Business Opportunities in Ames, IA

Data-driven insights using Gap Ratio analysis to identify underserved markets

Population

0.1M

High Demand

Moderate Demand

High Confidence

📊 How Gap Ratio Works

Gap Ratio = National Density / Local Density. Higher ratios indicate underserved markets. A ratio of 2.0x means this area has 50% fewer businesses per capita than the national average.

≥1.5x High Demand

1.1-1.5x Moderate

0.9-1.1x Balanced

<0.9x Saturated

Top Opportunities (Sorted by Gap Ratio)

Creative Professional

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

High Confidence

4.1xGap Ratio

75% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Freelance ArtistIndependent Writer

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.97/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

7115

Creative Professional

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

High Confidence

4.1xGap Ratio

75% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Freelance ArtistIndependent Writer

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.97/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

71151

commercial

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

High Confidence

4.1xGap Ratio

75% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.97/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

711510

Business Consultant

Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services

High Confidence

3.4xGap Ratio

70% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Corporate AdvisorManagement Consulting

Local Density

1.90/10k

National Avg

6.43/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5416

Computer Systems Design Services Business

Computer Systems Design Services

High Confidence

3.1xGap Ratio

68% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Computer Systems Design Services ServiceProfessional Computer

Local Density

0.48/10k

National Avg

1.48/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

541512

Cargo Transport

General Freight Trucking

High Confidence

3.0xGap Ratio

67% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Delivery ServiceFreight Hauling

Local Density

1.03/10k

National Avg

3.14/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

4841

Cargo Transport

General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance

High Confidence

2.8xGap Ratio

64% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Delivery ServiceFreight Hauling

Local Density

0.63/10k

National Avg

1.77/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

48412

Cargo Transport

General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload

High Confidence

2.6xGap Ratio

62% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Delivery ServiceFreight Hauling

Local Density

0.56/10k

National Avg

1.45/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

484121

Motion Picture and Video Industries Business

Motion Picture and Video Industries

High Confidence

2.4xGap Ratio

59% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Motion Picture and Video Industries ServiceProfessional Motion

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.57/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5121

Professional Specialized

Specialized Design Services

High Confidence

2.4xGap Ratio

58% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Specialized Design Services BusinessSpecialized Design Services Service

Local Density

0.40/10k

National Avg

0.95/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5414

Concierge Service

Other Personal Services

2.3xGap Ratio

56% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Errand ServicePersonal Shopper

Local Density

0.71/10k

National Avg

1.64/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

8129

Professional Used

Used Car Dealers

2.3xGap Ratio

56% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Used Car Dealers BusinessUsed Car Dealers Service

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.54/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

44112

Antique auto dealers Light truck dealers

Used Car Dealers

2.3xGap Ratio

56% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

passenger and cargo vanssport utility vehicles

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.54/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

441120

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Business

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

High Confidence

2.3xGap Ratio

56% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services ServiceProfessional All

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.53/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

54199

Appraisal (except real estate) services Marine surveyor (i

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

High Confidence

2.3xGap Ratio

56% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.53/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

541990

manicures

Nail Salons

2.2xGap Ratio

55% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

nail extensionspedicures

Local Density

0.40/10k

National Avg

0.88/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

812113

advertising material distribution services

Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services

2.0xGap Ratio

51% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

direct mail advertisingindependent media representation

Local Density

0.48/10k

National Avg

0.97/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5418

offices of notaries

Legal Services

2.0xGap Ratio

49% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

paralegal servicesthose offered by offices of lawyers

Local Density

2.70/10k

National Avg

5.29/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5411

Boutique

Specialty Food Retailers

1.9xGap Ratio

49% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Retail ShopSpecialty Retailer

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.46/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

4452

Day spas Depilatory or electrolysis (i

Other Personal Care Services

1.8xGap Ratio

44% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.48/10k

National Avg

0.86/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

81219

hospitals or HMO medical centers

Offices of All Other Health Practitioners

High Confidence

1.7xGap Ratio

42% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.63/10k

National Avg

1.09/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

62139

Day spas Depilatory or electrolysis (i

Other Personal Care Services

1.6xGap Ratio

39% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.48/10k

National Avg

0.78/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

812199

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors Business

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

1.6xGap Ratio

38% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors ServiceProfessional Electrical

Local Density

1.35/10k

National Avg

2.19/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

23821

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors Business

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

1.6xGap Ratio

38% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors ServiceProfessional Electrical

Local Density

1.35/10k

National Avg

2.19/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

238210

Escrow Services

Other Activities Related to Real Estate

High Confidence

1.6xGap Ratio

37% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Property ManagementReal Estate Appraisal

