116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Tiffin planning special census this fall
City staff estimate population has grown by more than 60 percent since the 2020 census, which showed Tiffin was the fastest-growing Iowa city
Aug. 4, 2025 6:01 pm, Updated: Aug. 5, 2025 7:39 am
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TIFFIN — The city of Tiffin has requested the U.S. Census Bureau conduct a special census this year with the hope that growth of the Johnson County city will qualify it for additional state and federal funding.
City leaders said population growth could result in increased Road Use Tax funds, which can be used for snow removal, street maintenance and infrastructure improvements. Additional state and federal funding could provide tax relief for Tiffin property owners, the city has said.
The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a census every 10 years. A special census, requested by a city, must be funded by the entity requesting it. Tiffin has already paid the cost of the special census — $370,000 — using general fund reserves.
Tiffin, located within a short drive of Iowa City, Coralville in and North Liberty, has experienced rapid growth over the last 35 years.
According to census data, the city’s population more than doubled from 1990 to 2000, growing from 460 residents to 975 residents. That growth continued and the population nearly doubled again in the 10 years that followed, increasing to 1,947 residents in 2010.
The 2020 census showed the city had more than doubled again, to 4,512 residents. That year, it was the fastest-growing city in Iowa.
City leaders said they estimate the population growth since 2020 could be 60 percent.
A comprehensive plan completed by the city in 2018 predicted the city’s population in 2020 would be near 4,900, and “potentially over 12,000 by 2030.”
“Although very large population increases are generally difficult to maintain as the population increases, Tiffin’s prime location and substantial amount of developable land will likely ensure large population increases will continue during the life of this plan,” the plan stated.
Special census timeline
The official date of the special census is Oct. 15, though residents will receive a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau beginning Sept. 3 inviting them to complete a special census online questionnaire.
Additional postcard reminders will be mailed throughout the rest of September. Residents who do not complete the online questionnaire will be visited by a field representative.
The city is asking residents who do not receive a postcard to call city hall 319-545-2572 as some new builds may not be on the current census mailing lists.
The U.S. Census Bureau is looking for full-time temporary workers to help conduct the special census. The positions can earn up to $29 an hour. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply by Aug. 8.
Other cities request special census
Tiffin is not the only Iowa city to request a special census this year.
West Des Moines requested a partial special census to measure growth in some portions of the city, according to reporting by the Des Moines Register.
The cities of Altoona, Clive, Grimes and Johnston also are requesting special census counts this year, according to a KCCI report.
Those cities, like Tiffin, are hopeful population growth will lead to increased funding for infrastructure and city services.
Comments: megan.woolard@thegazette.com
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