, born in Ames, grew up in [[Vienna]] | * [[Ann Cotten]], poet, born in Ames, grew up in [[Vienna]] | ||
* [[Brian Evenson]], author | * [[Brian Evenson]], author | ||
| Line 538: | Line 571: | ||
* [[Hugh D. Young|Hugh Young]], coauthor of ''[[University Physics]]'' textbook | * [[Hugh D. Young|Hugh Young]], coauthor of ''[[University Physics]]'' textbook | ||
=== Other === | ===Other=== | ||
* [[Neva Morris]], at her death (2010) second-oldest person in the world and oldest American aged 114 years; lived in Ames her entire life<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/oldest-american-dies-at-in-iowa/article_c8c3e85c-41ac-11df-82e9-001cc4c002e0.html|title=Oldest American dies at 114 in Iowa|last=Majumdar|first=Nirmalendu|date=6 April 2010|website=The Courier|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-04-06 |title=Second oldest person in world dies aged 114 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7561259/Second-oldest-person-in-world-dies-aged-114.html |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}}</ref> | * [[Neva Morris]], at her death (2010) second-oldest person in the world and oldest American aged 114 years; lived in Ames her entire life<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/oldest-american-dies-at-in-iowa/article_c8c3e85c-41ac-11df-82e9-001cc4c002e0.html|title=Oldest American dies at 114 in Iowa|last=Majumdar|first=Nirmalendu|date=6 April 2010|website=The Courier|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-04-06 |title=Second oldest person in world dies aged 114 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7561259/Second-oldest-person-in-world-dies-aged-114.html |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}}</ref> | ||
*[[Todd Snyder (fashion designer)]] | *[[Todd Snyder (fashion designer)]] | ||
| Line 544: | Line 577: | ||
*[[Brian Thompson (businessman)|Brian Thompson]], businessman (1974–2024) | *[[Brian Thompson (businessman)|Brian Thompson]], businessman (1974–2024) | ||
== In popular culture == | ==In popular culture== | ||
*Ames is featured in [[Jeffrey Zaslow]]'s 2009 book ''[[The Girls from Ames]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jeffrey Zaslow, The Last Lecture author, killed in car crash at age 53|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times, February 10, 2012|url=http://www.suntimes.com/10564784-417/jeffrey-zaslow-the-last-lecture-author-killed-in-car-crash-at-age-53.html|access-date=September 2, 2022|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820234334/http://www.suntimes.com/10564784-417/jeffrey-zaslow-the-last-lecture-author-killed-in-car-crash-at-age-53.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | *Ames is featured in [[Jeffrey Zaslow]]'s 2009 book ''[[The Girls from Ames]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jeffrey Zaslow, The Last Lecture author, killed in car crash at age 53|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times, February 10, 2012|url=http://www.suntimes.com/10564784-417/jeffrey-zaslow-the-last-lecture-author-killed-in-car-crash-at-age-53.html|access-date=September 2, 2022|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820234334/http://www.suntimes.com/10564784-417/jeffrey-zaslow-the-last-lecture-author-killed-in-car-crash-at-age-53.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
== See also == | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|Iowa}} | {{Portal|Iowa}} | ||
* [[North Grand Mall]] | * [[North Grand Mall]] | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
== External links == | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Ames, Iowa}} | {{Commons category|Ames, Iowa}} | ||
{{wikivoyage|Ames}} | {{wikivoyage|Ames}} | ||
| Line 566: | Line 599: | ||
[[Category:Cities in Iowa]] | [[Category:Cities in Iowa]] | ||
[[Category:Cities in Story County, Iowa]] | [[Category:Cities in Story County, Iowa]] | ||
[[Category:Populated places established in 1864]] | [[Category:Populated places in the United States established in 1864]] | ||
[[Category:1864 establishments in Iowa]] | [[Category:1864 establishments in Iowa]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:40, 14 May 2026
Script error: No such module "Settlement short description".
