Tama, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,051
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,661/yr
10.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,122
-3.2% year-over-year change

Tama population

How many people live in Tama

Tama is home to 3,051 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.6% of Tama locals are male, and 46.4% are female.

Total population
3,051
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.6%
1,637
Female
46.4%
1,414
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,637 53.6% 2.9%
Female 1,414 46.4% -5.0%
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 is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 26.4% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
26.4%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
16.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 805 26.4% -3.9%
15 to 24 348 11.4% 10.5%
25 to 44 729 23.9% -11.4%
45 to 64 673 22.1% 12.0%
Over 65 496 16.3% -1.2%
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, 86.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.9% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 18.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,647 86.8% 4.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 64 2.1% -55.9%
Non-citizens 340 11.1% -13.3%
Racial breakdown
White
66.9%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.4%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
18.3%
Other
9.3%
Value Percent
White 2,040 66.9%
Black or African American 50 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 104 3.4%
Asian 13 0.4%
Two or more races 559 18.3%
Other 285 9.3%

Households in Tama

A peek inside Tama households

Tama has 1,052 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.8% are families, while the remaining 25.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,052
-1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
265
Family households
787
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 265 25.2% -16.9%
Family households 787 74.8% 5.3%
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

The housing landscape of Tama

Tama's housing consists of 1,122 units, with 85.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,122
-3.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 957 85.3%
1 unit, attached 13 1.2%
2 units 13 1.2%
3 or 4 units 62 5.5%
5 to 9 units 14 1.2%
10 to 19 units 34 3%
20 to 49 units 6 0.5%
Mobile home 23 2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tama

In Tama, the median construction year is 1960. About 30.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 345 30.8% -4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 61 5.4% -7.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 155 13.8% -0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 199 17.7% -24.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 127 11.3% 8.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 34 3% -8.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 72 6.4% 12.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 97 8.6% 36.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 32 2.8% 52.4%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 1,052 occupied housing units in Tama, 74.2% are owner-occupied, while 25.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,052
-1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
271
Owner occupied
781
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 271 25.8% -4.9%
Owner occupied 781 74.2% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Tama come to a median of $857 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $832.

Median housing costs per month
$857/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
$832/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

Tama education at a glance

About 54.7% of the population in Tama went to high school, while 16.6% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 9.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 154 7.2% -27.7%
High school diploma 1,167 54.7% 8.3%
College diploma 354 16.6% 1.4%
Associate degree 149 7% -22.0%
Bachelor's degree 200 9.4% 1.0%
Graduate degree 109 5.1% 6.9%
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

How much people earn in Tama

The average annual household income in Tama was $81,123 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,661, reflecting a +10.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tama
$81,123/year
7.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tama
$68,661/year
10.8% year-over-year change

Tama income by age

In Tama, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,214. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,866 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $70,450, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,574 in earnings. Overall, 76.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $70,450 4.0%
25 - 44 $83,214 34.0%
45 - 64 $69,866 0.3%
Over 65 $57,574 43.0%
Above poverty level
2,267
Below poverty level
710
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,267 76.2% -0.5%
Below poverty level 710 23.8% 1.4%

Average renter income in Tama

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tama, their median household income was $39,904 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,904
Rent-to-income ratio
25%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Tama

Workforce and job types in Tama

The job market in Tama is powered by 1,251 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 53.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 46.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.9% run their own businesses, 82.9% are employed by private companies, and 10.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,251
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
665
Blue collar
586
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 665 53.2% 0.3%
Blue collar 586 46.8% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
4.9%
Private companies
82.9%
Governmental workers
10.4%
Not for profit companies
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 61 4.9% 32.6%
Private companies 1,037 82.9% -0.8%
Governmental workers 130 10.4% -9.7%
Not for profit companies 23 1.8% -8.0%
Unemployment rate
7.5%
8.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tama stands at 7.5%, 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

How people get around in Tama

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,171 93.9% -2.2%
Bicycle 4 0.3% -20.0%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52339 4,326 1,492 $67,612 $76,914

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FAQs about Tama demographics 

What is the total population of Tama?

Tama has a total population of 3,051 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tama?

The gender ratio in Tama is as follows:
  • 53.6% males (1,637 residents)
  • 46.4% females (1,414 residents)

What is the median age in Tama?

The median age in Tama is 36.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tama?

The age distribution in Tama is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26.4% (805 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (348 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (729 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (673 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.3% (496 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tama?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tama is as follows:
  • White: 66.9% (2,040 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (50 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.4% (104 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (13 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.3% (559 residents)
  • Other: 9.3% (285 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.8% of the population in Tama.

How many housing units are there in Tama?

There are 1,122 housing units in Tama, reflecting a -3.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Tama has a total of 1,052 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tama?

Tama has a median household income of $68,661, representing a +10.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.5% in Tama, with a workforce of 1,251 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 53.2% (665 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 46.8% (586 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.9% (61 residents)
  • Private companies: 82.9% (1,037 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.4% (130 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.8% (23 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