Revision as of 21:58, 10 November 2004 editABCD (talk | contribs)11,256 editsm →Geography← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 20:57, 9 January 2025 edit undoLizardJr8 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers97,740 editsm Reverted edits by 173.244.138.195 (talk): not providing a reliable source (WP:CITE, WP:RS) (HG) (3.4.12)Tags: Huggle Rollback | ||
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{{Short description|City in Iowa, US}} | |||
] | |||
{{use mdy dates|date=June 2022}} | |||
{{Infobox settlement | |||
| official_name = Ames, Iowa | |||
| settlement_type = ] | |||
| 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, ] Alumni Hall, Marston Water Tower and Hoover Hall at ISU, ], a train station in Ames, and ] | |||
| image_map = Story_County_Iowa_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Ames_Highlighted.svg | |||
| mapsize = 250px | |||
| map_caption = Location in the State of ] | |||
| pushpin_map = Iowa#USA | |||
| pushpin_relief = yes | |||
| pushpin_label = Ames | |||
| subdivision_type = Country | |||
| subdivision_type1 = State | |||
| subdivision_type2 = ] | |||
| subdivision_name = {{US}} | |||
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagdeco|Iowa}} ] | |||
| subdivision_name2 = ] | |||
| leader_title = Mayor | |||
| leader_name = John Haila | |||
| established_title = ] | |||
| established_date = 1864 | |||
| 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_as_of = ] | |||
| population_total = 66427 | |||
| population_density_km2 = 929.96 | |||
| population_density_sq_mi = 2408.61 | |||
| population_rank = ] 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) | |||
| timezone = ] | |||
| utc_offset = −6 | |||
| timezone_DST = ] | |||
| utc_offset_DST = −5 | |||
| coordinates = {{coord|42|02|05|N|93|37|12|W|region:US-IA|display=inline,title}} | |||
| elevation_m = 287 | |||
| elevation_ft = 942 | |||
| postal_code_type = ](s)™ | |||
| postal_code = 50010, 50011-50013 (UNIQUE ZIP Codes™-for Iowa State University), 50014 | |||
| blank1_name = ] feature ID | |||
| blank1_info = 0454167 | |||
| website = {{URL|http://www.cityofames.org/}} | |||
| blank_name = ] | |||
| blank_info = 19-01855 | |||
}} | |||
'''Ames''' ({{IPAc-en|eɪ|m|z}}) is a city in ], United States, located approximately {{convert|30|mi|km}} north of ] in central Iowa. It is the home of ] (ISU). According to the ], Ames had a population of 66,427, making it the state's ].<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 ] national laboratory, ], is located on the ISU campus. Ames also hosts ] (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 ] (APHIS), which comprises the ] 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 ]. | |||
'''Ames''' is a city located in ], ]. As of the ], the city had a total population of 50,731. The city was named after ] ] ] of ], who was influential in the building of the ]. Ames was founded near a location that was deemed favorable for a railroad crossing of the ]. It is located roughly 30 miles north of the state capital ], between the Skunk River and ]. | |||
== History == | |||
Ames is the site of ], the state's ], as well as the main offices of the state Department of Transportation. Not surprisingly, state institutions are the largest employers in Ames. | |||
The city was founded in 1864 as a station stop on the ] and was named after 19th century U.S. Congressman ] of Massachusetts, who was influential in the building of the ].<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 ],<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 ] and ]. 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> | |||
==Geography== | |||
Other area employers include a 3M manufacturing plant; Sauer-Danfoss, a hydraulics manufacturer; Barilla, a pasta manufacturer; Pella, a window manufacturer; and Ball, a manufacturer of canning jars and plastic bottles. Other governmental agencies with a significant presence include the ]'s National Animal Disease Center. | |||
Ames is located along the western edge of ], roughly {{convert|30|mi}} north of the state capital, ], near the intersection of ] and ]. A smaller highway, ], passes through the town from north to south. Also passing through Ames is the cross country line of the ] and two small streams (the South Skunk River and ]). | |||
According to the ], 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=] |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> | |||
== Geography == | |||
] | |||
Ames is located at 42°1'38" North, 93°37'54" West (42.027335, -93.631586)]. | |||
===Campustown=== | |||
According to the ], the city has a total area of 55.9 ] (21.6 ]). 55.9 km² (21.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.09% water. | |||
Campustown is the neighborhood directly south of Iowa State University Central Campus bordered by ] on the north. Campustown is a high-density mixed-use neighborhood that is home to many student apartments, nightlife venues, restaurants, and numerous other establishments, most of which are unique to Ames.{{Clear}} <!--FYI this template makes the next section drop below pictures--> | |||
===Climate=== | |||
Ames has a ] (] ''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 normals, extremes 1893–present) | |||
|single line = Y | |||
| Jan record high F = 67 | |||
| Feb record high F = 76 | |||
| Mar record high F = 90 | |||
| Apr record high F = 97 | |||
| May record high F = 104 | |||
| Jun record high F = 104 | |||
| Jul record high F = 109 | |||
| Aug record high F = 107 | |||
| Sep record high F = 102 | |||
| Oct record high F = 95 | |||
| Nov record high F = 81 | |||
| Dec record high F = 73 | |||
| year record high F = 102 | |||
| Jan high F = 28.9 | |||
| Feb high F = 33.6 | |||
| Mar high F = 47.7 | |||
| Apr high F = 62.0 | |||
| May high F = 72.5 | |||
| Jun high F = 81.3 | |||
| Jul high F = 83.9 | |||
| Aug high F = 81.8 | |||
| Sep high F = 77.0 | |||
| Oct high F = 64.1 | |||
| Nov high F = 47.5 | |||
| Dec high F = 33.7 | |||
| year high F = 59.5 | |||
|Jan avg record high F = 48.1 | |||
|Feb avg record high F = 53.3 | |||
|Mar avg record high F = 70.9 | |||
|Apr avg record high F = 82.5 | |||
|May avg record high F = 88.4 | |||
|Jun avg record high F = 91.5 | |||
|Jul avg record high F = 92.5 | |||
|Aug avg record high F = 90.9 | |||
|Sep avg record high F = 89.0 | |||
|Oct avg record high F = 83.2 | |||
|Nov avg record high F = 68.1 | |||
|Dec avg record high F = 52.6 | |||
|year avg record high F = 94.2 | |||
| Jan mean F = 20.4 | |||
| Feb mean F = 24.9 | |||
| Mar mean F = 37.7 | |||
| Apr mean F = 50.3 | |||
| May mean F = 61.6 | |||
| Jun mean F = 71.1 | |||
| Jul mean F = 74.0 | |||
| Aug mean F = 71.8 | |||
| Sep mean F = 65.3 | |||
| Oct mean F = 52.8 | |||
| Nov mean F = 38.1 | |||
| Dec mean F = 25.6 | |||
| year mean F = 49.5 | |||
| Jan low F = 11.9 | |||
| Feb low F = 16.1 | |||
| Mar low F = 27.7 | |||
| Apr low F = 38.6 | |||
| May low F = 50.7 | |||
| Jun low F = 60.9 | |||
| Jul low F = 64.1 | |||
| Aug low F = 61.8 | |||
| Sep low F = 53.5 | |||
| Oct low F = 41.4 | |||
| Nov low F = 28.6 | |||
| Dec low F = 17.5 | |||
| year low F = 39.4 | |||
|Jan avg record low F = -12.2 | |||
|Feb avg record low F = -7.1 | |||
|Mar avg record low F = 5.4 | |||
|Apr avg record low F = 22.7 | |||
|May avg record low F = 35.7 | |||
|Jun avg record low F = 48.4 | |||
|Jul avg record low F = 53.5 | |||
|Aug avg record low F = 51.6 | |||
|Sep avg record low F = 37.7 | |||
|Oct avg record low F = 23.8 | |||
|Nov avg record low F = 9.2 | |||
|Dec avg record low F = -5.0 | |||
|year avg record low F = -15.7 | |||
| Jan record low F = −37 | |||
| Feb record low F = −31 | |||
| Mar record low F = −25 | |||
| Apr record low F = 7 | |||
| May record low F = 18 | |||
| Jun record low F = 36 | |||
| Jul record low F = 39 | |||
| Aug record low F = 36 | |||
| Sep record low F = 22 | |||
