Cost of Living in Tama County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Tama County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Tama County, Iowa
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.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Tama County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,586
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Tama County
Median home value is $139,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,117 vs. your max of $1,586.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.