Living in Harlan, Iowa
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Harlan · Census data 2020–2024
Harlan has 4,891 residents with a median age of 44.6. The median household income is $57,488 (23% lower than the Iowa median), the median home value is $152,500, the median rent is $783/month.
Harlan at a glance
- Population
- 4,891
- Median age
- 44.6State: 38.6
- Median household income
- $57,488State: $75,059
- Median home value
- $152,500State: $208,000
- Median rent
- $783/moState: $972
- Homeowners
- 72.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 22.1%
- Average commute
- 14 min
Is Harlan a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 27% lower than the state median; an average commute of 14 minutes; a poverty rate of 9.1%.
Cons: Median household income 23% lower than the Iowa median; unemployment of 4.8%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Harlan
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Harlan the median home value is $152,500, 54% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $783 per month, which is 31.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,321 a month in housing costs.
Harlan median household income
The median household income in Harlan is $57,488 and the income per person is $37,556. 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Iowa: 11.1%).
Housing in Harlan: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,229
- Owner-occupied
- 72.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 27.7%
- Vacant
- 9.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1959
- Average household size
- 2.37
Harlan demographics
- Population
- 4,891
- Median age
- 44.6
- Under 18
- 21.9%
- 65 and older
- 23.9%
- Households
- 2,017
- Foreign-born
- 2.4%
- Veterans
- 10%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Harlan ›
Education in Harlan
22.1% of adults 25 and older in Harlan have a bachelor's degree or higher (Iowa: 31.4%), and 8.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Harlan
- Unemployment rate
- 4.8%State: 3.6%
- Average commute
- 14 minState: 20 min
- Work from home
- 10.2%
- Drive alone
- 78.8%
- Public transit
- 0.5%
- Walk to work
- 4.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 83.1%
Harlan vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlan | 4,891 | $57,488 | $152,500 | $783 |
| Westphalia | 117 | $77,083 | $97,400 | — |
| Panama | 245 | $63,125 | $142,200 | $940 |
| Portsmouth | 204 | $80,781 | $125,000 | $769 |
| Earling | 478 | $43,750 | $125,000 | $815 |
| Irwin | 352 | $40,417 | $72,900 | $705 |
| Avoca | 1,444 | $73,056 | $173,800 | $850 |
| Shelby | 752 | $63,654 | $162,500 | $840 |
| Defiance | 251 | $53,542 | $101,600 | $770 |
More for people moving to Harlan
Harlan ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Harlan: FAQ
What is the median household income in Harlan, IA?
The median household income in Harlan is $57,488, 23% lower than the Iowa median of $75,059 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Harlan?
The median home value in Harlan is $152,500, compared with $208,000 in Iowa.
How much is rent in Harlan?
The median gross rent in Harlan is $783 per month, about 31.5% of household income.
Is Harlan, IA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 27% lower than the state median; an average commute of 14 minutes; a poverty rate of 9.1%. Minuses: median household income 23% lower than the Iowa median; unemployment of 4.8%.
What is the median age in Harlan?
The median age in Harlan is 44.6 years (Iowa: 38.6).
How long is the commute in Harlan?
The average commute to work in Harlan is 14 minutes; 10.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Harlan?
The unemployment rate in Harlan is 4.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Harlan?
22.1% of adults in Harlan have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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