2023 Tama County, Iowa Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Tama County, Iowa, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Tama County, Iowa Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Tama County, Iowa Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Tama County, Iowa
The following statistics highlight Tama County, Iowa population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 16,982
- Median Age (Total)
- 41.8 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 40.4 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 43.3 years
Tama County, Iowa Age Distribution Comparison with Iowa 2023
Compare Tama County, Iowa age demographics with Iowa to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 41.8 yrs | 39.0 yrs | +2.8 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.90% | 5.74% | +0.2pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 18.12% | 16.70% | +1.4pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 7.08% | 9.93% | -2.8pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 22.95% | 24.07% | -1.1pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 20.43% | 18.90% | +1.5pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 80.01 | 70.47 | +9.5 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 80.01
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 43.24 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 36.77 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Tama County, Iowa Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Tama County, Iowa
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Tama County, Iowa are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 36.12
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa racial and ethnic demographics with Iowa to understand regional diversity patterns.
Tama County, Iowa Diversity
36.12
lowIowa Diversity
33.11
lowRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 78.87% | 81.18% | -2.3pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 11.30% | 7.81% | +3.5pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 5.78% | 0.20% | +5.6pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.30% | 3.75% | -1.5pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 1.02% | 4.06% | -3.0pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.63% | 2.57% | -1.9pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.07% | 0.24% | -0.2pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.04% | 0.18% | -0.1pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 36.12 | 33.11 | +3.01 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Tama County, Iowa Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Tama County, Iowa, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $67,955 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 6,731
Income Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa household income with Iowa to understand regional economic patterns.
Tama County, Iowa
$67,955
Iowa
$75,501
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 13.43% | 10.10% | +3.3pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 10.50% | 10.73% | -0.2pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 11.23% | 11.42% | -0.2pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 20.83% | 17.41% | +3.4pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 33.65% | 33.55% | +0.1pp |
| $150,000 or more | 10.36% | 16.78% | -6.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Iowa.
Tama County, Iowa Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Tama County, Iowa, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $139,900
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 5,146 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa property values with Iowa to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Tama County, Iowa
$139,900
Iowa
$227,300
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 2.31% | 3.20% | -0.9pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 6.35% | 2.85% | +3.5pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 24.08% | 9.23% | +14.8pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 34.71% | 27.31% | +7.4pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 29.23% | 47.93% | -18.7pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 3.01% | 8.85% | -5.8pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.31% | 0.63% | -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Iowa.
Tama County, Iowa Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Tama County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 91.48%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 19.40%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 11,701
Education Level Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa educational attainment with Iowa to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Tama County, Iowa
19.40%
Bachelor's+ in Iowa
32.05%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 8.52% | 7.01% | +1.5pp |
| HS Graduate | 40.26% | 29.02% | +11.2pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 31.82% | 31.92% | -0.1pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 13.68% | 21.13% | -7.4pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 5.72% | 10.92% | -5.2pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 91.48% | 92.99% | -1.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Iowa.
Tama County, Iowa Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Tama County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 7.0%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 1,168
- Total Civilian Population
- 16,613
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa health insurance coverage with Iowa to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Tama County, Iowa
7.0%
Uninsured in Iowa
5.4%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 2.9% | 3.5% | 4.2% | 3.4% |
| 18-34 years | 15.5% | 12.8% | 11.5% | 8.3% |
| 35-64 years | 11.3% | 7.5% | 7.4% | 5.6% |
| 65+ years | 2.0% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Tama County, Iowa Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Tama County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 97.0% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 350 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 502
Citizenship Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa citizenship and nativity with Iowa to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Tama County, Iowa
97.0%
Citizenship in Iowa
96.4%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 94.7% | 92.8% | +1.9pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.3% | -0.2pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.2% | 0.7% | -0.5pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 2.1% | 2.6% | -0.5pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 3.0% | 3.6% | -0.6pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 97.0% | 96.4% | +0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Iowa.