Ames, Iowa | |
|---|---|
| Template:Infobox settlement/columns | |
| Motto(s): "Smart Choice"[1] | |
| Location in the State of Iowa Location in the State of Iowa | |
| Template:Location map | |
| Coordinates: 42°01′05″N 93°37′12″W / 42.01806°N 93.62000°WCoordinates: 42°01′05″N 93°37′12″W / 42.01806°N 93.62000°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Iowa |
| County | Story |
| Incorporated | December 20, 1869 |
| Area | |
| • City | Template:Infobox settlement/areadisp |
| • Land | Template:Infobox settlement/areadisp |
| • Water | Template:Infobox settlement/areadisp |
| Elevation | Template:Infobox settlement/lengthdisp |
| Population (2020) | |
| • City | 66,427 |
| • Rank | 9th in Iowa |
| • Density | Template:Infobox settlement/densdisp |
| • Urban | 60,438[3] |
| • Urban density | Template:Infobox settlement/densdisp |
| • Metro | 89,542 (estimate based on Story County) |
| • Metro density | Template:Infobox settlement/densdisp |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code(s)™ | 50010, 50011-50013 (UNIQUE ZIP Codes™-for Iowa State University), 50014 |
| FIPS code | 19-01855 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2393947[4] |
| Website | www |
Ames (/eɪmz/) is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is the home of Iowa State University (ISU). According to the 2020 census, Ames had a population of 66,427, making it the state's ninth-most populous city.[5] Iowa State University was home to 30,177 students as of fall 2023,[6] which make up approximately one half of the city's population.
A United States Department of Energy national laboratory, Ames National Laboratory, is located on the ISU campus. Ames also hosts United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sites: the largest federal animal disease center in the United States, the USDA Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Disease Center (NADC),[7] as well as one of two national USDA sites for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which comprises the National Veterinary Services Laboratory and the Center for Veterinary Biologics.[8] Ames also hosts the headquarters of the Iowa Department of Transportation.
History
The city was founded in 1864 as a station stop on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad and was named after 19th century U.S. Congressman Oakes Ames of Massachusetts, who was influential in the building of the transcontinental railroad.[9] Ames was founded by local resident Cynthia Olive Duff (née Kellogg) and railroad magnate John Insley Blair,[10] near a location that was deemed favorable for a railroad crossing of the Skunk River and Ioway Creek. William West (1821–1919) became the first mayor of Ames in 1870. With his wife Harriet, from 1869 to 1892, he ran Ames's first hotel, known as West House, on Douglas Avenue on the site of the present Octagon Center for the Arts. West was a highly respected pioneer businessman who also served on the Ames School Board in the 1880s when Central School was built on the site of the present Ames City Hall on Clark Avenue and Sixth Street. The Wests raised several daughters and sons. William West spent the last of his life living with his son in northwest Iowa.[11]
Geography
Ames is located along the western edge of Story County, roughly 30 miles (48 km) north of the state capital, Des Moines. Passing through Ames is the cross country line of the Union Pacific Railroad and two small streams (the South Skunk River and Ioway Creek).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.27 square miles (62.86 km2), of which 24.21 square miles (62.70 km2) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km2) is water.[12]
Neighborhoods
- Ames Main Street Historic District
- Campustown, south of Iowa State University, is a high-density mixed-use neighborhood with many student apartments, nightlife venues, and restaurants.[13]
Climate
Ames has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa). On average, the warmest month is July and the coldest is January. The highest recorded temperature was 109 °F (43 °C) on July 24, 1901, and the lowest was −37 °F (−38 °C) January 25, 1894.[14]
Demographics
Template:Historical populations
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, Ames had a population of 66,427 and 25,579 households, of which 10,641 were families. The population density was 2,407.5 inhabitants per square mile (929.5/km2). There were 27,806 housing units at an average density of 1,007.8 per square mile (389.1/km2); 8.0% were vacant, with a homeowner vacancy rate of 2.0% and a rental vacancy rate of 8.0%.[15][16]
About 99.2% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.8% lived in rural areas.[17]
The median age was 23.6 years. 12.8% of residents were under the age of 18 and 10.8% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 112.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 114.1 males age 18 and over.[15][16]
Of the 25,579 households, 17.5% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 32.5% were married-couple households, 6.8% were cohabiting couples, 29.5% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present, and 31.2% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present. About 58.4% were non-families; 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[15]
| Race | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| White | 51,469 | 77.5% |
| Black or African American | 2,765 | 4.2% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 214 | 0.3% |
| Asian | 5,258 | 7.9% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 31 | 0.0% |
| Some other race | 2,091 | 3.1% |
| Two or more races | 4,599 | 6.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 3,948 | 5.9% |
2010 census
As of the census[18] of 2010, there were 58,965 people, 22,759 households, and 9,959 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,435.6 inhabitants per square mile (940.4/km2). There were 23,876 housing units at an average density of 986.2 per square mile (380.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 84.5% White, 3.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 8.8% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population.