| Oct record low F = -7 | |||
| Nov record low F = −8 | |||
| Dec record low F = −24 | |||
| year record low F = −31 | |||
| precipitation colour = green | |||
| Jan precipitation inch = 0.69 | |||
| Feb precipitation inch = 1.02 | |||
| Mar precipitation inch = 2.01 | |||
| Apr precipitation inch = 3.89 | |||
| May precipitation inch = 4.99 | |||
| Jun precipitation inch = 4.89 | |||
| Jul precipitation inch = 4.53 | |||
| Aug precipitation inch = 4.75 | |||
| Sep precipitation inch = 3.47 | |||
| Oct precipitation inch = 2.63 | |||
| Nov precipitation inch = 1.86 | |||
| Dec precipitation inch = 1.17 | |||
| year precipitation inch = 35.90 | |||
| Jan snow inch = 7.8 | |||
| Feb snow inch = 10.0 | |||
| Mar snow inch = 4.2 | |||
| Apr snow inch = 1.3 | |||
| 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 = 0.5 | |||
| Nov snow inch = 2.0 | |||
| Dec snow inch = 6.9 | |||
| year snow inch = 32.7 | |||
| Jan snow depth inch = 7.7 | |||
| Feb snow depth inch = 7.6 | |||
| Mar snow depth inch = 4.6 | |||
| Apr snow depth inch = 0.5 | |||
| 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 = 0.3 | |||
| Nov snow depth inch = 1.1 | |||
| Dec snow depth inch = 5.0 | |||
| year snow depth inch = 10.2 | |||
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in | |||
| Jan precipitation days = 5.9 | |||
| Feb precipitation days = 6.4 | |||
| Mar precipitation days = 7.7 | |||
| Apr precipitation days = 11.5 | |||
| May precipitation days = 12.7 | |||
| Jun precipitation days = 10.9 | |||
| Jul precipitation days = 8.7 | |||
| Aug precipitation days = 9.6 | |||
| Sep precipitation days = 8.6 | |||
| Oct precipitation days = 8.8 | |||
| Nov precipitation days = 7.0 | |||
| Dec precipitation days = 5.6 | |||
| year precipitation days = 103.4 | |||
| unit snow days = 0.1 in | |||
| Jan snow days = 4.4 | |||
| Feb snow days = 4.4 | |||
| Mar snow days = 1.9 | |||
| Apr snow days = 0.9 | |||
| May snow days = 0.0 | |||
| Jun snow days = 0.0 | |||
| Jul snow days = 0.0 | |||
| Aug snow days = 0.0 | |||
| Sep snow days = 0.0 | |||
| Oct snow days = 0.3 | |||
| Nov snow days = 1.5 | |||
| Dec snow days = 3.6 | |||
| year snow days = 17.0 | |||
| source 1 = ]<ref name= nws > | |||
{{cite web | |||
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=dmx | |||
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data | |||
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | |||
| access-date = June 27, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI> | |||
{{cite web | |||
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00130200&format=pdf | |||
| title = Station: Ames 8 WSW, 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 | |||
}} | |||
</ref> | |||
}} | |||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
{{Historical populations | |||
As of the ], there are 50,731 people, 18,085 households, and 8,970 families residing in the city. The ] is 908.1/km² (2,352.3/mi²). There are 18,757 housing units at an average density of 335.7/km² (869.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 87.34% White, 7.70% ], 2.65% ], 1.98% ] or ] of any race, 0.15% ], 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.76% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. | |||
|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=]|title=U.S. Census website|access-date=March 28, 2020}} and | |||
}} | |||
] | |||
===2020 census=== | |||
As of the ] 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 ] 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 ] makeup of the city was 77.5% ], 4.2% ], 0.3% ], 7.9% ], 0.0% ], 3.1% from other races and 6.9% from two or more races. ] 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 ] 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=]|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% ], 3.4% ], 0.2% ], 8.8% ], 1.1% from ], and 2.0% from two or more races. ] or ] 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=] |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 ], 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|left|250px|Location of the Ames-Boone CSA and its components: {{legend|#FF0000|Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area}} | |||
{{legend|#FFFF00|Boone Micropolitan Statistical Area}} | |||
]] | |||
The ] designates the Ames ] as encompassing all of Story County. While Ames is the largest city in Story County, the ] is in the nearby city of ], {{convert|8|mi|km}} east of Ames. | |||
Ames metropolitan statistical area combined with the ] ] (]) make up the larger Ames-Boone ]. Ames is the larger principal city of the Combined Statistical Area that includes all of Story County, Iowa and Boone County, Iowa.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526063716/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List4.txt |date=May 26, 2007 }}, ], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629011245/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List5.txt |date=June 29, 2007 }}, ], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629011223/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/List6.txt |date=June 29, 2007 }}, ], May 11, 2007. Accessed August 1, 2008.</ref> which had a combined population of 106,205 at the ].<ref name="GR2" /> | |||
== Economy == | |||
Ames is home of Iowa State University of Science and Technology, a public ] and ] research university. At its founding in 1858, Iowa State was known as the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Ames is the home of the closely allied ]'s National Animal Disease Center (See ]), the ]'s ] (a major materials research and development facility), and the main offices of the ]. State and Federal institutions are the largest employers in Ames. | |||
Other area employers include a ] manufacturing plant; Danfoss Power Solutions, a hydraulics manufacturer; ], a pasta manufacturer; ], a manufacturer of canning jars and plastic bottles; ], a global cloud computing company; ], America's largest producer of biomass-based diesel; and the ]. | |||
The ] is a ] 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> | |||
In 2015, Ames was ranked in the top 15 "Cities That Have Done the Best Since the Recession" by ].<ref name="Bloomberg BW 15 Best">{{cite web|last1=Verge|first1=Julie|title=Here Are the 15 Cities That Have Done the Best (and the Worst) Since the Recession|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-22/here-are-the-15-cities-that-have-done-the-best-and-the-worst-since-the-recession|website=Bloomberg Businessweek|publisher=Bloomberg LLC|date=June 15, 2015}}</ref> | |||
The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Ames and ] 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 | |||
| ] | |||
|18,212 | |||
|33.33% | |||
|- | |||
|3 | |||
| ] | |||
|1,407 | |||
|2.57% | |||
|- | |||
|2 | |||
| City of Ames | |||
|1,382 | |||
|2.53% | |||
|- | |||
|4 | |||
| McFarland Clinic, P. C. | |||
|1,200 | |||
|2.20% | |||
|- | |||
|5 | |||
| ] | |||
|1,052 | |||
|1.93% | |||
|- | |||
|6 | |||
| ] | |||
|975 | |||
|1.78% | |||
|- | |||
|7 | |||
|] | |||
|750 | |||
|1.37% | |||
|- | |||
|8 | |||
| ] | |||
|700 | |||
|1.28% | |||
|- | |||
|9 | |||
| ] | |||
|580 | |||
|1.06% | |||
|- | |||
|10 | |||
| ] | |||
|550 | |||
|1.01% | |||
|} | |||
== Arts and culture == | |||
*Ames History Museum - founded in 1980, the museum also operates 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> | |||
*Brunnier Art Museum (Scheman Building) | |||
*Ames Public Library - located in a ],<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> it 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> it has 1,386,273 items in circulations, including 799,349 books and 586,924 multimedia items.<ref name="aplcirculation">{{cite web |url=http://www.amespubliclibrary.org/aboutLibrary/FactsFigures.asp |title=Facts & Figures |access-date=December 18, 2010 |author=Ames Public Library |year=2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205191716/http://www.amespubliclibrary.org/aboutLibrary/FactsFigures.asp |archive-date=December 5, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
