Ames Singles: Small town, big campus energy
About 6,380 singles live in Ames, out of a population of 63,000. That pool feels smaller than Des Moines on paper, but Iowa State keeps the town from dating like a sleepy county seat. For real momentum here, you need the campus rhythm, the right app, and a plan that does not waste your night.
6,380singles in Ames
Which sites are worth it in Ames
What are you looking for in Ames?
Searching for
Beyond the usual Tinder, Bumble & Hinge, why don't you try:
Adultfriendfinderi9
★★★★★
150members in Ames
30 ♀ · 120 ♂
Casual dating for adults, singles and couples
Try Adultfriendfinder for free
Review
Key facts
For casual datingFor open relationships & swingingCasual datingHookupsSwingersErotic adventures
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 77% / 23%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
AdultFriendFinder's strength is in its vast membership base all over the globe. If you are someone looking for casual fun, this site might work well for you. Check it out now.
Ashley Madisoni8
★★★★★
140members in Ames
40 ♀ · 100 ♂
Dating site for discreet relationships and privacy
Try Ashley Madison for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingFor fun & flirtingFind loveFlirtingSerious relationship
Pricing: High
Men / women: 70% / 30%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Ashley Madison creates a dating environment for people exploring discreet connections on their own terms. If you want to meet like-minded individuals who value privacy and personal choice, this might be the platform for you. Join Ashley Madison today to exper…
Kasidiei7
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Adult dating for couples and singles who want erotic fun
Try Kasidie for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingFor fetish & BDSMFor open relationships & swingingSwingersBDSMErotic adventures
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 74% / 26%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Kasidie is organized and reliable in making sure that its members meet up and interact in real life, rather than just fooling around online. The events and parties hosted on the site let people find other like-minded individuals personally.
Flingi7
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Casual dating site for singles wanting hookups
Try Fling for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingHookups
Pricing: High
Men / women: 70% / 30%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
The site is so confident that it'll find a hookup or fling for you that it even guarantees a hook up in 3 months, or else you'll get 3 more months for free. If this dating site interests you, sign up for free today!
eharmonyi6
★★★★★
120members in Ames
60 ♀ · 60 ♂
For singles who want serious relationships
Try Test winner for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingSerious relationshipFind love
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 47% / 53%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
eharmony is a matchmaking site for singles who are looking for serious commitments. It provides an in-depth knowledge of your match through the required personality and character tests. If you are looking for a long-term relationship and would want to settle …
Victoria Milani9
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Private affair dating for married and attached people
Try Victoria Milan for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingCasual datingAffairsHookups
Pricing: High
Men / women: 60% / 40%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
If you are a married or an attached individual seeking to spice up your sexual game by engaging in an affair, then Victoria Milan might be the safest site to sign up to.
BeNaughtyi9
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Casual dating for singles after hookups and casual dates
Try BeNaughty for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingFor fun & flirtingHookupsErotic adventuresCasual datingFlirting
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 75% / 25%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
This is a popular place for setting hookups and meet-ups within a few minutes. People here are very responsive. If you identify yourself with these characteristics, BeNaughty will not disappoint and deliver what you are looking for. Sign up now to try it your…
Red Hot Piei7
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Casual dating for singles, couples and groups
Try Red Hot Pie for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingFor open relationships & swingingCasual datingHookupsSwingers
Pricing: High
Men / women: 63% / 37%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
RedHotPie may be a good place to try if you are looking for many types of adult fun. It has plenty of features that are rarely offered on other dating sites. Sign up now and who knows, it might help you find your date in an instant!
EliteSinglesi7
★★★★★
10members in Ames
10 ♀ · 10 ♂
Dating for educated singles wanting serious relationships
Try EliteSingles for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingBest for highly educated singlesSerious relationshipFind love
Pricing: High
Men / women: 50% / 50%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
EliteSingles is a great choice for singles who are actively seeking a committed relationship. It is designed for educated and career-focused singles; many of its members have a higher level of education. If you think you're ready for a serious commitment, the…
iDatesi6
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Casual dating and hookups for singles aged 20 to 35
Try iDates for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingFor fun & flirtingCasual datingFlirtingHookups
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 73% / 27%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
iDates was created to appeal to both men and women generally between ages 20 and 35 who are fond of meeting new people. You can flirt and use the entertainment factors on the app with matching functions. iDates is best used for casual dating and hookups.
