Ames, IA metro area Housing Market Brief
metro · IA · score computed October 2026
What is Ames, IA metro area’s Alpha Score?
The Alpha Score is a composite 0–100 index of market strength, a weighted blend of five dimensions. See the methodology.
Population band 4 of 5 (population 112,714–277,881) · comparable within its band
Where is Ames, IA metro area in its market cycle?
Ames, IA metro area is classified as Declining — cooling, with scores declining over recent months. This is a classification of recent (1–12 month) momentum, not a price forecast.
What’s the forecast for Ames, IA metro area?
Metro-level forecasts are paused (since Oct 18, 2026). The new public-data model we built to replace them didn't pass our accuracy test, and we won't publish forecasts again until a model does.
Ames, IA metro area housing market data
| Metric | Value | YoY | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $264K | ▼ -4.5% | Redfin |
| Median Days on Market | 31 days | ▲ +63.2% | Redfin |
| Months of Supply | 3.6 | ▲ +33.3% | Redfin |
| Homes for Sale | 393 | ▲ +37.4% | Redfin |
| Homes Sold | 109 | ▲ +3.8% | Redfin |
| Median Price / Sq Ft | $169 | ▼ -1.8% | Redfin |
How has Ames, IA metro area’s Alpha Score moved?
Markets like Ames, IA metro area
- Wilmington, DE metro area, DEmetro47
- Rutland, VT metro area, VTmetro41
- Elgin, IL metro area, ILmetro56
- Grand Rapids, MI metro area, MImetro44
- Niles, MI metro area, MImetro45
- Kalamazoo, MI metro area, MImetro43
- Allentown, PA metro area, PAmetro49
- Roanoke, VA metro area, VAmetro42
- Atlantic City, NJ metro area, NJmetro46
- Augusta, ME metro area, MEmetro45
Frequently asked questions
Is Ames, IA metro area a buyer's or seller's market?
In the scores computed October 2026, Ames, IA metro area is classified as a Balanced Market, based on its Alpha Score of 46 out of 100. The classification reflects current price, building, affordability, economic, and rental-yield conditions.
Are home prices rising or falling in Ames, IA metro area?
The median sale price in Ames, IA metro area is $264K, having fallen 4.5% over the past year, according to Redfin.
How affordable is Ames, IA metro area?
Ames, IA metro area scores 44 out of 100 on affordability — moderately affordable relative to local incomes and prevailing mortgage rates compared with other metros.
What's driving Ames, IA metro area's Alpha Score?
Ames, IA metro area's strongest dimension is Price Momentum (76/100) and its weakest is Inventory Health (31/100). The Alpha Score is a weighted blend of all five dimensions.
Want the live, interactive view of Ames, IA metro area? Open the full market dashboard — charts, ZIP-level drill-down, and watchlist tracking. Explore the map or read the methodology.