*The Octagon Center for the Arts - the Center includes galleries, art classes, art studios, and 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 == | |||
{{Unsourced|section|date=January 2025}} | |||
;Iowa Sports Foundation | |||
The ] play a variety of sports in the Ames area. The ] team plays at ] in Ames. The Cyclones' Men's and Women's Basketball teams and Volleyball teams play at ] across the street from Jack Trice Stadium. The Iowa State Cyclones are a charter member of the ] in all sports and compete in ] Division I-A. The Iowa State Women's Tennis is also quite well known and successful. | |||
The Ames Figure Skating Club provides recreational to professional level skating opportunities. The club sponsors the Learn to Skate Program in which coaches provide on and off ice lessons or workshops. The club hosts the figure skating portion of the Iowa Games competition every summer. In the fall, the club hosts Cyclone Country Championships. | |||
The Ames ISU ice arena also hosts the Iowa State Cyclones hockey team. The arena hosts the Ames Little Cyclones hockey program for high school students and children in elementary or middle school. | |||
The city is also home to a youth soccer club, Ames Soccer Club which shares facilities with baseball and softball teams at the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex. | |||
== Education == | |||
Much of the city is served by the ]. | |||
A portion of northern Ames is zoned to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gilbertcsd.org/district/boundary-map/|title=Boundary Map|publisher=]|access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref> | |||
=== Public high school in Ames === | |||
* ]: 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 | |||
Gilbert CSD students are zoned to ]. | |||
=== Private schools in Ames === | |||
*Ames Christian School | |||
*Saint Cecilia School (preK – 5th grade) | |||
=== Iowa State University === | |||
], more commonly known as Iowa State University (ISU), is a public ] and ] research university located in Ames. Iowa State University is the birthplace of the ], the world's first electronic digital computer.<ref>''The First Electronic Computer'' by Arthur W. Burks</ref> Iowa State has produced a number of astronauts, scientists, ],<ref>{{Cite web|title = Nobel Prize winner returns to Iowa State to talk about the experience|url = http://www.radioiowa.com/2012/02/14/nobel-prize-winner-returns-to-iowa-state-to-talk-about-the-experience/|website = Radio Iowa|access-date = 2016-01-15|first = Dar|last = Danielson| date=February 14, 2012 }}</ref> and ] winners.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2017/04/10/iowa-newspaper-editor-wins-pulitzer/100299258/|title=Iowa newspaper editor wins Pulitzer Prize|last=McGowan|first=Kelly|date=10 April 2017|website=Des Moines Register|access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> Until 1945 it was known as the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The university is a member of the ] and the ]. | |||
] | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2014}} | |||
ISU is the nation's first designated ].<ref name="lib.iastate.edu"> {{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> In 1856, the ] enacted legislation to establish the State Agricultural College and Model Farm. ] was chosen as the location on June 21, 1859, from proposals by ], ], ], ], and ] counties. When Iowa accepted the provisions of the ], Iowa State became the first institution in nation designated as a ] college. The institution was coeducational from the first preparatory class admitted in 1868. The formal admitting of students began the following year, and the first graduating class of 1872 consisted of 24 men and 2 women.<ref name="lib.iastate.edu"/> | |||
The first building on the Iowa State campus was ]. Built in the 1860s, it currently serves as a museum and ]. Today, Iowa State has over 60 notable buildings, including ], ], ], ], Curtiss Hall, ], Parks Library, the ], ], C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, ], ], Lied Recreation Center, numerous residence halls, and many buildings specific to ISU's many different majors and colleges. | |||
The official mascot for ISU is ]. The official school colors are ] and gold. The ] play in the ]'s Division I-A as a member of the ]. | |||
== Media == | |||
;Online and newsprint | |||
*], Tuesday-Sunday paper produced in Ames. | |||
*], independent student newspaper produced at Iowa State University. | |||
*] also provides extensive coverage of Iowa news and sports to Ames. | |||
*Story County Sun, weekly newspaper that covers the entire county published in Ames. | |||
;Radio stations licensed to Ames | |||
*], student radio operated at Iowa State University. | |||
*], ]'s flagship "Studio One" station, broadcasting an ] news format during the day and a music format in the evening, owned and operated at Iowa State University. | |||
*], Iowa Public Radio's flagship station delivering a 24-hour news format consisting mainly of NPR programming, owned and operated at Iowa State University. | |||
*], ] station licensed to Ames, but operated in Des Moines. | |||
*], ] station owned and operated by Clear Channel in Ames. | |||
*], news/talk station owned and operated by Clear Channel in Ames. | |||
*], ] ]/Ames station owned and operated by the University of Northwestern – St. Paul - simulcast with ] ]/] | |||
*], ] station licensed to ] with studios in Ames. KHOI broadcasts music and local public affairs programs and is affiliated with the ] network. | |||
Ames is also served by stations in the Des Moines media market, which includes ] 50,000-watt talk station ], music stations ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], talk station ], and sports stations ] and ]. | |||
;Television | |||
Like radio, Ames is served by the Des Moines media market. ], the ] affiliate in central Iowa, was originally owned and operated by Iowa State University until the 1990s. The station is still licensed to Ames, but studio's are located in ]. Other stations serving Ames include ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
Channel 12 is owned by the City of Ames and overseen by the City Manager's Office. The channel broadcasts meetings for city council as well as other city government councils and boards. Channel 12 also produces its own original content focused on news and other happenings in Ames. Channel 12 has won various regional and national awards including a NATOA Government Programming Award and a Telly Award. Channel 12's goals are "To provide quality programming to the citizens of Ames that educates and informs about city government issues" and "To provide live coverage and rebroadcasts of council and commission meetings".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/media-production-services|title=Media Production Services | City of Ames, IA|website=www.cityofames.org}}</ref> | |||
Channel 16 serves as Ames' public access TV channel. "The purpose of Ames Public Access TV (Channel 16) is to provide residents the opportunity to broadcast locally produced programs on cable television. APATV provides cablecasting of non-commercial, public access programming independently produced by professionals or non-professionals in either a VHS or DVD format. This service is provided on a first-come-first-served, non-discriminatory, non monopolistic basis. Other services include video messaging to serve as a community calendar".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/media-production-services/channel-16|title=Channel 121-16 - Ames Public Access TV | City of Ames, IA|website=www.cityofames.org}}</ref> | |||
== Infrastructure == | |||