Swing Lifestylei3
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Dating site for swingers and open relationships
Try Swing Lifestyle for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingFor open relationships & swingingSwingersCasual dating
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 73% / 27%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Besides interactivity, SLS also offers swingers special features such as erotic stories, DVDs, adult toys, and more. Even though the website could benefit from a little renovation, the developers made sure that their functions served their crystal clear purpo…
Tinderi0
★★★★★
1,810members in Ames
670 ♀ · 1,140 ♂
Dating app for singles who want relationships, hookups and flirts
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingFor casual datingFor fun & flirtingFlirtingHookupsSerious relationship
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 63% / 37%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Tinder has pretty much revolutionized the online dating scene with its swipe function. Overall, though, this dating platform is confirmed to be legit and accessible. You can also check out other Matchmaker Sites that might be a better fit.
Bumblei0
★★★★★
800members in Ames
340 ♀ · 460 ♂
Dating app for singles wanting matches and new relationships
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingFor fun & flirtingSerious relationshipFriendshipFlirting
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 58% / 42%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Bumble aims to give women more control in their dating choices and its mechanics have been overwhelmingly accepted by both genders. The app continues to provide a safe dating experience for all of its users.
Tawkifyi3
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Online matchmaking for singles after serious relationships
Try Tawkify for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingSerious relationshipFind love
Pricing: Very high
Men / women: 55% / 45%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Tawkify is one unique online matchmaking service provider. It does not have too many frills and the service is easy to understand. It is perfect for young singles who are always on the go and only have little time for dating. For these reasons, joining Tawkif…
Taggedi0
★★★★★
580members in Ames
100 ♀ · 480 ♂
Social dating for friendship and dates
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingSerious relationshipFriendship
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 83% / 17%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Tagged started out as a "social discovery website" but eventually tried to step into the online dating industry. The transition wasn't done properly and the website is now an awkward mix of a dating service with underage members and a gaming website with adul…
Badooi0
★★★★★
340members in Ames
120 ♀ · 220 ♂
Dating app for younger people looking for love or casual dating
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingFor casual datingSerious relationshipCasual datingFriendship
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 65% / 35%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Badoo does a good job connecting members who are attracted to one another. With its Encounters feature, the matching of members is sped up and done so with utmost efficiency. However, Badoo may not be the best for people who are searching for a lifetime partn…
Candy.aii8
★★★★★
380members in Ames
70 ♀ · 310 ♂
Virtual dating for adults who want AI companionship
Try Candy.ai for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingChatErotic adventures
Pricing: High
Men / women: 82% / 18%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Candy.ai offers a detailed platform for creating your own AI companion, combining intimacy and fantasy. With advanced customization, secure data storage, and smooth interactions, it's ideal for virtual relationships. Explore the future of intimate virtual com…
SDCi9
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Swingers platform for couples and singles in the lifestyle
Try SDC for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For casual datingFor open relationships & swingingSwingersErotic adventures
Pricing: High
Men / women: 67% / 33%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
If you're a swinger looking for real fun and excitement, then SDC might be the home for you. It's more than that, as it offers parties, events, travels, and other exhilarating features. This home for swingers actually values your privacy. Want to try out the …
Secret Benefitsi8
★★★★★
10members in Ames
For singles wanting transactional sugar dating
Try Secret Benefits for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingFor casual datingFor fun & flirtingSerious relationshipFlirtingCasual dating
Pricing: Average
Men / women: 75% / 25%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
Secret Benefits gives both the Sugar Baby and the Sugar Daddy a simple and straightforward platform to find and arrange dates. Thus, if you are into sugar dating and would like to experience this fast and no-fuss service, try the site today!
WooPlusi6
★★★★★
10members in Ames
Dating app for plus size singles wanting long term relationships
Try WooPlus for free
Review
Age distribution
Key facts
For serious datingFor fun & flirtingAffordableSerious relationshipFriendshipFlirting
Pricing: Cheap
Men / women: 60% / 40%
Where demand is highest
The darker a region, the more often this provider is searched for there. 100% marks the region with the highest demand; 50% means half as many searches.
WooPlus proves to be a viable place for plus-size women and men's romantic partners. Most users of the site are not afraid to show off their curves. It is highly recommended for plus-sized singles to experience using WooPlus.
Where is interest in online dating strongest?
Iowa: 43%
What dating feels like in Ames
Ames is a college town first. That changes everything. The mix is younger, the social circles shift with the semester, and a lot of people already know each other through campus, work, or Ames High and Iowa State connections. You feel the town’s size quickly when you date here.
Online dating matters because of that. In a place like Ames, apps help you get beyond the same circles without pretending the market is huge. You are not looking for endless choice. You are looking for the few people who are actually open, nearby, and browsing because they want to meet someone.
Which apps fit Ames best
Adultfriendfinder works if you want a short term, casual crowd and you are fine being direct from the start. Read the review here: Adultfriendfinder. Try AdultFriendFinder for free
Victoria Milan is for discreet connections, so it fits readers who want privacy more than public flirting. See the review: Victoria Milan. Try Victoria Milan for free
BeNaughty is a better match if you want something playful and fast moving instead of a slow courtship. Check the review: BeNaughty. Try BeNaughty for free
For the most discreet option on the list, Ashley Madison and Heated Affairs both lean clearly toward private, short term connections. Ashley Madison’s review is here: Ashley Madison. Heated Affairs is here: Heated Affairs.
Secret Benefits sits in the middle if you prefer a site built around direct arrangements and clearer expectations. Read the review: Secret Benefits. Try Secret Benefits for free
SDC is the niche pick for swingers, so it only makes sense if that is specifically what you want. See the review: SDC. Try SDC for free
How to date here without overthinking it
Keep your first messages simple. Ames is too small for lazy messaging, and too busy around campus for endless back and forth. If someone replies, move it forward. If not, stop feeding the dead chat.
Also, be honest about distance. Once you start pulling in Ankeny, Urbandale, or Des Moines, you are no longer dating inside one neat little bubble. That can work fine. It just means you need to be realistic about drive time and who is willing to meet halfway.
Where Ames singles actually spread out
The local pool is strongest around the town itself, then widens toward Marshalltown and the Des Moines suburbs when you are serious about making the radius work. Staying passive makes Ames feel tiny. With search filters, it opens up fast enough.
Top 8 First-Date Ideas in Ames
- Main StreetEasy to keep things relaxed, with enough foot traffic to make a first meet feel low pressure.
- CampustownBest when you want a casual coffee or drink and do not want to force a fancy first date.
- Iowa State University campusGood for a walk and conversation, especially if you both have campus ties.
- Ada Hayden Heritage ParkWorks for a walk date when you want something calm and outdoors.
- Reiman GardensA clean first-date setting that gives you something to look at besides each other.
- Brookside ParkSimple, public, and easy to keep short if the vibe is not there.
- Parks across the Iowa State areaUseful for daylight dates when you want a low-cost, low-pressure meet-up.
- The area around downtown AmesFlexible enough for coffee, dessert, or a second stop if the date is going well.
FAQ
How many singles are in Ames?
About 6,380 singles live in Ames, which is a decent pool for a town this size. The key is that a lot of them are concentrated around campus and the nearby Des Moines corridor.
Which dating app works best in Ames?
For casual dating, Adultfriendfinder and BeNaughty fit the local pace well. For privacy, Ashley Madison or Victoria Milan make more sense.
Is Ames too small for online dating?
No, but you need to use radius search well. Ames by itself is modest, yet the pool gets better when you include nearby places like Ankeny, Urbandale, and Des Moines.
Where do Ames singles usually come from?
A lot of the action comes from Iowa State, plus people already living in town or commuting in from nearby cities. That makes the market active, but also a bit seasonal.
Founder of DatingScout and Author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies"
Chris founded DatingScout 17 years ago, and today he is one of the leading Online Dating Experts. He is the author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies" and the author of the Internet's largest online dating study analyzing 20 Million Profile Pictures with artificial intelligence. Chris Pleines holds a master degree in media science and appeared in numerous television interviews and publications to give expert advice as well as tips about online dating.