Homeowners Insurance in Ames, IA
For a home at Ames's median value of $277,400, we estimate about $1,535 a year — +14% versus the Iowa NAIC average of $1,342.
Estimated homeowners insurance cost in Ames
Ames's estimate reflects its home values (33% higher than the state median) and FEMA's hazard profile for Story County.
Natural hazard risk in Ames
| Hazard | Risk rating | Score (0–100) | Insurance impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hail | 86.8 | Comprehensive (car); roof claims (home) | |
| Tornado | 91.4 | Comprehensive; dwelling | |
| Hurricane | 14.4 | Comprehensive; wind/hurricane deductibles (home) | |
| Inland (river) flooding | 69.2 | Comprehensive; home needs a separate flood policy | |
| Coastal flooding | — | Comprehensive; home needs a separate flood policy | |
| Strong wind | 69.9 | Comprehensive; dwelling | |
| Winter weather | 90.2 | Collision (icy roads); frozen pipes (home) | |
| Wildfire | 30.3 | Comprehensive; dwelling | |
| Earthquake | 34.8 | Home needs a separate earthquake policy | |
| Lightning | 56.5 | Fire and electrical damage |
Scores are national percentiles of FEMA's county risk (higher means more expected loss than most other U.S. counties).
Estimated premium by home value in Ames
| Dwelling value | Wood frame | Brick / masonry |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $1,185 | $1,090 |
| $300,000 | $1,635 | $1,505 |
| $500,000 | $2,460 | $2,265 |
| $750,000 | $3,405 | $3,135 |
Home Insurance Estimator
Homeowners insurance by ZIP code in Ames
| ZIP | Median home value | Owner-occupied | Est. premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50010 | $253,500 | 53.2% | $1,430 |
| 50014 | $336,800 | 36.6% | $1,795 |
Homeowners insurance in Iowa · Car insurance in Ames · Insurance offices near Ames
Frequently asked questions
How much is homeowners insurance in Ames?
For a home at Ames's median value of $277,400, we estimate about $1,535 a year for a standard HO-3 policy with a $1,000 deductible. The Iowa NAIC average is $1,342.
What are the biggest natural hazards in Ames?
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Story County relatively high or very high for tornado and winter weather.
Does the age of homes in Ames affect insurance?
Yes. The median home in Ames was built in 1992 (Census ACS). Older roofs, wiring and plumbing can raise premiums or require inspections, while updates often earn discounts.
How we estimate this
We start from the NAIC average homeowners (HO-3) premium for Iowa, scale it by the ratio of the dwelling value to the state median home value, adjust for construction type and deductible, and apply a hazard factor from FEMA National Risk Index scores for Story County relative to the state. Results are rounded estimates, not quotes. Read the full methodology.
- NAIC Dwelling Fire, Homeowners Owner-Occupied, and Homeowners Tenant and Condominium/Cooperative Unit Owner's Insurance Report: Data for 2023 (July 2026), Tables 4 and 5 (HO-3 and HO-4 average premiums)
- FEMA National Risk Index (Story County)
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (home values, year built, tenure)