Editing Ames, Iowa

{{Short description|City in Iowa, US}}
{{use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Ames, Iowa
| settlement_type    = [[List of cities in Iowa|City]]
| image_blank_emblem = AmesIAicon.png
| blank_emblem_type  = Icon
| 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>
| image_skyline      = Ames Montage.jpg
| 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]]
| image_map          = Story_County_Iowa_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Ames_Highlighted.svg
| mapsize            = 250px
| map_caption        = Location in the State of [[Iowa]]
| pushpin_map        = Iowa#USA
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| pushpin_label      = Ames
<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[United States]]
| subdivision_type1  = State
| subdivision_name1  = [[Iowa (U.S. state)|Iowa]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Iowa|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Story County, Iowa|Story]]
<!-- Government -->
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = 
| established_title  = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date   = 1864
<!-- 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_sq_mi = 2408.61
| 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_metro   = 89542 (estimate based on Story County)
<!-- General information -->
| timezone           = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset         = −6
| timezone_DST       = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST     = −5
| coordinates        = {{coord|42|01|05|N|93|37|12|W|region:US-IA|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 922
<!-- Area/postal codes and others -->
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]](s)™
| postal_code        = 50010, 50011-50013 (UNIQUE ZIP Codes™-for Iowa State University), 50014
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2393947<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2393947}}</ref>
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 19-01855
| 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.

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=http://ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=36-25-30-00 |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 ==
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 [2004] 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 [2004] 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>

==Geography==
Ames is located along the western edge of [[Story County, Iowa|Story County]], roughly {{convert|30|mi}} north of the state capital, [[Des Moines, Iowa|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 (Ames, Iowa)|Ioway Creek]]).

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|24.27|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|24.21|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.06|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref>

===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.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

===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 {{convert|109|°F|°C|abbr=on}} on July 24, 1901, and the lowest was {{convert|-37|°F|°C|abbr=on}} January 25, 1894.<ref name = XMACIS2/>

{{Weather box
|location = Ames, Iowa (1991–2020 temperature/precipitation normals, 1978-2024 otherwise)
|single line = Y
|collapsed = Y
<!-- from NCEI, station AMES 5 SE, IA -->
| Jan high F = 28.0
| Feb high F = 32.8
| Mar high F = 46.0
| Apr high F = 60.0
| May high F = 70.8
| Jun high F = 80.4
| Jul high F = 83.9
| Aug high F = 81.8
| Sep high F = 75.9
| Oct high F = 62.6
| Nov high F = 46.7
| Dec high F = 33.5

| Jan mean F = 18.9
| Feb mean F = 23.5
| Mar mean F = 35.7
| Apr mean F = 48.1
| May mean F = 59.7
| Jun mean F = 69.8
| Jul mean F = 73.2
| Aug mean F = 70.8
| Sep mean F = 63.5
| Oct mean F = 50.9
| Nov mean F = 36.8
| Dec mean F = 24.8

| Jan low F = 9.8
| Feb low F = 14.2
| Mar low F = 25.4
| Apr low F = 36.2
| May low F = 48.6
| Jun low F = 59.1
| Jul low F = 62.5
| Aug low F = 61.8
| Sep low F = 59.9
| Oct low F = 51.0
| Nov low F = 39.2
| Dec low F = 26.8

| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 0.98
| Feb precipitation inch = 1.20
| Mar precipitation inch = 2.18
| Apr precipitation inch = 3.80
| May precipitation inch = 5.31
| Jun precipitation inch = 5.41
| Jul precipitation inch = 4.51
| Aug precipitation inch = 4.73
| Sep precipitation inch = 3.84
| Oct precipitation inch = 2.65
| Nov precipitation inch = 1.99
| Dec precipitation inch = 1.46

| Jan snow inch = 6.6
| Feb snow inch = 7.8
| Mar snow inch = 3.8
| Apr snow inch = 0.7
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.4
| Nov snow inch = 2.5
| Dec snow inch = 6.5
<!-- From xmACIS2, station AMES 5 SE IA -->
| Jan record high F = 67
| Feb record high F = 76
| Mar record high F = 84
| Apr record high F = 89
| May record high F = 97
| Jun record high F = 100
| Jul record high F = 102
| Aug record high F = 100
| Sep record high F = 99
| Oct record high F = 95
| Nov record high F = 81
| Dec record high F = 73

| Jan record low F = −33
| Feb record low F = −28
| Mar record low F = −14
| Apr record low F = 12
| May record low F = 25
| Jun record low F = 42
| Jul record low F = 47
| Aug record low F = 44
| Sep record low F = 29
| Oct record low F = 15
| Nov record low F = −5
| Dec record low F = −19

| Jan snow depth inch  = 3.1
| Feb snow depth inch  = 2.9
| Mar snow depth inch  = 0.6
| Apr snow depth inch  = 0.2
| May snow depth inch  = 0.0
| Jun snow depth inch  = 0.0
| Jul snow depth inch  = 0.0
| Aug snow depth inch  = 0.0
| Sep snow depth inch  = 0.0
| Oct snow depth inch  = 0.0
| Nov snow depth inch  = 0.2
| Dec snow depth inch  = 1.6

| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 7
| Feb precipitation days = 6
| Mar precipitation days = 9
| Apr precipitation days = 10
| May precipitation days = 12
| Jun precipitation days = 11
| Jul precipitation days = 9
| Aug precipitation days = 9
| Sep precipitation days = 8
| Oct precipitation days = 8
| Nov precipitation days = 7
| Dec precipitation days = 7

| unit snow days = 0.1 in
| Jan snow days = 4
| Feb snow days = 3
| Mar snow days = 2
| Apr snow days = 1
| May snow days = 0
| Jun snow days = 0
| Jul snow days = 0
| Aug snow days = 0
| Sep snow days = 0
| Oct snow days = 0
| Nov snow days = 1
| Dec snow days = 4
| source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/us-climate-normals/#dataset=normals-monthly&timeframe=30&station=USC00130203
| title = Station: Ames 5 SE IA
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 27, 2021}}</ref><ref name = XMACIS2>
{{cite web
|url = https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = xmACIS2
|access-date = November 29, 2023
}} Station: Ames 5 SE IA, Monthly Summarized Data
</ref>
}}

== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations
|title= Historical populations
|type= USA
|align= right
|1870|636
|1880|1153
|1890|1276
|1900|2422
|1910|4223
|1920|6270
|1930|10261
|1940|12555
|1950|22898
|1960|27003
|1970|39505
|1980|45775
|1990|47198
|2000|50731
|2010|58965
|2020|66427
| estyear = 2023
| estimate = 65686
|source={{center|U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2015/SUB-EST2015-3.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019182931/https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2015/SUB-EST2015-3.html|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=cen2020/>}}|footnote=Source:{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|title=U.S. Census website|access-date=March 28, 2020}} and [http://data.iowadatacenter.org/datatables/PlacesAll/plpopulation18502000.pdf Iowa Data Center]
}}
[[File:AmesIowaPopPlot.png|thumb|right|alt=The population of Ames, Iowa from US census data|The population of Ames, Iowa from US census data]]

===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 cohabitating 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.

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.

=== 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.

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,<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.

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 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 ===

[[File:Ames-Boone CSA.png|thumb|Location of the Ames-Boone CSA and its components: {{legend|#FF0000|Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area}}
{{legend|#FFFF00|Boone Micropolitan Statistical Area}}
]]

The [[U.S. Census Bureau]] designates the Ames [[Metropolitan statistical area|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, Iowa|Nevada]], {{convert|8|mi|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.<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 ==
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}}

Located in Ames are the main offices of the [[Iowa Department of Transportation]], and state and Federal institutions are the largest employers in Ames.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

The [[ISU Research Park|Iowa State University Research Park]] is a [[not-for-profit]] business development incubator located in Ames, and affiliated with Iowa State University.<ref>{{cite web | last = Wirth | first = Eric | title = ISU Research Park: Hiding in Plain Sight | publisher = Iowa State University | date = February 24, 2015 | url = http://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/student_life/article_df4f1048-b947-11e4-8ce4-43e423ac2d57.html | access-date = November 21, 2016 | archive-date = November 21, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161121233057/http://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/student_life/article_df4f1048-b947-11e4-8ce4-43e423ac2d57.html | url-status = dead }}</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 ===
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>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! # of Employees
!Percentage
of Total City
Employment
|-
|1
| [[Iowa State University]]
|18,212
|33.33%
|-
|3
| [[Mary Greeley Medical Center]]
|1,407
|2.57%
|-
|2
| 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
|[[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]]
|750
|1.37%
|-
|8
| [[Ames Community School District]]
|700
|1.28%
|-
|9
| [[Hach Company|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.<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>
*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>

== 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>

== 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>

==Government==
{{see also|List of mayors of Ames, Iowa}}
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>

== 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 ===
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2014}}
[[File:FI0005331.jpg|alt=Memorial Union, Iowa State College, 1940|thumb|Memorial Union, Iowa State College, 1940]]

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.<ref name="lib.iastate.edu">[http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/exhibits/150/template/timeline-1858.html Iowa State University Time Line, 1858–1874] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513215211/http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/exhibits/150/template/timeline-1858.html |date=May 13, 2009 }}Website.</ref>

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 ==

=== 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 (FM)|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.
*[[KNWI|KNWM-FM]], [[Contemporary Christian music|Contemporary Christian]] [[Madrid, Iowa|Madrid]]/Ames station owned and operated by the University of Northwestern – St. Paul - simulcast with [[KNWI|KNWI-FM]] [[Osceola, Iowa|Osceola]]/[[Des Moines, Iowa|Des Moines]]
*[[KHOI (FM)|KHOI]], [[Community radio|Community Radio]] station licensed to [[Story City, Iowa|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 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 ===
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]].

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/media-production-services|title=Media Production Services &#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 ==
[[File:Power plant in Ames.jpg|thumb|right|upright|City power plant at night blows steam into the air]]

=== 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]].

[[Ames Municipal Airport]] is located {{convert|1|mi|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]].<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 ===
Ames is served by [[Mary Greeley Medical Center]], a 220-bed regional hospital.

== Notable people == <!--consensus reached to standardize this heading per WikiProject Cities/US Guideline-->

<!-- NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * NOTICE
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The biographical article should say how they are associated with THIS CITY examples = born, raised, residing etc.
An external reliable source of their association with THIS CITY should be cited in their Article and MUST be cited HERE.
All others will be deleted without further explanation.
Alphabetical by last name please. Use a short one line description of Notability.
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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}}

=== 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>
* [[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 ===
* [[John E. Buck]], sculptor
* [[Robert Crumb]], cartoonist and musician, the Crumb family moved to Ames in August 1950, for two years<ref name="ameshistoricalsociety-r_crumb">{{cite web |title=R. Crumb |url=http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_r_crumb.htm |website=Famous Ames residents |publisher=AmesHistoricalSociety.org |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822144049fw_/http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_r_crumb.htm |archive-date=2007-08-22 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Margaret Lloyd (soprano)|Margaret Lloyd]], opera singer
* [[Laurel Nakadate]], American video artist, filmmaker and photographer
* [[Velma Wallace Rayness]] (1896–1977), author, painter and artist<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/manuscripts/MS059.html|title=Gerard and Velma Rayness Papers, 1861–1979, undated|publisher=[[Iowa State University]]|access-date=September 15, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320073843/http://www.lib.iastate.edu/spcl/manuscripts/MS059.html|archive-date=March 20, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Brian Smith (photographer)|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 (United States)|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<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sebastian Botero |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/sebastian-botero/ |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=[[Major League Soccer]]}}</ref>
* [[Joe Burrow]], [[National Football League|NFL]] quarterback for the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], [[Heisman Trophy]] winner. Born in Ames
* [[Doug McDermott]], basketball player, Ames HS graduate
* [[Kip Corrington]], [[National Football League|NFL]] player
* [[Dick Gibbs (basketball)|Dick Gibbs]], [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] player, Ames HS graduate
* [[Terry Hoage]], [[National Football League|NFL]] player
* [[Fred Hoiberg]], retired [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] basketball player; raised in Ames, ISU graduate, former ISU basketball coach, former coach of the Chicago Bulls and current [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln|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<ref name="ameshistoricalsociety/sunday">{{cite web |title=Billy Sunday - Famous Ames resident |url=http://ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_sunday.htm |website=ameshistoricalsociety.org |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928190044fw_/http://ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_sunday.htm |archive-date=2007-09-28}}</ref>
* [[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|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]]

=== 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 (TV series)|Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'' and ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', grew up in Ames
* [[Michelle Hoover]], author, born in Ames<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/BiographiesDetailsPage/BiographiesDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=BIC1&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&display-query=&mode=view&displayGroupName=Biographies&limiter=&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&search_within_results=&p=BIC1&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CH1000202347&source=Bookmark&u=mlin_n_umass&jsid=1936fc01d1bd642c574875e0430811d1|title=Contemporary Authors Online|date=2011|website=Biography in Context|publisher=Gale|access-date=December 27, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Meg Johnson (poet)|Meg Johnson]], poet and dancer
* [[Fern Kupfer]], author
* [[Joseph Geha]], author
* [[Ted Kooser]], U.S. [[Poet Laureate]]; raised in Ames and ISU graduate<ref name="ameshistoricalsociety.org/ames_facts">{{cite web |title=Facts about Ames Iowa |url=http://ameshistoricalsociety.org/ames_facts.htm |website=ameshistoricalsociety.org |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020220216fw_/http://ameshistoricalsociety.org/ames_facts.htm |archive-date=2007-10-20}}</ref><ref name="ameshistoricalsociety/kooser">{{cite web |title=Ted Kooser - Famous Ames resident |url=http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_kooser.htm |website=ameshistoricalsociety.org |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203194250fw_/http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/residents_kooser.htm |archive-date=2007-02-03}}</ref>
* [[John Madson]], freelance naturalist of [[tallgrass prairie]] ecosystems<ref name="Price">{{cite book |last=Price |first=John T. |date= June 2014|title=The Tallgrass Prairie Reader |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ESSfAwAAQBAJ&q=%22John+Madson%22+%22Des+Moines+Register%22&pg=PA184 |location=Iowa City, Iowa |publisher=University of Iowa Press |page=184 |isbn=9781609382469 }}</ref>
* [[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 (novel)|Moo]]''
* [[Neal Stephenson]], author, grew up in Ames
* [[Hugh D. Young|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<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)]]
* [[Nate Staniforth]], magician<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/watch-magician-nate-staniforth-dazzle-live-audience-card-trick-t123326|title=Watch magician Nate Staniforth dazzle live audience with a card trick|website=TODAY.com|date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=June 9, 2019}}</ref>
*[[Brian Thompson (businessman)|Brian Thompson]], businessman (1974–2024)

== 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>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Iowa}}
* [[North Grand Mall]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Ames, Iowa}}
{{wikivoyage|Ames}}
*{{official website|http://www.cityofames.org/}}

{{Story County, Iowa}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Ames, Iowa| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Iowa]]
[[Category:Cities in Story County, Iowa]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1864]]
[[Category:1864 establishments in Iowa]]