countyscore
56.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 81.1Lawn Care 80.5

County Report Card

About Tama County, Iowa

Consistent National Performance

Tama County’s composite score of 56.6 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It provides a balanced lifestyle with few extreme scores in either direction.

Matching the State Profile

The county matches the Iowa state average of 55.6 almost exactly. It serves as a reliable benchmark for typical quality of life in the heart of the state.

Safe Living and Clean Resources

Clean water (86.0) and safety (81.1) are the county’s strongest assets. Residents enjoy a secure environment with reliable infrastructure for daily life.

Tax and Cost Constraints

The tax environment is the main drawback, with a score of 17.6 and a 1.390% effective rate. Cost of living also shows some pressure with a score of 44.8.

Perfect for Quiet Rural Living

Tama County is a great fit for people seeking a stable and safe community. It appeals most to those who value reliable resources and security over rapid economic growth.

2040608010017.644.881.168.461.161.754.78649.8Tax17.6Cost44.8Safety81.1Health68.4Schools61.1Income61.7Risk54.7Water86Weather49.856.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Tama County DNA

Foverall

How Tama County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tama County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Water Quality (86/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Property Tax (17.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.6-34.4
Cost
44.8
Safety
81.1+26.099999999999994
Health
68.4+18.400000000000006
Schools
61.1
Income
61.7+10.700000000000003
Risk
54.7
Water
86+28
Weather
49.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Tama County?

Many homeowners in Tama County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$139,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$865/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$139,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,955/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Grundy County
Iowa
69.1
Marshall County
Iowa
42
Black Hawk County
Iowa
40.7
Benton County
Iowa
56
Poweshiek County
Iowa
46.8
Hardin County
Iowa
48.1
Jasper County
Iowa
54.1
Buchanan County
Iowa
62.4

Deep Dives

Tama County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tama County

via TaxByCounty

Tama County taxes slightly above national norm

Tama County's effective tax rate of 1.390% runs about 26% higher than the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. The median property tax of $1,945 is about 28% below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Above Iowa's average rate

Tama County's 1.390% effective rate slightly exceeds Iowa's state average of 1.344%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. The median tax bill of $1,945 falls below the state median of $2,160, driven by relatively modest home values.

Tama ranks high in regional tax rates

Tama County's 1.390% rate is among the highest in its region, surpassed only by Story County's 1.472% and Scott County's 1.516%. It notably exceeds Sac, Sioux, and Shelby counties' rates.

What homeowners actually pay here

A homeowner with a $139,900 median-valued home in Tama County pays roughly $1,945 annually in property taxes. That's about $162 per month—higher than some nearby counties with similar home values.

Review your assessment for potential savings

With Tama County's above-average tax rate, confirming your assessment's accuracy is crucial. Many homeowners discover they're overassessed and successfully appeal to lower their annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tama County

via CostByCounty

Tama County rents track above national average

Tama County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, above the national benchmark of 14.1%, though median rent of $865 remains moderate nationwide. The county reflects typical Midwest rural-to-exurban pricing patterns with moderate affordability pressures.

Above-average costs for rural Iowa

Tama County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, placing it among pricier rural counties statewide. Median rent of $865 runs $53 above Iowa's typical, suggesting modest but real affordability challenges relative to Iowa peers.

Pricier than rural peers, cheaper than urban

Tama County's $865 rent undercuts Scott County's urban pricing ($958) but exceeds affordable rural neighbors like Sac ($643) and Shelby ($810). Home values of $139,900 maintain this intermediate positioning between lowest-cost and highest-cost counties in the region.

Housing cost above typical Iowa share

Earning $67,955, Tama County residents allocate 15.3% to rent or 15.8% to mortgage payments, slightly above state comfort zones. While manageable, this leaves less discretionary income than Iowa's 14.1% benchmark suggests households should expect.

Tama County: modest affordability trade-off

Tama County offers reasonable housing but at slightly above-average Iowa cost—a fair choice if local employment or community ties outweigh the affordability premium. At $865 rent, budget roughly 15% of income for housing; if that fits your relocation calculus, Tama remains viable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tama County

via IncomeByCounty

Tama trails national income benchmark

Tama County's median household income of $67,955 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 9%. This gap reflects Tama's rural, agriculture-focused economy and limited urban employment centers.

