Story City, IA
Story City, IA

A Storied Life

Arts, culture and history take center stage here.

iStock.com/harmantasdc
Home > Iowa > Story City, IA

Story City, IA

A life in Story City, IA means one that is surrounded by arts, culture and history. Not only is this area an Iowa Main Street Community, but Story City is home to the historic 1913 Story Theatre-Grand Opera House. At first, it featured vaudeville and silent shows until the 1920s and ’30s, which were eventually phased out by movies. Residents can still enjoy movies at the theatre today. In fact, it carries the title of the oldest continually running theatre in the state.

Weather in Story City, IA

Average Temperatures

59 high / 38 low

Average Annual Rainfall

36 in

Average Annual Snowfall

30 in

Quick Facts about Story City, Iowa

Median Home Value
$225,846
Median Property Tax
$2,435
Total Population
3,375
Average Commute
19 min
Median Household Income
$75,497
Median Monthly Rent
$733

Map of Story City, IA

Experiences & Adventures in Story City, IA

Iowa Arboretum and Gardens and Treehouse Village

Year-Round Adventure: The Best Things to Do in Greater Ames, Iowa

Wondering how to spend your weekends in Story County? From scenic canyon hikes and river trails to indoor bouldering gyms and cooking classes, discover the region's ultimate four-season playground.

A woman takes a selfie while walking across the High Trestle Trail Bridge in Madrid, Iowa. The bridge lights up in blue at night.

6 Fun Things to Do in Ames, Iowa, After Work

There's always an adventure to be had in the region.

A cyclist rides across The High Trestle Trail Bridge in Madrid, Iowa. The bridge crosses the Des Moines River.

Hit the Trails in Ames, Iowa, for Exercise, Fun and Community

Discover miles of paved and off-road trails for runners, hikers and cyclists.

Food Scenes in Story City, IA

Women drink tea at Juniper and Olive Co restaurant interior Parisian bistro style Jewell Iowa.

Adventure Awaits: Must-Visit Experiential Dining Spots in the Ames Region

Looking for more than just a typical dinner out? From a Parisian martini bar in a historic small town to a retro diner with a built-in craft station, these two spots redefine the local food scene.

A pink 1978 VW Riviera bus painted with rainbows, butterflies and flowers is the home of Bellbottom Cafe, which serves artisan coffees and teas in Ames, Iowa.

6 Fabulous Food Trucks in Ames, Iowa, to Take for a Spin

The region’s thriving food truck scene has something for everyone! 

Sweet Carolines in Ames, IA

Your Guide to Great Food and Drink in Ames, IA

Whether you're looking for global fare, a taste of Iowa or a good local brew, this region will satisfy your cravings.

Healthy Places in Story City, IA

A child and a mentor participate in a custom, nature-based applied behavior analysis session at Cultivating Hope Farms.

Specialized Care in Ames, Iowa: Life-Changing Therapy and Recovery Facilities

Looking for advanced, compassionate treatment close to home? From a pioneering therapeutic farm to a brand-new $25 million youth recovery campus, discover central Iowa's most transformative care facilities.

Visitors cross a bridge across Ioway Creek at Brookside Park in Ames, Iowa.

Parks in Ames, Iowa: A Guide to Trails, Playgrounds and Green Spaces

Looking for the perfect spot to touch nature or tire out the kids? From a century-old playground to inclusive miracle fields and massive waterfront trails, Ames has a park for you.

Ames Surgery Center. The ASC opened this year and is a partnership between Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic

Healthcare in Ames, Iowa: A Guide to the Region’s Top Medical Facilities

Looking for trusted medical care close to home? From award-winning regional hospitals to state-of-the-art surgery centers, the Greater Ames area offers world-class patient services.

Make Your Move to Story City, IA

Ames, Story County, IA

Moving to Ames, IA? Check Out These 15 Communities

Region mixes college town vibe with high quality of life to create an ideal landing spot for people of all ages.

Ames, Story County, IA

Remote Workers Wanted: 4 Reasons to Choose Ames, IA

Region offers affordable small-town charm with big-city access and plenty of amenities.

Story City, IA: Where to Live Now

Historic homes in the Old Town Historic District in downtown Ames, Iowa. Drone photo.

Moving to the Ames, Iowa, Region: The Ultimate Newcomer’s Relocation Guide

Thinking about relocating to the heart of Iowa? Local residents share their insider tips on finding a home, landing a job, beating traffic and getting plugged into the community.

From treading paths and trails to exploring downtown Ames, there’s always something to do in the region.

4 Reasons to Move to Ames, IA, Right Now

No matter what stage you are in life, you'll find it all in this stunning region nestled in the heart of Iowa.

Iowa State University campus in Ames, IA

Meet the Communities of Boone and Story Counties

If you're moving to Ames and the Heart of Iowa, you have plenty of outstanding options to choose from.

Education, Careers and Opportunity in Story City, IA

renderings of Ames Event Center

Adding to Ames: Exciting New Developments Are Shaping the Region

From a $120 million mixed-use village in Huxley to a transformative downtown event center and nonprofit hub, central Iowa's landscape is evolving rapidly.

High school students participating in a Rising Leaders Academy workshop focused on career readiness in Ames Iowa.

Career Readiness in Ames, Iowa: Building the Future Workforce

How do you keep local talent from leaving? From hands-on high school business competitions to project-based corporate internships, central Iowa schools are engineering a powerful workforce pipeline.

Glass bottles of famous coca-cola drink in the fridge.

Manufacturing in Ames, Iowa: Building a Global Industrial Powerhouse

From massive billion-dollar dairy plants and precision Italian pasta lines to handcrafted NBA basketball hoops, see how the Greater Ames, Iowa, region is quietly driving global supply chains.

Story City, IA: Love Where You Live

A Cy the Cardinal statue stands near the Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus in Ames.

Public Art in Ames, Iowa: Exploring the CyclONE City Tour

Ready to meet Iowa State's biggest celebrity? Discover the history behind the 27 whimsical Cy statues hidden across the city, creating the ultimate self-guided art walk.

Ames, Story County, IA

Ames Opens Arms to All Residents

From an inclusive playground to a lifelong learning program, this Iowa city works hard to make everyone feel welcome.

Ames, Story County, IA

Ames: Where Creativity Reigns in Iowa

In Story County, you can find colorful murals, a zero-waste shop, and cricket energy bars ... yes, cricket energy bars!


Data used on Livability.com is provided from the most recent release (November 2025) by Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS). Our LivScore is calculated in partnership with AGS. Sales tax sources: Sales Tax Clearinghouse, Tax Foundation, and State Revenue Departments. Local rates are population-weighted to account for municipal variations.

Newsletter Sign Up