Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
Story County offers a diverse rental landscape that blends the charm of small‑town living with the vibrancy of a university‑centered community. In the county seat of Ames, renters benefit from proximity to Iowa State University, a bustling downtown district, and cultural attractions such as the Brentan Family Art Gallery and the Ames Main Street Pedestrian Mall. Beyond the campus, the rolling farmland, Saylorville Lake, and the historic Story County Fairgrounds provide ample outdoor recreation and a relaxed, Midwestern atmosphere that appeals to families, students, and professionals alike.
Apartment options in Story County span from studios in the $800‑$900 range to larger three‑bedroom units that typically sit in the $1,100‑$1,200 bracket, with four‑plus bedroom layouts offering flexible space at comparable rates. One‑ and two‑bedroom apartments are especially popular, generally costing between $900 and $1,100 per month, reflecting the county’s balanced supply of modern complexes and more traditional units. For those seeking a house, the market includes cozy one‑bedroom homes in the $800‑$850 range, spacious two‑bedroom dwellings around $1,000‑$1,100, and three‑bedroom properties that command $1,700‑$1,800. Larger family homes with four or more bedrooms are available in the $2,100‑$2,200 segment, providing ample room for growing households.
The rental market’s variety is supported by Story County’s strong economic base, which includes education, healthcare, and agricultural industries. Easy access to major highways, a reliable public transit system in Ames, and a friendly community spirit make the area a compelling destination for renters seeking affordability, convenience, and a high quality of life in the heart of Iowa.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $910 | $835 | $675 - $1,300 | $780 - $985 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $946 | $940 | $600 - $1,599 | $850 - $1,025 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,097 | $1,030 | $569 - $1,830 | $895 - $1,275 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $1,139 | $1,200 | $391 - $2,500 | $815 - $1,225 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $1,025 | $675 | $275 - $2,500 | $499 - $1,500 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $823 | $762 | $610 - $1,200 | $745 - $950 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $1,024 | $975 | $525 - $1,550 | $900 - $1,200 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $1,775 | $1,745 | $925 - $4,800 | $1,400 - $1,995 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $2,193 | $2,095 | $1,280 - $3,500 | $1,800 - $2,400 |
In the current period, the average rent in Story was $910 for Studio, $929 for 1 Bedroom, $1,076 for 2 Bedroom, $1,458 for 3 Bedroom, and $1,529 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.