] | |||
=== Transportation === | |||
The town is served by ] and ] and ]. Ames is the only town in Iowa with a population of greater than 50,000 that does not have a state highway serving it. {{As of|2019}}, Ames currently has three roundabouts constructed on University Avenue/530th Avenue. The first is at the intersection of Airport Road (Oakwood Rd.) and University Avenue, the second at the intersection of Cottonwood Road and 530th Avenue and the third at Collaboration Place and 530th Avenue. | |||
Ames was serviced by the Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railroad via a branch from ] to ] and to downtown Ames. The tracks were removed in the 1960s. The ] twin mainline runs east and west bisecting the town and running just south of the downtown business district. The C&NW used to operate a branch to ]. This line was removed in the 1980s when the Spine Line through the nearby city of ] was purchased from the ] after its bankruptcy. The ], successor to the C&NW, still runs 60–70 trains a day through Ames on twin mainlines, which leads to some traffic delays. There is also a branch to ] that leaves Ames to the north. The Union Pacific maintains a small yard called Ames Yard east of Ames between Ames and Nevada. Ames has been testing automatic train horns at several of its crossings. These directional horns which are focused down the streets are activated when the crossing signals turn on and are shut off after the train crosses the crossing. This system cancels out the need for the trains to blow their horns. Train noise had been a problem in the residential areas to the west and northwest of downtown. | |||
] is located {{convert|1|mi|km}} southeast of the city. The current (and only) ] is Central Iowa Air Service. The airport has two runways – 01/19, which is {{convert|5700|x|100|ft}}, and 13/31, which is {{convert|3492|x|100|ft}}. | |||
The City of Ames offers a transit system throughout town, called ], that is funded jointly by Iowa State University, the ISU Government of the Student Body, and the City of Ames. Rider fares are free for children under five, while students pay a set cost as part of their tuition. In addition to local transit, Ames is served by intercity buses from ], which stop at the ]. | |||
In 2009, the Ames metropolitan statistical area (MSA) ranked as the third highest in the United States for percentage of commuters who walked to work (10.4 percent).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acs-15.pdf|series=American Community Survey Reports|title=Commuting in the United States: 2009|access-date=December 26, 2017|date=September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726134351/https://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acs-15.pdf|archive-date=July 26, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
The City of Ames unveiled a potential bike plan at an open house on November 15, 2023, as part of the city's Walk Bike Roll Bicycle and Pedestrian project. The project has been in development since summer 2022. Particular recommendations from the project include improvements being made to Clark Avenue, Lincoln Highway, Grand Avenue and Duff Street in Ames.<ref name="bikes">{{cite web |title=Walk, bike roll: Ames plans to improve bike path accessibility |url=https://www.amestrib.com/story/news/local/2023/11/17/walk-bike-roll-ames-plans-to-improve-bike-path-accessibility/71603203007/ |website=Ames Tribune |access-date=18 December 2023}}</ref> | |||
Ames is home to the headquarters of the ].<ref>" {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728084104/http://www.iowadot.gov/where.htm |date=July 28, 2009 }}." ]. Retrieved October 25, 2009.</ref> | |||
=== Health care === | |||
Ames is served by ], a 220-bed regional referral hospital which is adjacent to McFarland Clinic PC, central Iowa's largest physician-owned multi-specialty clinic, and also Iowa Heart Center. | |||
=== Parks and recreation === | |||
On September 10, 2019, the City of Ames proposed a $29,000,000 bond for building a fitness center called the Healthy Life Center. It failed to pass.<ref>{{cite web|last=Albertson|first=Teresa Kay|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/indianola/2019/08/30/indianola-ymca-could-close-one-year-financial-loses-greater-des-moines-swim-pool-simpson-high-school/2148304001/|title=Indianola YMCA has 1 year to improve finances or face closure|newspaper=]|date=2019-08-30|accessdate=2021-04-25}}</ref> Iowa State University owns the land it was to be built on.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cityofames.org/about-ames/healthy-life-center|title=Healthy Life Center|publisher=City of Ames|accessdate=2021-04-26}}</ref> Ames has multiple parks, with the biggest being Brookside park, the North River Valley park and the ] Heritage park, which contains a lake, a series of ] and trails. The Story County Conservation center is located to the north east of Ames, along the Skunk River. | |||
== In popular culture == | |||
*The character of ] in the television series '']'' (2004–2010) is from Ames.<ref>{{cite web|last=McNutt|first=Myles|title=Lost (Classic): "What Kate Did"/"The 23rd Psalm"|url=https://www.avclub.com/lost-classic-what-kate-did-the-23rd-psalm-1798182502|website=]|publisher=CSC Corporate Domains, Inc.|access-date=January 31, 2020|date=October 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131063229/https://tv.avclub.com/lost-classic-what-kate-did-the-23rd-psalm-1798182502|archive-date=January 31, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
*Ames is prominently featured in ]'s 2009 book '']''.<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 the 2012 '']'' episode "Heartache".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://imdb.com/title/tt2293862 | title=Heartache | website=] }}</ref> | |||
*Ames is mentioned in the music video for ]'s 2013 song "]", which shows satirical ]s quickly flashing up on the screen, one of which states that "] is alive and living in Ames, Iowa".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=nt9c0UeYhFc | title=Repeat Stuff | website=] }}</ref> | |||
== Notable people == <!--consensus reached to standardize this heading per WikiProject Cities/US Guideline--> | |||
<!-- NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * NOTICE | |||
Only people who already have a Misplaced Pages article may appear here as Notable people. This establishes notability. | |||
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. | |||
If the person you think is Notable and does not have a Misplaced Pages Article for themselves create one. | |||
Guidelines for the Notability of a person can be found by entering WP:PEOPLE in the wiki search. | |||
Guidelines on what is needed and how to write the Article can be found by entering WP:MOSBIO in the wiki search. | |||
END OF NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * END OF NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *END OF NOTICE -->{{See also|List of Iowa State University alumni|Category:People from Ames, Iowa}} | |||
=== Acting === | |||
* ], actor (1977–2017) ('']'', '']'')<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> | |||
* ], 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 === | |||
* ], sculptor | |||
* ], 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> | |||
* ], opera singer | |||
* ], American video artist, filmmaker and photographer | |||
* ] (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=]|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> | |||
* ], Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, born July 16, 1959 | |||
=== Aviation === | |||
* ], pioneer aviator, taught ] to fly | |||
=== Musicians === | |||
* ], fingerpicker guitarist | |||
* ], musician from indie rock band ]; former Ames resident | |||
* ], indie rock band | |||
* ], electronic rap musician/Gem Sweater collector, born in Ames in 1981 | |||
