Nearby cities: Cambridge, Gilbert, Huxley, Kelley, Nevada, Slater
Take a few moments to explore the wealth of small businesses that give Ames its character. Review your favorite (or least favorite) business and get directions around town.
As of 2023, the population of Ames, IA was approximately 66,112 people. The 2020 census recorded the population at 66,427. Iowa State University is located in Ames and its students make up a significant portion of the city's population. Ames is the 9th most populous city in Iowa. Iowa had 272,465 small businesses in 2023, making up 99.2% of the total businesses in the state. Small businesses employed 638,811 people, accounting for 45.9% of Iowa's total employees.