Tama County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in Iowa
The population of Tama County, Iowa is 16,982 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $67,955, the median home value is $139,900, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Tama County has declined 5.5% since 2010 (17,718 → 16,738), a -0.41% annualized rate.
16,982
Population
-0.41%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$67,955
Median Income
$139,900
Median Home Value
Tama County covers 721 sq mi of land at 23.6 people per square mile.
About Tama County, IA
Tama County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 16.3% of the population. Tama County is a county in Iowa with a population of 16,982. It ranks #42 among counties in Iowa by population.
Median household income is $67,955, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $139,900, with typical rent around $865.
Roughly 19.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 8.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Tama County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Tama County had a population of 17,718 in 2010 and 16,738 in 2024, a -5.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,718 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.40%.
16,738
Population (2024)
17,718
Population (2010)
17,718
Peak (2010)
-0.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,718 |
| 2011 | 17,613 |
| 2012 | 17,500 |
| 2013 | 17,432 |
| 2014 | 17,309 |
| 2015 | 17,214 |
| 2016 | 17,212 |
| 2017 | 17,040 |
| 2018 | 16,853 |
| 2019 | 16,904 |
| 2020 | 17,044 |
| 2021 | 16,862 |
| 2022 | 16,910 |
| 2023 | 16,787 |
| 2024 | 16,738 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 8.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,955$-5,192 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,210 |
| Per-capita income | $34,094 |
| Poverty rate | 11.1%+4.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Tama County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
78.9%
Public transit
8.3%
Work from home
22.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$139,900$-56,000 vs state
Median home value
$865
Median rent
76.5%
Homeownership rate
7,595
Total housing units
88.6%
Occupied
11.4%
Vacant
23.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.0%
With health insurance
92.7%
With broadband internet
16.3%
Foreign-born
8.6%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
88.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Tama County, Iowa has a population of 16,982 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Tama County has declined 5.5% since 2010 (17,718 → 16,738), a -0.41% annualized rate.
The median household income in Tama County, Iowa is $67,955, with mean (average) household income of $84,210 and per-capita income of $34,094. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Tama County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.5%), Hispanic or Latino (8.8%), Black or African American (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Tama County, Iowa is 41.8 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Tama County is $139,900 and median monthly rent is $865. 76.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,595 total housing units, 11.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Tama County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Tama County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.