Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tama, IA
Considering a move to Tama, IA? This small city of 2,735 residents offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $92,500 and average rent at $690. Commute times are short (19 minutes), and cost of living is well below the national average. Tama features low crime rates, access to nearby healthcare, and solid public schools. Enjoy the charming Midwest climate with four seasons, plenty of sunny days, and a welcoming, close-knit community.
Demographics - Tama, IA
Tama is a close-knit community of about 2,735 residents with a median age of 36.7, offering a balanced gender ratio and a diverse population—over 30% identify as ethnic minorities. About 10% of residents are non-English speakers, reflecting a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers from various backgrounds.
Population:
2,735
Density:
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.2%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
30.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tama, IA?
Living in Tama is highly affordable, with a median home value of $92,500 and average rent at just $690, well below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 81.2, making it easy for residents to manage housing, utilities, and everyday expenses comfortably.
Median House Value:
$92,500
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$108
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$990
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
58.4
Utilities:
94.3
Transportation:
91.7
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
94.8
Crime
Is Tama, IA a safe place to live?
Tama enjoys relatively low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,480 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are about 1 in 406, offering peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
246
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,726
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 406
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Tama, IA year-round?
Tama experiences all four seasons, with cold winters reaching lows of 13°F and warm summers peaking at 84°F. Residents enjoy about 58% sunny days and an average annual rainfall of 34 inches, making it ideal for those who appreciate varied Midwest weather.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Tama feature a median household income of $48,690 and a poverty rate of 14.9%, with the majority of residents commuting just 19 minutes to work. Educational attainment is strong, as nearly 90% of adults hold a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$48,690
Family Income:
$56,900
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
14.9%
Non English Speakers:
10.3%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
19.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Tama, IA?
Tama offers solid educational opportunities, with public schools like South Tama County High School and Elementary serving local students at favorable student-teacher ratios. Nearby higher education options include Marshalltown Community College and Grinnell College, both within a 25-mile drive.
Public Schools
Name:
South Tama County High School
Street:
1715 Harding St
Phone:
641-484-4345
Students:
460
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
South Tama County Elementary
Street:
1611 Country Club Dr
Phone:
641-484-4811
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Colleges
Name:
Marshalltown Community College
City:
Marshalltown
State:
IA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Grinnell College
City:
Grinnell
State:
IA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Tama residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Marshalltown and Grinnell, ensuring quality general and emergency care. With 92% health insurance coverage and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are readily available to the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown
Address:
3 S 4th Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone:
(641) 754-5151
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Grinnell Regional Medical Center
Address:
210 4th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112
Phone:
(641) 236-7511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tama, IA?
The housing market in Tama is appealing to buyers and renters alike, with a median home price of $92,500 and average two-bedroom rent at $690. About 62% of residents own their homes, and the area has seen steady appreciation and low vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$92,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Tama residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, located at 6310 SE Convenience Blvd in Ankeny. For licensing and vehicle services, information is easily accessible online or by phone for added convenience.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.