Ames is a mid-range market in the Midwest with a smaller market with 66,427 residents. At a 2.34% estimated cap rate, this is a appreciation-focused market where rents of $1,050/mo lag behind home prices. With a median home price of $260,000 and steady population growth supports long-term rental demand, Ames is primarily an appreciation play that requires creative strategies to generate positive cash flow.
Market data powered by Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) · Updated Feb 2026
Ames's 0.4% rent-to-price ratio is well below the 1% rule. At median prices of $260,000, the $1,050/mo rent produces only $508/mo in NOI. Investors here need to target below-median properties or pursue value-add strategies to make the numbers work.
At current rates, a 20% down conventional loan ($52K at 7%) would result in approximately $-875/mo cash flow — negative at median prices. Larger down payments, seller financing, or buying 15–25% below median are strategies to turn the numbers positive.
Property taxes consume 31% of gross rent here — one of the highest ratios in our dataset. This significantly compresses margins and makes Ames a market where tax-conscious underwriting is essential. Every deal should be stress-tested with potential assessment increases.
Pre-filled with Ames medians. Adjust to match a specific property.
Factor in financing to see your actual return on invested capital in Ames.
Ames, IA has a population of 66,427 and has been growing at 0.8% annually — roughly in line with national trends, meaning demand is stable but not exceptional. The median home price of $260,000 paired with median rents of $1,050/mo produces an estimated cap rate of 2.34%.
Property taxes at 1.5% fall within the national average range and shouldn't present unusual challenges. The vacancy rate of 4.2% is impressively low, indicating tight rental supply and strong tenant demand — favorable for landlords.
At a price-to-income ratio of 5.9x, homes cost about 5.9 times the local median income of $44,200. This moderate ratio indicates a balanced rent-vs-buy market. Home values have appreciated at roughly 2.5% annually. Steady appreciation means total returns will be primarily cash flow-driven — the more sustainable model for long-term wealth building.
Bottom line: At current median prices, Ames is challenging for pure cash flow investing. Consider BRRRR strategies with below-market purchases, or look at neighboring metros with stronger price-to-rent ratios.