* ], musician, born in Ames in 1935 | |||
* ], drummer and founding member of the band ]; former Ames resident and graduate of Ames High School | |||
=== Journalists === | |||
* ], editorial page editor of '']'' and a ] recipient; raised in Ames and ISU graduate | |||
* ], ] journalist and television host | |||
* ], former president of ]; retired to own and publish the '']'' | |||
=== Politicians === | |||
* ], Mayor of ] | |||
* ], former U.S. Congressman; father-in-law of ]; raised in Ames | |||
* ], former ] ] | |||
* ], Mayor of ] | |||
* ], ], ISU graduate | |||
* ], 11th ], 10th ], and 33rd ], ISU graduate; lived in Ames from 1892 - 1896 | |||
=== Sports === | |||
* ], ] player, 2015 NBA champion, 2016 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Ames HS graduate | |||
* ], ] quarterback for the ], ] winner. Born in Ames, but grew up in ] | |||
* ], soccer player | |||
* ], basketball player, Ames HS graduate | |||
* ], ] player | |||
* ], ] player, Ames HS graduate | |||
* ], ] player | |||
* ], retired ] basketball player; raised in Ames, ISU graduate, former ISU basketball coach, former coach of the Chicago Bulls and current ] men's basketball coach. | |||
* ], pro football player and coach | |||
* ], evangelist and ] 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> | |||
* ], Olympian ] player | |||
=== Scientists === | |||
* ], ], died on ] | |||
* ], civil engineer, philanthropist, civic leader, former CEO and chairman emeritus of ]; raised in Ames | |||
* ], scientist, lived and studied in Ames 1925–1934 | |||
* ], chemist, creator of the ] during the ]<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> | |||
* ], awarded 2011 ] for "the discovery of quasicrystals"; Professor of Materials Science at Iowa State University (2004–present) and Associate at the Department of Energy's ] | |||
=== Writers and poets === | |||
* ], poet, born in Ames, grew up in ] | |||
* ], author | |||
* ], writer and producer for television, including '']'' and '']'', grew up in Ames | |||
* ], 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> | |||
* ], poet and dancer | |||
* ], author | |||
* ], author | |||
* ], U.S. ]; 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> | |||
* ], freelance naturalist of ] 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> | |||
* ], author of the '']'' mysteries; born in Ames in 1947 | |||
* ], ]-winning novelist; former instructor at ISU (1981–1996); used ISU as the basis for her novel '']'' | |||
* ], author, grew up in Ames | |||
* ], coauthor of '']'' textbook | |||
* ], cartoonist/writer of the ] comics and books | |||
=== Other === | |||
* ], 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> | |||
* ], 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> | |||
*] | |||
*], businessman (1974-2024) | |||
== Politics == | |||
From 1979 through 2011, Ames was the location of the ], 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 ] dinner benefiting the ]. 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> | |||
== See also == | |||
{{Portal|Iowa}} | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
== References == | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
== External links == | |||
There are 18,085 households out of which 22.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% are married couples living together, 5.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 50.4% are non-families. 28.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.30 and the average family size is 2.85. | |||
{{Commons category|Ames, Iowa}} | |||
{{wikivoyage|Ames}} | |||
* | |||
* | |||
{{Story County, Iowa}} | |||
In the city the population is spread out with 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 are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 24 years. For every 100 females there are 109.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 109.9 males. | |||
{{authority control}} | |||
The median income for a household in the city is $36,042, and the median income for a family is $56,439. Males have a median income of $37,877 versus $28,198 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,881. 20.4% of the population and 7.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.2% are under the age of 18 and 4.1% are 65 or older. | |||
] | |||
{{Iowa}} | |||
] | ] | ||
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] | ] | ||
] |
Latest revision as of 20:57, 9 January 2025
City in Iowa, USCity in Iowa, United States
Ames, Iowa | |
---|---|
City | |
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 | |
Motto: "Smart Choice" | |
Location in the State of Iowa | |
AmesShow map of IowaAmesShow map of the United States | |
Coordinates: 42°02′05″N 93°37′12″W / 42.03472°N 93.62000°W / 42.03472; -93.62000 | |
Country | United States |
State | Iowa |
County | Story |
Incorporated | 1864 |
Government | |
• Mayor | John Haila |
Area | |
• City | 27.92 sq mi (72.32 km) |
• Land | 27.58 sq mi (71.43 km) |
• Water | 0.34 sq mi (0.89 km) |
Elevation | 942 ft (287 m) |
Population | |
• City | 66,427 |
• Rank | 9th in Iowa |
• Density | 2,408.61/sq mi (929.96/km) |
• Urban | 60,438 |
• Metro | 89,542 (estimate based on Story County) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
ZIP code(s)™ | 50010, 50011-50013 (UNIQUE ZIP Codes™-for Iowa State University), 50014 |
FIPS code | 19-01855 |
GNIS feature ID | 0454167 |
Website | www |
Ames (/eɪmz/) is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is the home of Iowa State University (ISU). According to the 2020 census, Ames had a population of 66,427, making it the state's ninth-most populous city. Iowa State University was home to 30,177 students as of fall 2023, 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), 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. Ames also hosts the headquarters of the Iowa Department of Transportation.
History
The city was founded in 1864 as a station stop on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad and was named after 19th century U.S. Congressman Oakes Ames of Massachusetts, who was influential in the building of the transcontinental railroad. Ames was founded by local resident Cynthia Olive Duff (née Kellogg) and railroad magnate John Insley Blair, near a location that was deemed favorable for a railroad crossing of the Skunk River and Ioway Creek. William West (1821-1919) became the first mayor of Ames in 1870. With his wife Harriet, from 1869 to 1892, he ran Ames's first hotel, known as West House, on Douglas Avenue on the site of the present Octagon Center for the Arts. West was a highly-respected pioneer businessman who also served on the Ames School Board in the 1880s when Central School was built on the site of the present Ames City Hall on Clark Avenue and Sixth Street. The Wests raised several daughters and sons. William West spent the last of his life living with his son in northwest Iowa.
Geography
Ames is located along the western edge of Story County, roughly 30 miles (48 km) north of the state capital, Des Moines, near the intersection of Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 30. A smaller highway, U.S. Route 69, passes through the town from north to south. Also passing through Ames is the cross country line of the Union Pacific Railroad and two small streams (the South Skunk River and Ioway Creek).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.27 square miles (62.86 km), of which 24.21 square miles (62.70 km) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km) is water.
Campustown
Campustown is the neighborhood directly south of Iowa State University Central Campus bordered by Lincoln Way on the north. Campustown is a high-density mixed-use neighborhood that is home to many student apartments, nightlife venues, restaurants, and numerous other establishments, most of which are unique to Ames.