Below Iowa's state average

Tama County's $67,955 median household income falls short of Iowa's state average of $69,830 by roughly $1,875. Among these eight counties, Tama ranks in the lower-middle tier for household earnings.

Similar income to regional peers

Tama County's $67,955 income compares closely to Shelby ($67,690), Taylor ($67,279), and Story ($69,006) but exceeds Union ($56,813). Tama earns noticeably less than Sac ($70,991), Scott ($76,363), and Sioux ($84,736).

Affordable housing stretches paychecks

Tama County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% is moderate, and median home values of $139,900 remain accessible. Affordable housing helps families manage living costs despite below-average household incomes.

Build wealth through consistent saving

Tama County families benefit from low housing costs, creating space for disciplined savings and modest investment. Starting with automatic transfers to savings accounts and exploring employer retirement plans can establish lasting financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tama County

via CrimeByCounty

Tama County Boasts Low Crime

Tama County reports a safety score of 99.3, indicating a very secure environment compared to national figures. The total crime rate of 452.5 per 100,000 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Iowa Safety

With a crime rate less than half the Iowa average of 1,095.3, Tama County stands out as a safe haven. Four agencies contribute to the comprehensive reporting that tracks these low numbers across the county.

Leading the Way in Regional Safety

Tama County maintains a lower crime profile than many surrounding agricultural counties. Its violent crime rate of 146.9 is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8.

Peaceful Community with Rare Incidents

Property crime occurs at a rate of 305.6 per 100,000, while violent crime is tracked at 146.9. These numbers represent a peaceful community where serious criminal incidents remain rare occurrences.

Partnering for a Safer Community

High safety scores are bolstered when neighbors look out for one another. Consider joining a local neighborhood watch or using smart home sensors to maintain this high standard of security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tama County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Focused on Fundamentals

Tama County manages eight public schools across four districts, serving 2,594 students in total. The landscape includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This decentralized system ensures that smaller communities maintain their own local educational identities.

Solid Performance Above State Benchmarks

Tama County's graduation rate of 92.8% sits comfortably above the state average of 92.3% and the national average of 87.0%. Schools operate on a per-pupil expenditure of $7,361, which is leaner than the state average of $7,591. Despite lower spending, the county maintains a respectable school score of 55.8.

South Tama and Union Districts Lead

The South Tama County district is the largest with 1,488 students, followed by the Union Community School District with 1,008 students. These districts provide the vast majority of the county's educational services. There are zero charter schools in the county, maintaining a purely traditional public school landscape.

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Areas

Seven of the eight schools in Tama County are in rural locales, with only one in a town setting. Average enrollment is 324 students per school, with South Tama County Elementary being the largest at 593 students. This creates a close-knit learning environment where teachers can focus on individual student needs.

Community-Focused Living in Tama County

Strong graduation rates and a rural atmosphere make Tama County a great choice for families seeking a slower pace of life. Educational stability is a key selling point for local real estate. Explore homes in districts like South Tama where schools are the heartbeat of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tama County

via RiskByCounty

Tama County risk moderately above average

Tama County's composite risk score of 45.32 with a Relatively Low rating exceeds the national average by roughly 14 percent. This reflects moderate, manageable exposure to natural hazards overall.

Tama sits near Iowa's middle risk level

At 45.32, Tama County modestly exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it slightly above the middle of the state's risk spectrum. Multiple Iowa counties rank both lower and considerably higher.

Tama occupies the moderate-risk zone

Tama County's 45.32 score falls between safer neighbors like Shelby County (22.77) and higher-risk Story County (68.83). It represents a middle ground in its region's risk profile.

Wildfire and tornado risks are elevated

Wildfire risk (65.49) stands unusually high for central Iowa, while tornado risk (57.41) remains a consistent threat. Flood risk (42.40) and earthquake risk (21.72) contribute to a diversified hazard profile.

Prepare for wind and fire threats

Tama County residents should verify their homeowner's policies cover tornadoes, wind, and hail, and consider defensible space around homes given wildfire exposure. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage keeps pace with home value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Tama County

via WaterByCounty

Tama County Maintains Perfect Grade

The county reports zero health violations over the last five years, earning a perfect A grade. This is a significant achievement compared to the state average rate of 25.9 violations per 100,000 people.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

Tama County's water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. This leaves the current percentage of impaired water bodies unclassified in the federal system.