There were 22,759 households, of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.6% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 56.2% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.82.
The median age in the city was 23.8 years. 13.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 40.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 15% were from 45 to 64; and 8.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.0% male and 47.0% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000,[19] there were 50,731 people, 18,085 households, and 8,970 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,352.3 inhabitants per square mile (908.2/km2). There were 18,757 housing units at an average density of 869.7 per square mile (335.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.34% White, 7.70% Asian, 2.65% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.76% Pacific Islander and other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.
There were 18,085 households, out of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.4% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.85.
Age spread: 14.6% under the age of 18, 40.0% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 13.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,042, and the median income for a family was $56,439. Males had a median income of $37,877 versus $28,198 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,881. About 7.6% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.
Metropolitan area
The U.S. Census Bureau designates the Ames MSA as encompassing all of Story County. While Ames is the largest city in Story County, the county seat is in the nearby city of Nevada, 8 miles (13 km) east of Ames.
Ames metropolitan statistical area combined with the Boone, Iowa micropolitan statistical area (Boone County, Iowa) make up the larger Ames-Boone combined statistical area. Ames is the larger principal city of the Combined Statistical Area that includes all of Story County, Iowa and Boone County, Iowa.[20][21][22] which had a combined population of 106,205 at the 2000 census.[19]
Economy
Iowa State University contains the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Animal Disease Center, which developed the Ames strain, and the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames National Laboratory, a major materials research and development facility.[citation needed]
Located in Ames are the main offices of the Iowa Department of Transportation, and state and Federal institutions are the largest employers in Ames.[23]
The Iowa State University Research Park is a not-for-profit business development incubator located in Ames, and affiliated with Iowa State University.[24]
The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Ames and Boulder, Colorado as having the lowest unemployment rate (2.5%) of any metropolitan area in the United States in 2016.[25] By June 2018, unemployment in Ames had fallen even further, to 1.5%, though wage increases for workers were not keeping pace with rising rents.[26]
Top employers
As of 2022, the top employers in the city are:[27]
| # | Employer | # of Employees | Percentage
of Total City Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University | 18,212 | 33.33% |
| 2 | Mary Greeley Medical Center | 1,407 | 2.57% |
| 3 | City of Ames | 1,382 | 2.53% |
| 4 | McFarland Clinic, P. C. | 1,200 | 2.20% |
| 5 | Danfoss | 1,052 | 1.93% |
| 6 | Iowa Department of Transportation | 975 | 1.78% |
| 7 | USDA | 750 | 1.37% |
| 8 | Ames Community School District | 700 | 1.28% |
| 9 | Hach Chemical | 580 | 1.06% |
| 10 | Workiva | 550 | 1.01% |
Arts and culture
- The Ames History Museum was founded in 1980, and includes a historic schoolhouse.[28]
- Ames Public Library, a Carnegie library,[29] was founded in 1904.[30]
- The Octagon Center for the Arts includes galleries, art classes, art studios, and a retail shop. They sponsor the local street fair, The Octagon Arts Festival, and holds an annual National Juried Exhibition judging artwork in material categories such as Clay, Fiber, Paper, Glass, Metal, and Wood.[31]
