Tracy was laid out in 1872, and named for J. W. Tracey, a superintendent of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.

There were 88 housing units at an average density of 214.6 per square mile (82.9/km2).

23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 86 housing units at an average density of 398.7 per square mile (153.9/km2).

The racial makeup of the city was 97.18% White, 1.41% African American, and 1.41% from two or more races.

20.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

About 11.5% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.