Critical Focus on PFAS Monitoring

With 23 sites and 5,144 measurements, Tama County has a high density of water data. Notably, the most measured groups include PFAS and other perfluorinated alkyl substances.

Iowa River Maintaining Stable Flow

The gauge near Tama reports a discharge of 1,400 cfs, which is 88% of the long-term mean. This river drains a massive 1,882 square mile area and remains the county's primary hydrological feature.

Stay Informed on Emerging Contaminants

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the heavy local monitoring of PFAS suggests residents should follow local results for emerging contaminants. Maintaining the health of the Iowa River is vital for long-term safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tama County

via WeatherByCounty

Tama County Experiences Classic Continental Extremes

An annual average of 47.3°F places Tama County in the cooler bracket of the United States. Its weather is characterized by significant variations between the freezing winter and warm summer months.

Slightly Cooler Than the Iowa Median

Tama County's average temperature of 47.3°F sits 0.7 degrees below the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. While typical for the state, it leans toward the cooler side of the central Iowa region.

Higher Precipitation Than Western Neighbors

The county receives 37.1 inches of precipitation annually, exceeding the state average of 36.1 inches. This makes Tama slightly wetter than counties further west, favoring robust agricultural cycles.

Heavy Snow and Mild Summer Peaks

Winter brings a significant 31.5 inches of snow and a January average of 18.1°F. Summers are relatively comfortable, with only 12 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher.

Winter Preparedness is Top Priority

The 31.5 inches of annual snow requires reliable clearing equipment and weather-tight home sealing. Because extreme heat is limited to 12 days, residents can focus more on winterizing than summer cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tama County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisols of Tama County

The soil here is primarily classified as Entisols, which are geologically young and lack distinct horizons. With a pH of 6.30, it is slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.43.

Silty Loam with High Retention

The mix of 58.9% silt and 23.1% clay creates a loamy texture that is excellent for holding onto nutrients. Only 17.7% sand is present, meaning the soil can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.

Room for Soil Improvement

Organic matter stands at 2.53%, trailing the state average of 3.81%. The water capacity of 0.186 inches per inch is also slightly below the state benchmark, suggesting a need for careful moisture management.

Slow Drainage Challenges

Classified in hydrologic group D, these soils have a very slow rate of water transmission. Being moderately well drained, the land requires patience after heavy rains to avoid damaging the soil structure.

Cool Season Wins in Zone 5a

Zone 5a is ideal for cold-tolerant crops like broccoli, cabbage, and spinach. Adding compost can help boost the organic matter and improve the productivity of your local plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tama County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Turf Conditions in Tama County

Tama County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 80.5, placing it well above both state and national averages for ease of maintenance. The 5a hardiness zone is standard for the region, supporting a wide variety of durable cool-season grasses. Homeowners can expect consistent results with standard lawn care practices.

Plenty of Rain and Mild Heat

The county receives a robust 37.1 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than the state average of 36.1. Only 12 extreme heat days occur per year, the lowest in this group, protecting grass from burning out in the summer. This combination of high moisture and low heat stress is perfect for keeping lawns green longer.

Well-Drained Loam Foundations

Lawns in Tama County benefit from moderately well-drained loam soil and a healthy pH of 6.30. The soil composition of 23.1% clay and 17.7% sand prevents waterlogging while still holding enough moisture for the roots. This balanced structure is generally easy to work with and supports vigorous root development.

Minor Dry Spells Are Manageable

With only 6 weeks of drought in the past year and only 5.0% of the area currently abnormally dry, water stress is low. The county has avoided the more severe drought conditions seen elsewhere in Iowa recently. Standard irrigation during the occasional dry week is usually sufficient to maintain turf health.

April to October Growing Window

The last spring frost on April 30 signals the start of the primary growing season for this 5a zone. With the first fall frost arriving on October 9, you have a solid five-month window for active maintenance and growth. Kentucky Bluegrass is a traditional favorite here that responds well to the ample local rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tama County's county score?
Tama County, Iowa has a composite county score of 56.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Tama County rank among counties in Iowa?
Tama County ranks #59 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Tama County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Tama County is $1,945, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Tama County a tax score of 17.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tama County?
The median household income in Tama County, Iowa is $67,955 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tama County earns an income score of 61.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tama County, Iowa a good place to live?
Tama County scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Tama County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Tama County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.