73 movers in Ames
Hemmen Moving
"Great moving experience! So glad I called Hemmen Moving for my move from Iowa to Colorado! Very responsive, upfront & kind. Explained very clearly what to expect with a long distance move. Were very responsive to my needs & offers storage for trip..."
Alliant Moving Systems
"It was my first experience with moving in USA. I was moving from Iowa City to Council Bluffs and Alliant made it pretty easy for me. I didn't have to do any paperwork. I called them and it was nice to speak with lady who noted all my wishes and he..."
Adamantine Spine Moving
"I used Adamantine Spine for an out of state move. The experience was flawless from beginning to end. They were extremely communicative during the quoting process and kept me informed every step of the way. All easily done online from my new locati..."
Quick n Careful Movers
"I used this moving company service and was more than satisfied with the customer service, the labor execution and even the follow up. Brad the original n sole owner is your person to talk to if you want your moving experience positive n conducive."
Select Van and Storage
"Recently hired Select Van to move my stuff to my newly built house. I have moved several times myself but this was my last move, I'm not as young as I used to be, and quit frankly I had no desire to do any of the work. Select Van came highly recom..."
Quick Shift Moving inc
"Very respectful delivery company. They took the time to handle my items with care and were attentive in all my requests. I highly recommend this moving company. I like that the delivery was fast. These guys really worked hard to get all my items i..."
Flat Rate Movers LLC
"Everyone we dealt with, from getting a quote to booking it to the actual move, were courteous, professional and kind - our experience was flawless! I will be recommending Flat Rate to anyone planning a move - they are first rate!!"
Winona Moving and Storage
"We have used several companies in the course of our move halfway across the country and Winona Moving and Storage were definitely the best. Efficient and professional. I was 100% happy with them."
What to know when moving to Ames, IA
Ames at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 59.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 45.9% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median rent is $981, making it relatively affordable compared to many urban areas.
- The Reality Check:
- 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- 6.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 107 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Ames is a community with a strong educational focus, highlighted by Iowa State University. The population stands at 33,428, with a median household income of $65,701. The renter percentage of 45.9% suggests a significant number of residents prefer renting, likely due to the presence of a large student population. However, with a poverty rate of 17.9%, some economic disparities exist.
Probably not your spot if: high poverty rates and a sizable renter population do not align with your lifestyle preferences.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $981, while the median owner-occupied home value is $243,200.
- 59.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a highly educated community.
- The poverty rate is 17.9%, indicating economic challenges for some residents.
- Approximately 45.9% of the population are renters, reflecting a significant rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa has a lower property crime rate compared to the national average, with a state annual rate of 1,201.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 22.3% lower than the national rate. Violent crime stands at 236.6 per 100,000, 27.3% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: Iowa's rate is 236.6 per 100,000 vs. a national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100,000 vs. a national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 21.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
Ames has access to two postsecondary institutions, both located within Story County.
- Iowa State University
- PCI Academy-Ames
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Ames experiences approximately 42.6 inches of precipitation annually, with 107 rainy days each year. During spring, expect about 10.8 inches of rain, while summer brings around 22.7 inches. There are only 14 days of snowfall annually, totaling about 3.3 inches.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Ada Hayden Heritage Park - Rating: 4.8 (1,315 reviews)
- Hickory Park - Rating: 4.5 (6,747 reviews)
- Brookside Park - Rating: 4.7 (740 reviews)
- Inis Grove Park - Rating: 4.8 (692 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Story County has a labor force of 56,283 with an employment figure of 54,960, leading to an unemployment rate of 2.4% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 2.4% (December 2025)
- Employed: 54,960
- Labor force: 56,283
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
