Ames
IA

Comprehensive business data, market statistics, and demographic insights for Ames, IA. Census-backed market intelligence updated annually.

POPULATION125,261
MEDIAN INCOME$71.1K
BUSINESSES2,477
TRENDING SECTOR 🔥Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners
+2.0%5-Year Growth
MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Market Signal Report

Curated Intelligence. We analyzed 208 local industries to isolate distinct economic patterns—from rapid acceleration to uncrowded markets.

Methodical Selection

These are not random picks. We filtered the census database to identify the strongest statistical match for distinct economic strategies.

  • > High Momentum (Biz Count Growth)
  • > Supply Gaps (Low Competition)
  • > Market Anchors (High Volume)
View Full Methodology
🚀
The Rocket Ship

Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners

While the average sector grew flat, Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners surged 2.0% from 2018 vs 2023. This is the fastest-moving opportunity in the market.

Businesses9
Growth Rate+2.0%
💎
The Hidden Gem

Nail Salons

Growing demand (2018 vs 2023) with surprisingly low competition level. A classic supply-gap opportunity with strong margins.

Businesses8
Growth Rate+1.7%
💼
The Premium Sector

Corporate, Subsidiary, and Regional Managing Offices

Professional industry driven by high-value human capital. High barrier to entry due to specialized workforce requirements.

Businesses6
Avg Salary$296.7K
🏰
The Stronghold

Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing

Dominated by a few key players. High consolidation often indicates mature market dynamics.

Businesses7
CompetitionHighly Competitive71.6x above US avg
The Steady Giant

Religious Organizations

Zero volatility. Growth matches population exactly. A proven, volume-based sector for long-term consistency.

Businesses97
VolumeHighest

View All Niches

See full table (208 Rows)

💡

Ames Market Intelligence

208 Industries Analyzed • 2018 vs 2023 Data

Ames presents 208 market niches across diverse sectors. Competition is intense with 126 saturated sectors requiring differentiation strategies. Consider: Nail Salons, Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners.

How to Read the Data
Competition Level
Business density per capita vs US average. ● Underserved = Less competition. ● Highly Competitive = More businesses per capita than average.
Growth Rate
5-year percentage change in number of businesses (2018 vs 2023). ● Growing = Positive growth. ● Stable = Modest change. ● Declining = Negative growth.
Businesses
Active employer establishments (businesses with at least one employee) in this niche within the metro. Source: US Census Bureau.
MOMENTUM
DENSITY
25 of 208 niches• Sorted: Businesses
Niche (NAICS) Competition Growth Rate Businesses Avg Team Avg Salary
Religious Organizations#813110
1.79
+44.8%976.6$27.7K
Limited-Service Restaurants#722513
1.06
+17.1%8918.8$18.3K
Full-Service Restaurants#722511
0.94
+25.4%7428.0$19.4K
Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers#531210
1.36
+94.4%702.1$49.1K
Landscaping Services#561730
1.54
+55.6%565.8$48.1K
Residential Remodelers#236118
1.27
+112.0%532.2$54.0K
Insurance Agencies and Brokerages#524210
1.26
+27.5%512.7$50.0K
Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors#238220
1.45
+22.5%499.9$67.9K
Commercial Banking#522110
2.01
+45.5%4811.0$74.9K
Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores#447110
1.37
+31.0%3816.0$30.3K
Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars#722515
1.40
+54.2%3712.8$14.2K
General Automotive Repair#811111
1.37
+52.2%354.4$50.9K
Offices of Dentists#621210
0.82
+29.6%359.3$59.7K
Offices of Chiropractors#621310
2.78
+41.7%342.7$38.2K
Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)#621111
0.53
+54.5%3434.5$120.6K
Offices of Lawyers#541110
0.64
+22.2%333.8$56.4K
Beauty Salons#812112
1.24
+17.9%337.0$29.3K
Child Care Services#624410
1.23
+3.3%3115.5$21.9K
Custom Computer Programming Services#541511
1.36
-12.1%298.3$57.8K
Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings#531110
1.21
+21.7%283.6$36.9K
Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels#721110
1.73
+7.7%2815.9$21.6K
Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors#238210
1.10
+47.4%289.6$59.1K
Veterinary Services#541940
2.64
+68.8%278.1$42.9K
New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)#236115
1.45
+13.0%266.1$51.6K
Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)#722410
2.06
+19.0%2513.8$10.3K
Viewing 25 of 208 niches

Understanding Your Data

How to read the numbers and what to do next.

We pull directly from official U.S. Census Bureau records (specifically County Business Patterns & Nonemployer Statistics). We don't use estimates or opinions—we simply clean and organize the government's raw data so you can actually use it.

VERIFIED
MARKET
DATA

We built this platform to provide the foundational data you need to navigate your market's landscape and competitive dynamics.

Straight from the Source

We pull raw numbers directly from the U.S. Census Bureau. You're looking at the same data used by banks and city planners, simplified for clarity.

Data-First Methodology

We focus exclusively on the numbers. Our rankings are driven by objective metrics like growth and density, ensuring you see the market exactly as the data reports it.

Transparent Logic

No secret formulas. We show you the raw metrics—Growth, Density, and Volume—so you can verify the math yourself.