Ames, IA: what USGS's seismic model says

Under the seismic model IBC and ASCE 7 use for new construction, Ames is Category B. Low seismic hazard. Code requires basic seismic detailing (bracing, connections) but no special structural system restrictions. Nationally, Ames ranks above 16% of the 4,875 cities in this dataset for seismic hazard - the 16th percentile.

How Ames compares

USGS's underlying values for Ames: 0.028g peak ground acceleration, 0.058g at short period, 0.048g at 1 second. Within Iowa alone, Ames ranks 59 of 85 cities by seismic hazard - the 31th percentile in-state. Ames has a population of about 69,026.

What a retrofit costs in Ames

A full earthquake retrofit typically runs $5,000-$10,000 nationally (around $7,000 typical), driven mainly by house size and foundation type, not by Iowa specifically. California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant, which covers a large share of this cost, is a California-only program and does not apply in Iowa.

What this means for insurance

A Ames homeowner cannot buy a standalone earthquake policy in most cases - it is added to an existing homeowners policy as an endorsement, so the place to start is a regular home-insurance quote.

Where Ames's figures come from

Ames's Category B and every number above trace to USGS's own ASCE 7-16 Design Maps service - see the methodology guide. See the category explainer for what Category B does and doesn't tell you about Ames.