Climate
Ames has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa). On average, the warmest month is July and the coldest is January. The highest recorded temperature was 109 °F (43 °C) on July 24, 1901, and the lowest was −37 °F (−38 °C) January 25, 1894.
Climate data for Ames, Iowa (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °F (°C) | 67 (19) |
76 (24) |
90 (32) |
97 (36) |
104 (40) |
104 (40) |
109 (43) |
107 (42) |
102 (39) |
95 (35) |
81 (27) |
73 (23) |
102 (39) |
Mean maximum °F (°C) | 48.1 (8.9) |
53.3 (11.8) |
70.9 (21.6) |
82.5 (28.1) |
88.4 (31.3) |
91.5 (33.1) |
92.5 (33.6) |
90.9 (32.7) |
89.0 (31.7) |
83.2 (28.4) |
68.1 (20.1) |
52.6 (11.4) |
94.2 (34.6) |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 28.9 (−1.7) |
33.6 (0.9) |
47.7 (8.7) |
62.0 (16.7) |
72.5 (22.5) |
81.3 (27.4) |
83.9 (28.8) |
81.8 (27.7) |
77.0 (25.0) |
64.1 (17.8) |
47.5 (8.6) |
33.7 (0.9) |
59.5 (15.3) |
Daily mean °F (°C) | 20.4 (−6.4) |
24.9 (−3.9) |
37.7 (3.2) |
50.3 (10.2) |
61.6 (16.4) |
71.1 (21.7) |
74.0 (23.3) |
71.8 (22.1) |
65.3 (18.5) |
52.8 (11.6) |
38.1 (3.4) |
25.6 (−3.6) |
49.5 (9.7) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 11.9 (−11.2) |
16.1 (−8.8) |
27.7 (−2.4) |
38.6 (3.7) |
50.7 (10.4) |
60.9 (16.1) |
64.1 (17.8) |
61.8 (16.6) |
53.5 (11.9) |
41.4 (5.2) |
28.6 (−1.9) |
17.5 (−8.1) |
39.4 (4.1) |
Mean minimum °F (°C) | −12.2 (−24.6) |
−7.1 (−21.7) |
5.4 (−14.8) |
22.7 (−5.2) |
35.7 (2.1) |
48.4 (9.1) |
53.5 (11.9) |
51.6 (10.9) |
37.7 (3.2) |
23.8 (−4.6) |
9.2 (−12.7) |
−5.0 (−20.6) |
−15.7 (−26.5) |
Record low °F (°C) | −37 (−38) |
−31 (−35) |
−25 (−32) |
7 (−14) |
18 (−8) |
36 (2) |
39 (4) |
36 (2) |
22 (−6) |
−7 (−22) |
−8 (−22) |
−24 (−31) |
−31 (−35) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 0.69 (18) |
1.02 (26) |
2.01 (51) |
3.89 (99) |
4.99 (127) |
4.89 (124) |
4.53 (115) |
4.75 (121) |
3.47 (88) |
2.63 (67) |
1.86 (47) |
1.17 (30) |
35.90 (912) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 7.8 (20) |
10.0 (25) |
4.2 (11) |
1.3 (3.3) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.5 (1.3) |
2.0 (5.1) |
6.9 (18) |
32.7 (83) |
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) | 7.7 (20) |
7.6 (19) |
4.6 (12) |
0.5 (1.3) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.3 (0.76) |
1.1 (2.8) |
5.0 (13) |
10.2 (26) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 5.9 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 11.5 | 12.7 | 10.9 | 8.7 | 9.6 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 7.0 | 5.6 | 103.4 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 4.4 | 4.4 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 3.6 | 17.0 |
Source: NOAA |
Demographics
Year | Pop. | ±% |
---|---|---|
1870 | 636 | — |
1880 | 1,153 | +81.3% |
1890 | 1,276 | +10.7% |
1900 | 2,422 | +89.8% |
1910 | 4,223 | +74.4% |
1920 | 6,270 | +48.5% |
1930 | 10,261 | +63.7% |
1940 | 12,555 | +22.4% |
1950 | 22,898 | +82.4% |
1960 | 27,003 | +17.9% |
1970 | 39,505 | +46.3% |
1980 | 45,775 | +15.9% |
1990 | 47,198 | +3.1% |
2000 | 50,731 | +7.5% |
2010 | 58,965 | +16.2% |
2020 | 66,427 | +12.7% |
Source:"U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 28, 2020. and Iowa Data Center Source: U.S. Decennial Census |
2020 census
As of the census of 2020, 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). There were 27,806 housing units at an average density of 1,007.8 per square mile (389.1/km). The racial makeup of the city was 77.5% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 7.9% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 3.1% from other races and 6.9% from two or more races. 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 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 of 2010, there were 58,965 people, 22,759 households, and 9,959 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,435.6 inhabitants per square mile (940.4/km). There were 23,876 housing units at an average density of 986.2 per square mile (380.8/km). 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, there were 50,731 people, 18,085 households, and 8,970 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,352.3 inhabitants per square mile (908.2/km). There were 18,757 housing units at an average density of 869.7 per square mile (335.8/km). The racial makeup of the city was 87.34% White, 7.70% Asian, 2.65% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.76% Pacific Islander and other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.
There were 18,085 households, out of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.4% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.85.
Age spread: 14.6% under the age of 18, 40.0% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 13.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,042, and the median income for a family was $56,439. Males had a median income of $37,877 versus $28,198 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,881. About 7.6% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.
Metropolitan area
The U.S. Census Bureau designates the Ames MSA as encompassing all of Story County. While Ames is the largest city in Story County, the county seat is in the nearby city of Nevada, 8 miles (13 km) east of Ames.
Ames metropolitan statistical area combined with the Boone, Iowa micropolitan statistical area (Boone County, Iowa) make up the larger Ames-Boone combined statistical area. Ames is the larger principal city of the Combined Statistical Area that includes all of Story County, Iowa and Boone County, Iowa. which had a combined population of 106,205 at the 2000 census.
Economy
Ames is home of Iowa State University of Science and Technology, a public land-grant and space-grant research university. At its founding in 1858, Iowa State was known as the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Ames is the home of the closely allied U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Animal Disease Center (See Ames strain), the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory (a major materials research and development facility), and the main offices of the Iowa Department of Transportation. State and Federal institutions are the largest employers in Ames.
Other area employers include a 3M manufacturing plant; Danfoss Power Solutions, a hydraulics manufacturer; Barilla, a pasta manufacturer; Ball, a manufacturer of canning jars and plastic bottles; Workiva, a global cloud computing company; Renewable Energy Group, America's largest producer of biomass-based diesel; and the National Farmers Organization.
The Iowa State University Research Park is a not-for-profit business development incubator located in Ames, and affiliated with Iowa State University.
In 2015, Ames was ranked in the top 15 "Cities That Have Done the Best Since the Recession" by Bloomberg Businessweek.
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. 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.
Top employers
As of 2022, the top employers in the city are:
# | 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 | USDA | 750 | 1.37% |
8 | Ames Community School District | 700 | 1.28% |
9 | Hach Chemical | 580 | 1.06% |
10 | Workiva | 550 | 1.01% |
Arts and culture
- Ames History Museum - founded in 1980, the museum also operates a historic schoolhouse.
