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 a county in Iowa with a population of 16,982. It ranks #42 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 41.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Tama County is $67,955, below the US median of $74,580. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $139,900, with monthly rent averaging $865. The homeownership rate of 76.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Tama County reflects 19.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.6 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.