Tama County, Iowa Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Tama County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 88.4%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.5%
- Work From Home Rate
- 8.3%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 7,906
Transportation Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa commuting patterns with Iowa to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Tama County, Iowa
88.4%
Drove in Iowa
84.9%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 88.4% | 84.9% | +3.5pp |
| Public transportation | 0.5% | 0.8% | -0.3pp |
| Bicycle | 0.4% | 0.3% | +0.1pp |
| Walked | 2.2% | 3.1% | -0.9pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 0.2% | 1.0% | -0.8pp |
| Worked from home | 8.3% | 9.9% | -1.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Iowa.
Tama County, Iowa Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Tama County, Iowa by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 7,979
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa employment patterns with Iowa to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Tama County, Iowa
6.1% (M) / 9.0% (F)
Government Employment in Iowa
5.8% (M) / 8.8% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 43.1% F: 27.4% | M: 40.1% F: 29.9% | M: +3.0pp F: -2.5pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 1.3% F: 5.4% | M: 2.8% F: 6.5% | M: -1.5pp F: -1.1pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 6.1% F: 9.0% | M: 5.8% F: 8.8% | M: +0.3pp F: +0.2pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 4.8% F: 2.8% | M: 3.5% F: 2.2% | M: +1.3pp F: +0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Iowa.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Tama County, Iowa Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Tama County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 1,107
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
368 veterans (33.2%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa veteran demographics with Iowa to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Tama County, Iowa
1,107
Total Veterans in Iowa
166,552
- Tama County, Iowa: Vietnam Era Only (33.2%)
- Iowa: Vietnam Era Only (34.8%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 33.2% (368) | 34.8% (58,027) | -1.6pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 18.7% (207) | 15.4% (25,649) | +3.3pp |
| Gulf War Only | 10.8% (120) | 13.2% (21,986) | -2.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 9.1% (101) | 14.4% (24,039) | -5.3pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 9.1% (101) | 7.5% (12,569) | +1.6pp |
| Korean War Only | 7.7% (85) | 5.9% (9,768) | +1.8pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 6.4% (71) | 5.3% (8,842) | +1.1pp |
| WWII Only | 1.7% (19) | 1.6% (2,684) | +0.1pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 1.7% (19) | 0.3% (531) | +1.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.7% (8) | 0.3% (474) | +0.4pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.5% (5) | 0.8% (1,379) | -0.3pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.3% (3) | 0.2% (313) | +0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Tama County, Iowa Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following data categorizes families in Tama County, Iowa by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 11.1% (498 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 31.9% (1,434 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 57.0% (2,558 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa poverty levels with Iowa to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Tama County, Iowa
11.1%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Iowa
7.4%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 11.1% (498) | 7.4% (61,599) | +3.7pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 31.9% (1,434) | 28.1% (233,723) | +3.8pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 57.0% (2,558) | 64.5% (537,550) | -7.5pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 4.9% | 3.4% | +1.5pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 2.7% | 1.8% | +0.9pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 3.5% | 2.3% | +1.2pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 1.8% | 2.8% | -1.0pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 3.3% | 3.0% | +0.3pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.2% | 3.2% | -1.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Iowa.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Tama County, Iowa SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Tama County, Iowa
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Tama County, Iowa, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 688 (10.22% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 376 (54.65% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 6,731
SNAP Participation Comparison with Iowa
Compare Tama County, Iowa SNAP participation with Iowa to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Tama County, Iowa
10.22%
688 householdsSNAP Participation in Iowa
8.18%
109,948 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Tama County, Iowa | Iowa | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 10.76% (74) | 1.89% (13) | 14.79% (16,264) | 6.66% (7,325) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 7.12% (49) | 5.38% (37) | 5.47% (6,009) | 1.63% (1,788) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 35.03% (241) | 1.45% (10) | 28.96% (31,837) | 5.34% (5,876) |
| Nonfamily Households | 1.74% (12) | 36.63% (252) | 0.38% (418) | 36.77% (40,431) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 688 (10.22% of households) | 109,948 (8.18% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.