Tipton, IA
Population 3,111 · Iowa
About Tipton, IA
Tipton is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,111 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,625 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tipton features a median home value of $146,000, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Tipton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $823, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,494 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (1,016 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (327 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tipton shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Tipton have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.3% of Tipton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tipton, IA
Compared to national averages, Tipton has a median household income of $67,625 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $146,000, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $823 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Tipton's income is 0% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 10% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Tipton, IA?
Tipton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $146,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $823/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,625) that falls below the national average. However, Tipton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tipton has a population of 3,111 with a median age of 44.6 years. Compare Tipton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Tipton
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solon | 3,092 | $111,597 | $305,300 | Compare |
| Tama | 3,079 | $61,944 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Garner | 3,062 | $68,964 | $162,100 | Compare |
| West Burlington | 3,184 | $48,289 | $126,700 | Compare |
| Wilton | 2,943 | $71,898 | $162,000 | Compare |
| Milford | 3,315 | $60,571 | $211,000 | Compare |
| Williamsburg | 3,347 | $65,607 | $194,000 | Compare |
| Robins | 3,349 | $122,500 | $370,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Tipton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tipton
What is the population of Tipton, IA?
The population of Tipton, IA is 3,111 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Tipton?
The median household income in Tipton, IA is $67,625 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tipton?
The median home value in Tipton, IA is $146,000, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tipton?
The median monthly rent in Tipton, IA is $823, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tipton?
The unemployment rate in Tipton, IA is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Tipton, IA a good place to live?
Tipton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,111 and a median age of 44.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tipton, IA?
19.3% of residents in Tipton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Tipton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tipton, IA: median home value is $146,000 (40% below national), median rent is $823/month, and median household income is $67,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tipton?
The poverty rate in Tipton, IA is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Tipton, IA?
Tipton's population is 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.