Median Income
$67,625
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,000
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
31/100K
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$823
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Tipton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,111
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density1,540/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,625
Per Capita$33,146
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$811M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,000
Rent$823
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$231,627
Housing Units1,428
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent31/100K
Property1,973/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault31/100K
Burglary376/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking16.0%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation823 ft (251 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute24 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Tipton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tipton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Tipton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tipton is $67,625, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tipton is $146,000, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $823 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Tipton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,973 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Tipton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Tipton has a population of 3,111 with a density of 1,540 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Tipton is $67,625, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,146 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 588 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,625 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,146 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,774 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 588 |
| County GDP | $811M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Tipton is $146,000, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,627, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $823 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,428 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $4,113 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,000 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,627 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $823 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,428 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
In Tipton, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,137. The dentist ratio is 1:1,840. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tipton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,137 |
| Dentists | 1:1,840 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,664 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 72.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,019/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Tipton has a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents, 92% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 31.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,973 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,597, burglary at 376, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tipton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tipton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 31.3/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 31.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,973.1/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| Burglary | 375.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,597.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 35 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tipton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 823 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 823 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,540/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7701°N, 91.1283°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cedar County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
659 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 268 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
19 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
73 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Tipton has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Tipton. 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 | $722 |
| Toddler | $622 |
| Preschool | $622 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $475 |
| Toddler | $467 |
| Preschool | $467 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tipton
What is the population of Tipton?
Tipton has a population of 3,111 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,540 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Tipton expensive to live in?
Tipton 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 $67,625, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,000 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $823 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tipton safe?
Tipton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,973 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Tipton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tipton?
Tipton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Tipton?
The job market in Tipton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $947. There are 588 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tipton?
The median home value in Tipton is $146,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,627. For renters, the median monthly rent is $823. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,113.
How are the schools in Tipton?
Schools in Tipton score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Tipton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tipton?
The obesity rate in Tipton is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,137.
What is transportation like in Tipton?
The average commute in Tipton is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tipton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tipton is 93.2% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
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