Tama County

Tama County, Iowa

PO Box 306
Toledo, IA 52342
Phone: (641) 484-3721
Fax: (641) 484-6403
www.tamacounty.org

In central IA, west of Cedar Rapids; established Feb 17, 1843 (prior to statehood) from Boone and Benton counties. Name Origin: For either a Fox Indian chief or for the wife of Chief Poweshiek. Meaning is uncertain; has been interpreted as 'beautiful,' 'lovely' or 'pleasant' when referring to a woman, or 'a bear with a voice that makes the rocks tremble' when applied to a man. A nearby Mesquaki Indian suggested that the name derives from tewaime, associated with the sound of thunder.

Area (sq mi):: 722.37 (land 721.30; water 1.07) Population per square mile: 24.80
Population 2005: 17,919 State rank: 42 Population change: 2000-20005 -1.00%; 1990-2000 3.90% Population 2000: 18,103 (White 89.20%; Black or African American 0.30%; Hispanic or Latino 3.80%; Asian 0.20%; Other 9.20%). Foreign born: 2.00%. Median age: 39.10
Income 2000: per capita $17,097; median household $37,419; Population below poverty level: 10.50% Personal per capita income (2000-2003): $22,308-$23,141
Unemployment (2004): 6.90% Unemployment change (from 2000): 3.30% Median travel time to work: 20.70 minutes Working outside county of residence: 38.50%
Cities with population over 10,000: None
See other counties in Iowa.