- Brunnier Art Museum (Scheman Building)
- Ames Public Library - located in a Carnegie library, it was founded in 1904. it has 1,386,273 items in circulations, including 799,349 books and 586,924 multimedia items.
- The Octagon Center for the Arts - the Center includes galleries, art classes, art studios, and 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.
Sports
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- Iowa Sports Foundation
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. The Cyclones' Men's and Women's Basketball teams and Volleyball teams play at Hilton Coliseum across the street from Jack Trice Stadium. The Iowa State Cyclones are a charter member of the Big 12 Conference in all sports and compete in NCAA Division I-A. The Iowa State Women's Tennis is also quite well known and successful.
The Ames Figure Skating Club provides recreational to professional level skating opportunities. The club sponsors the Learn to Skate Program in which coaches provide on and off ice lessons or workshops. The club hosts the figure skating portion of the Iowa Games competition every summer. In the fall, the club hosts Cyclone Country Championships.
The Ames ISU ice arena also hosts the Iowa State Cyclones hockey team. The arena hosts the Ames Little Cyclones hockey program for high school students and children in elementary or middle school.
The city is also home to a youth soccer club, Ames Soccer Club which shares facilities with baseball and softball teams at the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex.
Education
Much of the city is served by the Ames Community School District.
A portion of northern Ames is zoned to the Gilbert 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
Gilbert CSD students are zoned to Gilbert High School.
Private schools in Ames
- Ames Christian School
- Saint Cecilia School (preK – 5th grade)
Iowa State University
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University (ISU), is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames. Iowa State University is the birthplace of the Atanasoff–Berry Computer, the world's first electronic digital computer. Iowa State has produced a number of astronauts, scientists, Nobel laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners. Until 1945 it was known as the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The university is a member of the American Association of Universities and the Big 12 Conference.
ISU is the nation's first designated land-grant university. In 1856, the Iowa General Assembly enacted legislation to establish the State Agricultural College and Model Farm. Story County was chosen as the location on June 21, 1859, from proposals by Johnson, Kossuth, Marshall, Polk, and Story counties. When Iowa accepted the provisions of the Morrill Act of 1862, Iowa State became the first institution in nation designated as a land-grant college. The institution was coeducational from the first preparatory class admitted in 1868. The formal admitting of students began the following year, and the first graduating class of 1872 consisted of 24 men and 2 women.
The first building on the Iowa State campus was Farm House. Built in the 1860s, it currently serves as a museum and National Historic Landmark. Today, Iowa State has over 60 notable buildings, including Beardshear Hall, Morrill Hall, Memorial Union, Catt Hall, Curtiss Hall, Carver Hall, Parks Library, the Campanile, Hilton Coliseum, C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, Fisher Theater, Jack Trice Stadium, Lied Recreation Center, numerous residence halls, and many buildings specific to ISU's many different majors and colleges.
The official mascot for ISU is Cy the Cardinal. The official school colors are cardinal and gold. The Iowa State Cyclones play in the NCAA's Division I-A as a member of the Big 12 Conference.
Media
- Online and newsprint
- Ames Tribune, Tuesday-Sunday paper produced in Ames.
- Iowa State Daily, independent student newspaper produced at Iowa State University.
- The Des Moines Register also provides extensive coverage of Iowa news and sports to Ames.
- Story County Sun, weekly newspaper that covers the entire county published in Ames.
- Radio stations licensed to Ames
- KURE, student radio operated at Iowa State University.
- WOI-FM, Iowa Public Radio's flagship "Studio One" station, broadcasting an NPR news format during the day and a music format in the evening, owned and operated at Iowa State University.
- WOI (AM), Iowa Public Radio's flagship station delivering a 24-hour news format consisting mainly of NPR programming, owned and operated at Iowa State University.
- KOEZ, Adult Contemporary station licensed to Ames, but operated in Des Moines.
- KCYZ, Hot Adult Contemporary station owned and operated by Clear Channel in Ames.
- KASI, news/talk station owned and operated by Clear Channel in Ames.
- KNWM-FM, Contemporary Christian Madrid/Ames station owned and operated by the University of Northwestern – St. Paul - simulcast with KNWI-FM Osceola/Des Moines
- KHOI, Community Radio station licensed to Story City with studios in Ames. KHOI broadcasts music and local public affairs programs and is affiliated with the Pacifica Radio network.
Ames is also served by stations in the Des Moines media market, which includes Clear Channel's 50,000-watt talk station WHO, music stations KAZR, KDRB, KGGO, KKDM, KHKI, KIOA, KJJY, KRNT, KSPZ and KSTZ, talk station KWQW, and sports stations KXNO and KXNO-FM.
- Television
Like radio, Ames is served by the Des Moines media market. WOI-DT, the ABC affiliate in central Iowa, was originally owned and operated by Iowa State University until the 1990s. The station is still licensed to Ames, but studio's are 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 and overseen by the City Manager's Office. The channel broadcasts meetings for city council as well as other city government councils and boards. Channel 12 also produces its own original content focused on news and other happenings in Ames. Channel 12 has won various regional and national awards including a NATOA Government Programming Award and a Telly Award. Channel 12's goals are "To provide quality programming to the citizens of Ames that educates and informs about city government issues" and "To provide live coverage and rebroadcasts of council and commission meetings".
Channel 16 serves as Ames' public access TV channel. "The purpose of Ames Public Access TV (Channel 16) is to provide residents the opportunity to broadcast locally produced programs on cable television. APATV provides cablecasting of non-commercial, public access programming independently produced by professionals or non-professionals in either a VHS or DVD format. This service is provided on a first-come-first-served, non-discriminatory, non monopolistic basis. Other services include video messaging to serve as a community calendar".
Infrastructure
Transportation
The town is served by U.S. Highways 30 and 69 and Interstate 35. Ames is the only town in Iowa with a population of greater than 50,000 that does not have a state highway serving it. As of 2019, Ames currently has three roundabouts constructed on University Avenue/530th Avenue. The first is at the intersection of Airport Road (Oakwood Rd.) and University Avenue, the second at the intersection of Cottonwood Road and 530th Avenue and the third at Collaboration Place and 530th Avenue.
Ames was serviced by the Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railroad via a branch from Kelley to Iowa State and to downtown Ames. The tracks were removed in the 1960s. The Chicago and North Western Transportation Company twin mainline runs east and west bisecting the town and running just south of the downtown business district. The C&NW used to operate a branch to Des Moines. This line was removed in the 1980s when the Spine Line through the nearby city of Nevada was purchased from the Rock Island Railroad after its bankruptcy. The Union Pacific, successor to the C&NW, still runs 60–70 trains a day through Ames on twin mainlines, which leads to some traffic delays. There is also a branch to Eagle Grove that leaves Ames to the north. The Union Pacific maintains a small yard called Ames Yard east of Ames between Ames and Nevada. Ames has been testing automatic train horns at several of its crossings. These directional horns which are focused down the streets are activated when the crossing signals turn on and are shut off after the train crosses the crossing. This system cancels out the need for the trains to blow their horns. Train noise had been a problem in the residential areas to the west and northwest of downtown.
