Cost of Living in Tipton, IA

Population 3,111 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023

54
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Tipton can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $146,000 against $67,625 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 2.8% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Tipton is about 30 miles west of Davenport, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Davenport's $163,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 48
Rent 63

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Tipton

The median home value in Tipton is $146,000 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $823/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,625/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Tipton has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$146,000
52% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,269,950
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$823/mo
37% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$646
1 BR
$716
2 BR
$877
3 BR
$1,170
4 BR
$1,287
Owner-occupied 75.7%
Renter-occupied 24.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$823
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,437/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
26.1 min
3% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.7%
Carpooled
6.4%
Walked
3.5%
Work from home
5.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.7%
Total Sales Tax 6.9%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.9%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$67,625
9% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,146
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
43% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.7%
Labor Force Participation
63.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.9%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.6
Male median age 47.3
Female median age 41.2

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,007
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Tipton, IA?

Tipton has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.

What is average rent in Tipton, IA?

The median gross rent in Tipton is $823 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Tipton?

The median home value in Tipton is $146,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Tipton?

The median household income in Tipton is $67,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Tipton, IA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Tipton is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.

Is Tipton, IA affordable?

Yes, Tipton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.