Sports
The Iowa State Cyclones play a variety of sports in the Ames area. The Iowa State Cyclones football team plays at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.[32] The Cyclones' Men's and Women's Basketball teams and Volleyball teams play at Hilton Coliseum.[33] The Iowa State Cyclones are a charter member of the Big 12 Conference in all sports and compete in NCAA Division I-A.[34]
Parks and recreation
Ames has multiple parks, including Brookside Park, River Valley Park and the Ada Hayden Heritage Park, which contains a lake, a series of wetlands and trails.[35] Reiman Gardens, owned by Iowa State University, is a public garden located in Ames.[36][37]
Government
From 1979 through 2011, Ames was the location of the Ames Straw Poll, which was held every August prior to a presidential election year in which the Republican presidential nomination was undecided (meaning there was no Republican president running for re-election—as in 2011, 2007, 1999, 1995, 1987, and 1979). The poll would gauge support for the various Republican candidates amongst attendees of a fundraising dinner benefiting the Iowa Republican Party. The straw poll was frequently seen by national media and party insiders as a first test of organizational strength in Iowa.[38] In 2015, the straw poll was to be moved to nearby Boone before the Iowa Republican Party eventually decided to cancel it altogether.[39]
Ames is part of Iowa House of Representatives District 50, currently represented by Ross Wilburn.[40] It is part of Iowa Senate District 25, currently represented by Herman Quirmbach.[41]
Education
Schools located in Ames are administered by the Ames Community School District.
Public high school in Ames
- Ames High School: Grades 9–12
Public elementary/middle schools in Ames
- David Edwards Elementary: K-5
- Abbie Sawyer Elementary School: Grades K-5
- Kate Mitchell Elementary School: Grades K-5
- Warren H. Meeker Elementary School: Grades K-5
- Gertrude Fellows Elementary School: Grades K-5
- Ames Middle School: Grades 6–8
Private schools in Ames
- Ames Christian School
- Saint Cecilia School (preK – 5th grade)
Iowa State University
Founded in 1856, Iowa State University is a public research university located in Ames. The university is a member of the American Association of Universities and the Big 12 Conference. ISU was the first designated land-grant university in the United States.[42]
Notable buildings on the university campus include the Farm House Museum, Beardshear Hall, Morrill Hall, Memorial Union, Catt Hall, Curtiss Hall, Carver Hall, Parks Library, the Campanile, Hilton Coliseum, C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, Fisher Theater, Jack Trice Stadium, Lied Recreation Center, and numerous residence halls.[citation needed]
Media
Online and newsprint
- Ames Tribune, newspaper published in Ames.
- Iowa State Daily, Iowa State University student newspaper.
- The Des Moines Register
- Story County Sun, weekly county newspaper published in Ames.
Radio stations licensed to Ames
- KURE, student radio operated at Iowa State University.
- WOI-FM, Iowa Public Radio's flagship "Studio One" station, broadcasting an NPR news format during the day and a music format in the evening, owned and operated at Iowa State University.
- WOI (AM), Iowa Public Radio's flagship station delivering a 24-hour news format consisting mainly of NPR programming, owned and operated at Iowa State University.
- KOEZ, Adult Contemporary station licensed to Ames, but operated in Des Moines.
- KCYZ, Hot Adult Contemporary station owned and operated by Clear Channel in Ames.
- KASI, news/talk station owned and operated by Clear Channel in Ames.
- KNWM-FM, Contemporary Christian Madrid/Ames station owned and operated by the University of Northwestern – St. Paul - simulcast with KNWI-FM Osceola/Des Moines
- KHOI, Community Radio station licensed to Story City with studios in Ames. KHOI broadcasts music and local public affairs programs and is affiliated with the Pacifica Radio network.
Ames is also served by stations in the Des Moines media market, which includes Clear Channel's 50,000-watt talk station WHO, music stations KAZR, KDRB, KGGO, KKDM, KHKI, KIOA, KJJY, KRNT, KSPZ and KSTZ, talk station KWQW, and sports stations KXNO and KXNO-FM.
Television
Ames is served by the Des Moines media market. WOI-DT, the ABC affiliate in central Iowa, was originally owned and operated by Iowa State University until the 1990s. The station is licensed to Ames, with studio's located in West Des Moines. Other stations serving Ames include KCCI, KDIN-TV, WHO-DT, KCWI-TV, KDMI, KDSM-TV and KFPX-TV.
Channel 12 is owned by the City of Ames, broadcasting city council meetings and local events. The station has received a NATOA Government Programming Award and a Telly Award.[43]
Channel 16 is a public access TV channel.[44]
Infrastructure
Transportation
Highways include U.S. Highways 30, 69 and Interstate 35.
Ames Municipal Airport is located 1 mile (1.6 km) southeast of the city.
CyRide is a local bus system, and Jefferson Lines is an intercity bus.
Ames is home to the headquarters of the Iowa Department of Transportation.[45]
Health care
Ames is served by Mary Greeley Medical Center, a 220-bed regional hospital. [citation needed]
Notable people
Acting
- Evan Helmuth, actor (1977–2017) (Fever Pitch, The Devil Inside)[46]
- Nick Nolte, actor, lived in Ames, 1945-1950[47]
Artists and photographers
- Mary Alice Barton (1917–2003), quilter, quilt historian, collector, and philanthropist[48]
- John E. Buck, sculptor
- Robert Crumb, cartoonist and musician, the Crumb family moved to Ames in August 1950, for two years[49]
- Margaret Lloyd, opera singer
- Laurel Nakadate, American video artist, filmmaker and photographer
- Velma Wallace Rayness (1896–1977), author, painter and artist[50]
- Brian Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, born July 16, 1959
Aviation
- Neta Snook Southern, pioneer aviator, taught Amelia Earhart to fly
Musicians
- Buster B. Jones, fingerpicker guitarist
- John Darnielle, musician from indie rock band The Mountain Goats; former Ames resident
- The Envy Corps, indie rock band
- Leslie Hall, electronic rap musician/Gem Sweater collector, born in Ames in 1981
- Peter Schickele, musician, born in Ames in 1935
- Richie Hayward, drummer and founding member of the band Little Feat; former Ames resident and graduate of Ames High School
Journalists
- Robert Bartley, editorial page editor of The Wall Street Journal and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient; raised in Ames and ISU graduate
- Wally Bruner, ABC News journalist and television host
- Michael Gartner, former president of NBC News; retired to own and publish the Ames Tribune
Politicians
- Ruth Bascom, Mayor of Eugene, Oregon
- Edward Mezvinsky, former U.S. Congressman; father-in-law of Chelsea Clinton; raised in Ames
- Bee Nguyen, former Georgia (U.S. state) state representative
- Bob Walkup, Mayor of Tucson, Arizona
- Lee Teng-hui, President of the Republic of China, ISU graduate
- Henry A. Wallace, 11th United States Secretary of Agriculture, 10th United States Secretary of Commerce, and 33rd Vice President of the United States, ISU graduate; lived in Ames from 1892 - 1896
Sports
- Harrison Barnes, NBA player, 2015 NBA champion, 2016 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Ames HS graduate
- Sebastián Botero, soccer player and coach[51]
- Joe Burrow, NFL quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Heisman Trophy winner. Born in Ames
- Doug McDermott, basketball player, Ames HS graduate
- Kip Corrington, NFL player
- Dick Gibbs, NBA player, Ames HS graduate
- Terry Hoage, NFL player
- Fred Hoiberg, retired NBA basketball player; raised in Ames, ISU graduate, former ISU basketball coach, former coach of the Chicago Bulls and current Nebraska men's basketball coach.
- Herb Sies, pro football player and coach
- Billy Sunday, evangelist and Major League Baseball player; born in Ames in 1863[52]
- Fred Tisue, Olympian water polo player
Scientists
- Laurel Blair Salton Clark, astronaut, died on STS-107
- Charles W. "Chuck" Durham, civil engineer, philanthropist, civic leader, former CEO and chairman emeritus of HDR, Inc.; raised in Ames
- Lyle Goodhue, scientist, lived and studied in Ames 1925–1934
- Frank Spedding, chemist, creator of the Ames Process during the Manhattan Project[53]
- Dan Shechtman, awarded 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for "the discovery of quasicrystals"; Professor of Materials Science at Iowa State University (2004–present) and Associate at the Department of Energy's Ames National Laboratory
Writers and poets
- Ann Cotten, poet, born in Ames, grew up in Vienna
- Brian Evenson, author
- Jane Espenson, writer and producer for television, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Trek: The Next Generation, grew up in Ames
- Michelle Hoover, author, born in Ames[54]
- Meg Johnson, poet and dancer
- Fern Kupfer, author
- Joseph Geha, author
- Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate; raised in Ames and ISU graduate[55][56]
- John Madson, freelance naturalist of tallgrass prairie ecosystems[57]
- Sara Paretsky, author of the V.I. Warshawski mysteries; born in Ames in 1947
- Lincoln Peirce, cartoonist/writer of the Big Nate comics and books
- Jane Smiley, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist; former instructor at ISU (1981–1996); used ISU as the basis for her novel Moo
- Neal Stephenson, author, grew up in Ames
- Hugh Young, coauthor of University Physics textbook
Other
- Neva Morris, at her death (2010) second-oldest person in the world and oldest American aged 114 years; lived in Ames her entire life[58][59]
- Todd Snyder (fashion designer)
- Nate Staniforth, magician[60]
- Brian Thompson, businessman (1974–2024)
In popular culture
- Ames is featured in Jeffrey Zaslow's 2009 book The Girls from Ames.[61]
See also
References
- ↑ "About Ames". City of Ames. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
- ↑ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
- ↑ "2010 Census Urban Area List". Archived from the original on October 10, 2012.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Template:GNIS
- ↑ "2020 Census State Redistricting Data". census.gov. United states Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
- ↑ "Enrollment Statistics | The Office of the Registrar | Iowa State University". www.registrar.iastate.edu. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ↑ "National Animal Disease Center : Home". Ars.usda.gov. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
- ↑ "USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) – Animal Health – Veterinary Services". Aphis.usda.gov. August 13, 2009. Archived from the original on September 15, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
- ↑ Chicago and North Western Railway Company (1908). A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways. p. 37.
- ↑ "Ames Origin". Ames Historical Society. Archived from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
- ↑ "City Hall Time Capsule". ameshistory.org. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
- ↑ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
- ↑ "Ames Comprehensive Plan: Land Use Policy Framework". City of Ames Planning & Housing Department. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedXMACIS2 - ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
- ↑ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
- ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ↑ Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Components Archived May 26, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Office of Management and Budget, May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.
- ↑ Micropolitan Statistical Areas and Components Archived June 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Office of Management and Budget, May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.
- ↑ Combined Statistical Areas and Component Core Based Statistical Areas Archived June 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Office of Management and Budget, May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.
- ↑ "About the AREA - Ames Regional Economic Alliance | AREA". amesalliance.com. March 5, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
- ↑ Wirth, Eric (February 24, 2015). "ISU Research Park: Hiding in Plain Sight". Iowa State University. Archived from the original on November 21, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
- ↑ "Ames, Iowa, and Boulder, Colorado, had the lowest unemployment rates in January 2016". TED: The Economics Daily. US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. March 25, 2016.
- ↑ Franckel, Todd C (August 15, 2018). "Stuck in a belligerent doldrum': Wages rise in the nation's hottest job market — but so do costs". Washington Post. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
- ↑ "2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report". City of Ames. June 30, 2022.
