Tama County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,868
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,781/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,595
0.0% year-over-year change

Tama County population

How many people live in Tama County

Tama County is home to 16,868 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Tama County locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
16,868
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
8,485
Female
49.7%
8,383
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,485 50.3% -1.3%
Female 8,383 49.7% -0.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Tama County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,287 19.5% -1.6%
15 to 24 2,028 12% 4.4%
25 to 44 3,706 22% -2.4%
45 to 64 4,310 25.6% -2.8%
Over 65 3,537 21% 2.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Tama County, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,127 95.6% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 274 1.6% -31.0%
Non-citizens 467 2.8% -7.0%
Racial breakdown
White
79.8%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
6.1%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 13,459 79.8%
Black or African American 207 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,029 6.1%
Asian 116 0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0%
Two or more races 1,691 10%
Other 360 2.1%

Households in Tama County

A peek inside Tama County households

Tama County has 6,720 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.7% are families, while the remaining 31.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,720
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,104
Family households
4,616
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,104 31.3% -6.1%
Family households 4,616 68.7% 2.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Tama County

The housing landscape of Tama County

Tama County's housing consists of 7,595 units, with 88.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,595
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,701 88.2%
1 unit, attached 63 0.8%
2 units 69 0.9%
3 or 4 units 185 2.4%
5 to 9 units 143 1.9%
10 to 19 units 129 1.7%
20 to 49 units 49 0.6%
50 or more units 12 0.2%
Mobile home 243 3.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0%
Homes built since 2020
36
176.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tama County

In Tama County, the median construction year is 1957. About 38.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,895 38.1% -1.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 286 3.8% -24.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 826 10.9% 0.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 850 11.2% 2.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 876 11.5% 2.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 435 5.7% 5.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 511 6.7% 1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 676 8.9% 10.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 204 2.7% -13.9%
Built in 2020 or later 36 0.5% 176.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Tama County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,720 occupied housing units in Tama County, 76% are owner-occupied, while 24% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,720
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,616
Owner occupied
5,104
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,616 24% 2.0%
Owner occupied 5,104 76% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
11.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Tama County housing costs

Housing costs in Tama County come to a median of $887 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $872.

Median housing costs per month
$887/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Tama County
$872/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Tama County

Tama County education at a glance

About 46.5% of the population in Tama County went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 12.2% earned an associate degree and 13.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 392 3% -3.9%
High school diploma 5,983 46.5% -1.3%
College diploma 2,502 19.4% 1.1%
Associate degree 1,568 12.2% -4.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,733 13.5% 5.8%
Graduate degree 687 5.3% 2.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Tama County

How much people earn in Tama County

The average annual household income in Tama County was $83,931 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,781, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tama County
$83,931/year
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tama County
$70,781/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Tama County income by age

In Tama County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,333. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $88,087 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,806, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,037 in earnings. Overall, 85.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,806 -11.8%
25 - 44 $78,333 7.6%
45 - 64 $88,087 5.8%
Over 65 $51,037 4.2%
Above poverty level
13,858
Below poverty level
2,400
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,858 85.2% 0.2%
Below poverty level 2,400 14.8% -4.2%

Employment in Tama County

Workforce and job types in Tama County

The job market in Tama County is powered by 7,957 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.3% run their own businesses, 67.8% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,957
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
5,215
Blue collar
2,742
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,215 65.5% -0.9%
Blue collar 2,742 34.5% 1.0%
Employer type
Self employees
10.3%
Private companies
67.8%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 817 10.3% -6.0%
Private companies 5,394 67.8% 0.5%
Governmental workers 1,317 16.6% 9.1%
Not for profit companies 429 5.4% -19.5%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-3.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tama County stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Tama County

How people get around in Tama County

Commuting methods vary: 89.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,042 89.2% 0.8%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0% -87.9%
Ferryboat 5 0.1% -37.5%
Motorcycle 12 0.2% -29.4%
Bicycle 13 0.2% -56.7%
Walk 127 1.6% -27.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Tama County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50106 1,163 473 $101,193 $124,611
50173 705 316 $96,250 $100,477
50632 1,201 506 $71,667 $83,469
50635 1,423 635 $81,125 $88,173
50652 113 58 $65,000 $94,510
50612 369 135 $99,602 $94,091
50669 2,439 1,053 $81,650 $91,352
50675 2,198 932 $75,938 $86,491
52215 960 367 $61,932 $82,693
52217 573 202 $83,750 $81,363

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FAQs about Tama County demographics 

What is the total population of Tama County?

Tama County has a total population of 16,868 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tama County?

The gender ratio in Tama County is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (8,485 residents)
  • 49.7% females (8,383 residents)

What is the median age in Tama County?

The median age in Tama County is 41.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tama County?

The age distribution in Tama County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (3,287 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (2,028 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (3,706 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (4,310 residents)
  • Over 65: 21% (3,537 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tama County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tama County is as follows:
  • White: 79.8% (13,459 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (207 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 6.1% (1,029 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (116 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (1,691 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (360 residents)

What percentage of the population in Tama County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Tama County.

How many housing units are there in Tama County?

There are 7,595 housing units in Tama County, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Tama County and what is the average household size?

Tama County has a total of 6,720 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tama County?

Tama County has a median household income of $70,781, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Tama County?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Tama County, with a workforce of 7,957 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.5% (5,215 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.5% (2,742 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.3% (817 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.8% (5,394 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (1,317 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (429 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025