Local Density

0.32/10k

National Avg

0.50/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

53139

Escrow Services

Other Activities Related to Real Estate

High Confidence

1.6xGap Ratio

37% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Property ManagementReal Estate Appraisal

Local Density

0.32/10k

National Avg

0.50/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

531390

Professional Tax

Tax Preparation Services

1.6xGap Ratio

37% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Tax Preparation Services BusinessTax Preparation Services Service

Local Density

0.40/10k

National Avg

0.63/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

541213

hospitals or HMO medical centers

Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners

High Confidence

1.6xGap Ratio

35% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.56/10k

National Avg

0.86/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

621399

Computer Systems Design and Related Services Business

Computer Systems Design and Related Services

High Confidence

1.4xGap Ratio

29% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Computer Systems Design and Related Services ServiceProfessional Computer

Local Density

2.86/10k

National Avg

4.02/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5415

Computer Systems Design and Related Services Business

Computer Systems Design and Related Services

High Confidence

1.4xGap Ratio

29% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Computer Systems Design and Related Services ServiceProfessional Computer

Local Density

2.86/10k

National Avg

4.02/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

54151

barber and beauty shops

Personal Care Services

1.4xGap Ratio

29% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

that provide appearance care services to individual consumers

Local Density

3.33/10k

National Avg

4.69/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

8121

Building Finishing Contractors Business

Building Finishing Contractors

High Confidence

1.4xGap Ratio

27% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Building Finishing Contractors ServiceProfessional Building

Local Density

2.62/10k

National Avg

3.58/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

2383

Office Administrative Services Business

Office Administrative Services

1.4xGap Ratio

27% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Office Administrative Services ServiceProfessional Office

Local Density

0.63/10k

National Avg

0.87/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5611

Office Administrative Services Business

Office Administrative Services

1.4xGap Ratio

27% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Office Administrative Services ServiceProfessional Office

Local Density

0.63/10k

National Avg

0.87/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

56111

financial planning

Office Administrative Services

1.4xGap Ratio

27% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Local Density

0.63/10k

National Avg

0.87/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

561110

all trailers or (2) engine repair and replacement

General Automotive Repair

1.4xGap Ratio

26% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

passenger carstrucks

Local Density

1.67/10k

National Avg

2.25/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

811111

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings Business

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings

High Confidence

1.3xGap Ratio

24% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings ServiceProfessional Other

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.31/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

56179

Building exterior cleaning services (except sandblasting

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings

High Confidence

1.3xGap Ratio

24% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.31/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

561790

Barber shops Hair stylist shops Beauty salons Nail salons Cosmetology salons Cross-References

Hair, Nail, and Skin Care Services

1.3xGap Ratio

24% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Local Density

2.78/10k

National Avg

3.66/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

81211

all trailers

Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance

1.3xGap Ratio

21% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

passenger carstrucks

Local Density

1.98/10k

National Avg

2.51/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

81111

dwellings

Lessors of Real Estate

High Confidence

1.3xGap Ratio

20% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) primarily engaged in leasing buildingsor other real estate property to others

Local Density

3.09/10k

National Avg

3.86/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5311

Accountant

Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services

1.2xGap Ratio

18% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Bookkeeping ServiceCPA

Local Density

3.17/10k

National Avg

3.88/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5412

auditing of accounting records

Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services

1.2xGap Ratio

18% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

billingbookkeeping

Local Density

3.17/10k

National Avg

3.88/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

54121

collecting rents and overseeing other services (e

Real Estate Property Managers

1.2xGap Ratio

16% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

such as collecting rents and overseeing other services (e

Local Density

1.82/10k

National Avg

2.16/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

53131

Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors Business

Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors

1.2xGap Ratio

15% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors ServiceProfessional Foundation

Local Density

2.46/10k

National Avg

2.88/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

2381

Computer Repair

Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance

1.1xGap Ratio

13% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Electronics TechnicianIT Repair

Local Density

0.32/10k

National Avg

0.37/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

8113

Computer Repair

Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance

1.1xGap Ratio

13% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Electronics TechnicianIT Repair

Local Density

0.32/10k

National Avg

0.37/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

81131

Computer Repair

Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance

1.1xGap Ratio

13% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Electronics TechnicianIT Repair

Local Density

0.32/10k

National Avg

0.37/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

811310

Custom Home Construction

Residential Building Construction

High Confidence

1.1xGap Ratio

12% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Home Addition ServicesHome Builder

Local Density

5.39/10k

National Avg

6.08/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

2361

hospitals or HMO medical centers

Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists

High Confidence

1.1xGap Ratio

11% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Local Density

0.24/10k

National Avg

0.27/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

621112

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