2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fairmont, WV vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Fairmont?
- The Median Age in Ames is 11.0 years younger than in Fairmont.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Fairmont?
- Ames housing costs are 63.9% more expensive than Fairmont housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Fairmont?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 3.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Fairmont.

Things to do in Fairmont?
Fairmont is a city located in Marion County, West Virginia with an estimated population of 19,000 people as of 2020. The city has a rich history having played an important role during the Civil War era when it was moved to different locations several times due to Union force advances. Today the city serves as a gateway to the Appalachians with numerous outdoor recreation opportunities available just minutes away from downtown Fairmont.

Things to do in Ames?
Ames, Iowa is a lively city located in the heart of central Iowa. This bustling city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the picturesque Reiman Gardens or the historic Octagon Center for the Arts. Residents here also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at Hills Memorial Park or Brookside Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Ames their home.

 Fairmont, WVAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$47,618  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$145,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.82  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fairmont    2 Reviews

I find Fairmont to be a pretty good town to raise kids. You get to be a "big fish in a little pond" here. Everyone knows you and looks after you if you want to let them.  More

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Over 14 years ago

This is not so much a comment about where I live, but more of me ,looking for some helpful suggestions. I live in West Virgina, been here all my life. And now I'm  More

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Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 13 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 13 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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