2026 Compare Cities Job Market:
Ames, IA vs Van Buren, AR

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Highlights
- Job Growth in Van Buren has been positive.
- Van Buren has 1.6% less unemployment than Ames.
- Van Buren job growth has increased by 4.1% in the past 10 years.
 Ames, IAVan Buren, ARUnited States
 Current Unemployment  Unlock4.3%6.0%
 Future Job Growth34.0%  Unlock33.5%
 Recent Job Growth  Unlock-3.9%-6.2%
 3 Yr. Job Growth-3.5%  Unlock-3.6%
 5 Yr. Job Growth  Unlock-2.3%-0.7%
 10 Yr. Job Growth10.8%  Unlock6.3%
Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

Hello, I am in San Jose Ca, but am seriously thinking of moving somewhere much slower for a better quality of living. I've just turned 59, so I'm kinda preparing for  More

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Over 14 years ago

Like every other city Ames has both good and bad points. The good points are: low cost of living, very friendly people, lots of outdoor activities and quite a few events  More

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Ames enjoys a high quality of life at a very affordable cost, substantially lower than many other communities. The presence of Iowa State University, a large (28,000  More

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Reviews for Van Buren    2 Reviews

We moved to Arkansas (and to Van Buren) 4 years ago from the metro Houston, Texas area. We were sick of the traffic and crime that comes with living in a large city.   More

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Over 19 years ago

I don't like Arkansas. It's pretty, but the pay sucks. Taxes are very high, and so are  More

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