Ames Municipal Airport is located 1 mile (1.6 km) southeast of the city. The current (and only) fixed-base operator is Central Iowa Air Service. The airport has two runways – 01/19, which is 5,700 by 100 feet (1,737 m × 30 m), and 13/31, which is 3,492 by 100 feet (1,064 m × 30 m).
The City of Ames offers a transit system throughout town, called CyRide, that is funded jointly by Iowa State University, the ISU Government of the Student Body, and the City of Ames. Rider fares are free for children under five, while students pay a set cost as part of their tuition. In addition to local transit, Ames is served by intercity buses from Jefferson Lines, which stop at the Ames Intermodal Facility.
In 2009, the Ames metropolitan statistical area (MSA) ranked as the third highest in the United States for percentage of commuters who walked to work (10.4 percent).
The City of Ames unveiled a potential bike plan at an open house on November 15, 2023, as part of the city's Walk Bike Roll Bicycle and Pedestrian project. The project has been in development since summer 2022. Particular recommendations from the project include improvements being made to Clark Avenue, Lincoln Highway, Grand Avenue and Duff Street in Ames.
Ames is home to the headquarters of the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Health care
Ames is served by Mary Greeley Medical Center, a 220-bed regional referral hospital which is adjacent to McFarland Clinic PC, central Iowa's largest physician-owned multi-specialty clinic, and also Iowa Heart Center.
Parks and recreation
On September 10, 2019, the City of Ames proposed a $29,000,000 bond for building a fitness center called the Healthy Life Center. It failed to pass. Iowa State University owns the land it was to be built on. Ames has multiple parks, with the biggest being Brookside park, the North River Valley park and the Ada Hayden Heritage park, which contains a lake, a series of wetlands and trails. The Story County Conservation center is located to the north east of Ames, along the Skunk River.
In popular culture
- The character of Kate Austen in the television series Lost (2004–2010) is from Ames.
- Ames is prominently featured in Jeffrey Zaslow's 2009 book The Girls from Ames.
- Ames is featured in the 2012 Supernatural episode "Heartache".
- Ames is mentioned in the music video for Bo Burnham's 2013 song "Repeat Stuff", which shows satirical subliminal messages quickly flashing up on the screen, one of which states that "Michael Clarke Duncan is alive and living in Ames, Iowa".
Notable people
See also: List of Iowa State University alumni and Category:People from Ames, IowaActing
- Evan Helmuth, actor (1977–2017) (Fever Pitch, The Devil Inside)
- Nick Nolte, actor, lived in Ames, 1945-1950
Artists and photographers
- John E. Buck, sculptor
- Robert Crumb, cartoonist and musician, the Crumb family moved to Ames in August 1950, for two years
- Margaret Lloyd, opera singer
- Laurel Nakadate, American video artist, filmmaker and photographer
- Velma Wallace Rayness (1896–1977), author, painter and artist
- Brian Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, born July 16, 1959
Aviation
- Neta Snook Southern, pioneer aviator, taught Amelia Earhart to fly
Musicians
- Buster B. Jones, fingerpicker guitarist
- John Darnielle, musician from indie rock band The Mountain Goats; former Ames resident
- The Envy Corps, indie rock band
- Leslie Hall, electronic rap musician/Gem Sweater collector, born in Ames in 1981
- Peter Schickele, musician, born in Ames in 1935
- Richie Hayward, drummer and founding member of the band Little Feat; former Ames resident and graduate of Ames High School
Journalists
- Robert Bartley, editorial page editor of The Wall Street Journal and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient; raised in Ames and ISU graduate
- Wally Bruner, ABC News journalist and television host
- Michael Gartner, former president of NBC News; retired to own and publish the Ames Tribune
Politicians
- Ruth Bascom, Mayor of Eugene, Oregon
- Edward Mezvinsky, former U.S. Congressman; father-in-law of Chelsea Clinton; raised in Ames
- Bee Nguyen, former Georgia (U.S. state) state representative
- Bob Walkup, Mayor of Tucson, Arizona
- Lee Teng-hui, President of the Republic of China, ISU graduate
- Henry A. Wallace, 11th United States Secretary of Agriculture, 10th United States Secretary of Commerce, and 33rd Vice President of the United States, ISU graduate; lived in Ames from 1892 - 1896
Sports
- Harrison Barnes, NBA player, 2015 NBA champion, 2016 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, Ames HS graduate
- Joe Burrow, NFL quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Heisman Trophy winner. Born in Ames, but grew up in The Plains, Ohio
- Juan Sebastián Botero, soccer player
- Doug McDermott, basketball player, Ames HS graduate
- Kip Corrington, NFL player
- Dick Gibbs, NBA player, Ames HS graduate
- Terry Hoage, NFL player
- Fred Hoiberg, retired NBA basketball player; raised in Ames, ISU graduate, former ISU basketball coach, former coach of the Chicago Bulls and current Nebraska men's basketball coach.
- Herb Sies, pro football player and coach
- Billy Sunday, evangelist and Major League Baseball player; born in Ames in 1863
- Fred Tisue, Olympian water polo player
Scientists
- Laurel Blair Salton Clark, astronaut, died on STS-107
- Charles W. "Chuck" Durham, civil engineer, philanthropist, civic leader, former CEO and chairman emeritus of HDR, Inc.; raised in Ames
- Lyle Goodhue, scientist, lived and studied in Ames 1925–1934
- Frank Spedding, chemist, creator of the Ames Process during the Manhattan Project
- 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 and Star Trek: The Next Generation, grew up in Ames
- Michelle Hoover, author, born in Ames
- Meg Johnson, poet and dancer
- Fern Kupfer, author
- Joseph Geha, author
- Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate; raised in Ames and ISU graduate
- John Madson, freelance naturalist of tallgrass prairie ecosystems
- Sara Paretsky, author of the V.I. Warshawski mysteries; born in Ames in 1947
- Jane Smiley, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist; former instructor at ISU (1981–1996); used ISU as the basis for her novel Moo
- Neal Stephenson, author, grew up in Ames
- Hugh Young, coauthor of University Physics textbook
- Lincoln Peirce, cartoonist/writer of the Big Nate comics and books
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
- Nate Staniforth, magician
- Todd Snyder (fashion designer)
- Brian Thompson, businessman (1974-2024)
Politics
From 1979 through 2011, Ames was the location of the Ames Straw Poll, which was held every August prior to a presidential election year in which the Republican presidential nomination was undecided (meaning there was no Republican president running for re-election—as in 2011, 2007, 1999, 1995, 1987, and 1979). The poll would gauge support for the various Republican candidates amongst attendees of a fundraising dinner benefiting the Iowa Republican Party. The straw poll was frequently seen by national media and party insiders as a first test of organizational strength in Iowa. In 2015, the straw poll was to be moved to nearby Boone before the Iowa Republican Party eventually decided to cancel it altogether.
See also
References
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External links
Municipalities and communities of Story County, Iowa, United States | ||
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County seat: Nevada | ||
Cities | ||
Townships | ||
Unincorporated communities | ||
Ghost towns/neighborhoods | ||
Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |