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     = Ames, Iowa
| official_name = Ames, Iowa
| settlement_type   = [[List of cities in Iowa|City]]
| settlement_type = [[List of cities in Iowa|City]]
| image_blank_emblem = AmesIAicon.png
| image_blank_emblem = AmesIAicon.png
| blank_emblem_type = Icon
| blank_emblem_type = Icon
| blank_emblem_size = 105px
| blank_emblem_size = 105px
| 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>
| 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 Montage.jpg
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| image_caption      = Clockwise from top: Main Street in downtown Ames, [[Iowa State University]] Alumni Hall, Marston Water Tower and Hoover Hall at ISU, [[Reiman Gardens]], a train station in Ames, and [[Beardshear Hall]]
| border      = infobox
| image_map         = Story_County_Iowa_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Ames_Highlighted.svg
| total_width = 280
| mapsize           = 250px
| perrow     = 1/2/1/2
| map_caption       = Location in the State of [[Iowa]]
| caption_align            = center
| pushpin_map       = Iowa#USA
| image1                  = Ames Iowa Main Street (bannerportada esvoy).jpg
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| caption1                = [[Ames Main Street Historic District]]
| pushpin_label     = Ames
| image2                  = Reiman Gardens 33.jpg
<!-- Location -->
| caption2                = [[Reiman Gardens]]
| subdivision_type   = Country
| image3                  = U.S. Department of Energy - Science - 408 033 001 (9952379574) (cropped).jpg
| subdivision_name   = [[United States]]
| caption3                = [[Ames National Laboratory]]
| subdivision_type1 = State
| image4                  = Campus of Iowa State University 50 (cropped).jpg
| subdivision_name1 = [[Iowa (U.S. state)|Iowa]]
| caption4                = [[Iowa State University]] and [[Beardshear Hall]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Iowa|County]]
| image5 = Jack Trice Stadium - South Endzone (cropped).jpg
| subdivision_name2 = [[Story County, Iowa|Story]]
| caption5 = [[Jack Trice Stadium]]
<!-- Government -->
| image6 = 823 Douglas Avenue (cropped).jpg
| leader_title       = Mayor
| caption6 = [[Old Town Historic District (Ames, Iowa)|Old Town Historic District]]
| leader_name       =  
}}
| established_title = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| image_map = Story_County_Iowa_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Ames_Highlighted.svg
| established_date   = 1864
| mapsize = 250px
<!-- Area -->
| map_caption = Location in the State of [[Iowa]]
| unit_pref         = Imperial
| pushpin_map = Iowa#USA
| area_total_sq_mi   = 27.92
| pushpin_relief = yes
| 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>
| pushpin_label = Ames
| area_total_km2     = 72.32
<!-- Location -->| subdivision_type = Country
| area_land_sq_mi   = 27.58
| subdivision_name = [[United States]]
| area_land_km2     = 71.43
| subdivision_type1 = State
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.34
| subdivision_name1 = [[Iowa (U.S. state)|Iowa]]
| area_water_km2     = 0.89
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Iowa|County]]
<!-- Population -->
| subdivision_name2 = [[Story County, Iowa|Story]]
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
<!-- Government -->| leader_title = Mayor
| population_total   = 66427
| 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   = [[List of largest Iowa cities by population|9th]] in Iowa
| population_rank = [[List of largest Iowa cities by population|9th]] in Iowa
| 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_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   = 89542 (estimate based on Story County)
| population_metro = 89542 (estimate based on Story County)
<!-- General information -->
<!-- General information -->| timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| timezone           = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset = −6
| utc_offset         = −6
| timezone_DST = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| timezone_DST       = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST = −5
| utc_offset_DST     = −5
| coordinates = {{coord|42|01|05|N|93|37|12|W|region:US-IA|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates       = {{coord|42|01|05|N|93|37|12|W|region:US-IA|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 922
| elevation_ft = 922
<!-- Area/postal codes and others -->
<!-- Area/postal codes and others -->| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]](s)™
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]](s)™
| postal_code = 50010, 50011-50013 (UNIQUE ZIP Codes™-for Iowa State University), 50014
| postal_code       = 50010, 50011-50013 (UNIQUE ZIP Codes™-for Iowa State University), 50014
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_name       = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info = 2393947<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2393947}}</ref>
| blank1_info       = 2393947<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2393947}}</ref>
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_info = 19-01855
| blank_info         = 19-01855
| website = {{URL|http://www.cityofames.org/}}
| website           = {{URL|http://www.cityofames.org/}}
}}
}}
'''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.{{cn|date=April 2025}}
* 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 [[United States census|census]] of 2020,<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Census |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade/2020/2020-census-main.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> there were 66,427 people, 25,579 households, and 10,641 families residing in the city. 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>). The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|racial]] makeup of the city was 77.5% [[White Americans|White]], 4.2% [[African Americans|Black or African American]], 0.3% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 7.9% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], 0.0% [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]], 3.1% from other races and 6.9% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] persons of any race comprised 5.9% of the population.


Of the 25,579 households, 17.5% of which had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 6.8% were cohabiting couples, 29.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present and 31.2% had a male householder with no spouse or partner present. 58.4% of all households were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years old or older.
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"/>


The median age in the city was 23.6 years. 26.3% of the residents were under the age of 20; 27.7% were between the ages of 20 and 24; 22.4% were from 25 and 44; 12.8% were from 45 and 64; and 10.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.0% male and 47.0% female.
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]]), and the [[U.S. Department of Energy]]'s [[Ames Laboratory]], a major materials research and development facility.{{cn|date=April 2025}}
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 hold an annual National Juried Exhibition Clay, Fiber, Paper Glass Metal, Wood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.octagonarts.org|title=Art Matters|publisher= Octagon Center for the Arts|access-date= June 17, 2011}}</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 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 [[Ross_Wilburn|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|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>
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===
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2014}}
[[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 &#124; 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 &#124; 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
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* [[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
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* [[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
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* [[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>
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* [[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
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* [[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)]]
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*[[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}}
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[[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]]