- ↑ "About Ames History Museum". Ames History Museum. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ↑ University of Iowa (2010). "Home – Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project". Retrieved December 18, 2010.
- ↑ Ames Public Library. "History of APL". Archived from the original on December 12, 2010. Retrieved December 18, 2010.
- ↑ "Art Matters". Octagon Center for the Arts. Retrieved June 17, 2011.
- ↑ "Honoring Jack Trice - Fall 2023 - Iowa Stater". iowastater.iastate.edu. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Hilton Coliseum". Iowa State Center. Archived from the original on April 18, 2025.
- ↑ "Big 12 Conference". Big 12 Conference. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Search All Parks". www.cityofames.org. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Support Reiman Gardens". www.foundation.iastate.edu. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ↑ Faaborg, Ronna. "Reiman Gardens is turning 30 and Elwood the giant gnome is 15. How will Ames celebrate?". The Ames Tribune. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ↑ "Iowa Saturday". CNN. August 14, 1999.
- ↑ Jacobs, Jennifer (June 12, 2015). "The Iowa Straw Poll is dead". The Des Moines Register.
- ↑ "Iowa House of Representatives District 50 - Ballotpedia". ballotpedia.org. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Iowa State Senate District 25 - Ballotpedia". ballotpedia.org. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
- ↑ Iowa State University Time Line, 1858–1874 Archived May 13, 2009, at the Wayback MachineWebsite.
- ↑ "Media Production Services | City of Ames, IA". www.cityofames.org.
- ↑ "Channel 121-16 - Ames Public Access TV | City of Ames, IA". www.cityofames.org.
- ↑ "Where We Are Located Archived July 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine." Iowa Department of Transportation. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
- ↑ Emke, Dave (July 28, 2017). "Obituary: Actor Evan Helmuth, 40, Lived in Reston as a Boy". RestonNow.com. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
- ↑ "residents_nolte". ameshistoricalsociety.org. Archived from the original on August 4, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ↑ Nickols, Pat L. (1984). "Mary Barton". Quilters Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ↑ "R. Crumb". Famous Ames residents. AmesHistoricalSociety.org. Archived from the original on August 22, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ↑ "Gerard and Velma Rayness Papers, 1861–1979, undated". Iowa State University. Archived from the original on March 20, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
- ↑ "Sebastian Botero". Major League Soccer. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ↑ "Billy Sunday - Famous Ames resident". ameshistoricalsociety.org. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ↑ "FRANK SPEDDING, KEY FIGURE IN ATOM BOMB DEVELOPMENT (Published 1984)". The New York Times. December 17, 1984.
- ↑ "Contemporary Authors Online". Biography in Context. Gale. 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
- ↑ "Facts about Ames Iowa". ameshistoricalsociety.org. Archived from the original on October 20, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ↑ "Ted Kooser - Famous Ames resident". ameshistoricalsociety.org. Archived from the original on February 3, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ↑ Price, John T. (June 2014). The Tallgrass Prairie Reader. Iowa City, Iowa: University of Iowa Press. p. 184. ISBN 9781609382469.
- ↑ Majumdar, Nirmalendu (April 6, 2010). "Oldest American dies at 114 in Iowa". The Courier. Retrieved April 24, 2019.
- ↑ "Second oldest person in world dies aged 114". The Telegraph. April 6, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ↑ "Watch magician Nate Staniforth dazzle live audience with a card trick". TODAY.com. February 16, 2018. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
- ↑ "Jeffrey Zaslow, The Last Lecture author, killed in car crash at age 53". Chicago Sun-Times, February 10, 2012. Archived from the original on August 20, 2014. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
External links
| File:Commons-logo.svg | Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ames, Iowa. |
| File:Wikivoyage-Logo-v3-icon.svg | Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Ames. |
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- Ames, Iowa
- Cities in Iowa
- Cities in Story County, Iowa
- Populated places in the United States established in 1864
- 1864 establishments in Iowa