Median Income
$61,944
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,200
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
769/100K
102% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$744
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.9%
52% higher than US avg
How Tama Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,079
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density1,037/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,944
Per Capita$27,234
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty18.9%
County GDP$1,654M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,200
Rent$744
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$134,421
Housing Units1,142
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
F
Violent769/100K
Property806/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault696/100K
Burglary293/100K
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured16.7%
Smoking21.5%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation834 ft (254 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+80.7%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.25
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute20 min
Broadband79.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Tama a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tama receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Tama has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tama is $61,944, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tama is $101,200, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $744 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 769 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 806 per 100,000, 59% below the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Tama experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 31.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Tama has a population of 3,079 with a density of 1,037 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (65.7%), with 6.6% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 65% of residents, while 35% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
65.0%
17% below US avg
Spanish
35.0%
161% above US avg
The median household income in Tama is $61,944, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,234 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,108, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 699 business establishments, including 47 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,944 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,234 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,108 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,315 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.9% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 699 |
| County GDP | $1,654M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Tama is $101,200, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,421, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $744 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $717 for a one-bedroom to $941 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,142 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,683 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,200 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $134,421 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $744 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $698 |
| 1 Bedroom | $717 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $941 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,174 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,142 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.63% |
In Tama, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.2% report binge drinking. 36.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.6% report depression. 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 16.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162. The dentist ratio is 1:1,679. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tama vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.0% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| Uninsured | 16.7% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,162 |
| Dentists | 1:1,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:595 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 52.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,568/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Tama has a violent crime rate of 769 per 100,000 residents, 102% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 696.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 73.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 806 per 100,000, 59% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 403, burglary at 293, vehicle theft at 110 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tama receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tama vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 769.2/100K |
| 102% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 73.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 696.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 805.9/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Burglary | 293.0/100K |
| Theft | 402.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 109.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tama experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 31.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 834 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 834 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,037/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9651°N, 92.5738°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Poweshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
697 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 30 fatalities, 659 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
70 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
95 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
28 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
32 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
42 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Tama has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Tama. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $699 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tama
What is the population of Tama?
Tama has a population of 3,079 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,037 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Tama expensive to live in?
Tama is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,944, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,200 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $744 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tama safe?
Public safety is a concern in Tama, with a violent crime rate of 769 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 806 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Tama receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tama?
Tama has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 31.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Tama?
Tama has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,108. There are 699 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tama?
The median home value in Tama is $101,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,421. For renters, the median monthly rent is $744. Fair market rent is $717 for a 1-bedroom and $941 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,683.
How are the schools in Tama?
Schools in Tama score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Tama hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tama?
The obesity rate in Tama is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 36.0% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 16.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162.
What is transportation like in Tama?
The average commute in Tama is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tama?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tama is 65.7% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino. 65% of residents speak only English at home, while 35% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 5.2% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
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