Living in Harlan, Kentucky
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Harlan · Census data 2020–2024
Harlan has 2,160 residents with a median age of 40.8. The median household income is $32,408 (49% lower than the Kentucky median), the median home value is $89,200, the median rent is $543/month.
Harlan at a glance
- Population
- 2,160
- Median age
- 40.8State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $32,408State: $63,726
- Median home value
- $89,200State: $205,600
- Median rent
- $543/moState: $967
- Homeowners
- 41.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 26.2%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Harlan a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 57% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 49% lower than the Kentucky median; unemployment of 12%; a poverty rate of 33.1%.
The weather is best in May–June and September–October.
Cost of living in Harlan
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Harlan the median home value is $89,200, 73% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $543 per month, which is 29.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,095 a month in housing costs.
Harlan median household income
The median household income in Harlan is $32,408 and the income per person is $22,316. 33.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Kentucky: 16.1%).
Housing in Harlan: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,178
- Owner-occupied
- 41.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 58.8%
- Vacant
- 11.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1964
- Average household size
- 2.06
Harlan demographics
- Population
- 2,160
- Median age
- 40.8
- Under 18
- 22.6%
- 65 and older
- 17.5%
- Households
- 1,047
- Foreign-born
- 0.6%
- Veterans
- 4.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Harlan ›
Education in Harlan
26.2% of adults 25 and older in Harlan have a bachelor's degree or higher (Kentucky: 27.6%), and 14% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Harlan
- Unemployment rate
- 12%State: 4.9%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 4.7%
- Drive alone
- 76.2%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 3.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 85.9%
Harlan vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlan | 2,160 | $32,408 | $89,200 | $543 |
| Loyall | 388 | $52,734 | $75,900 | $672 |
| Coxton | 137 | $21,553 | $94,400 | — |
| Ages | 385 | $34,063 | $64,400 | — |
| South Wallins | 765 | $26,336 | $55,300 | — |
| Evarts | 648 | $34,007 | $71,400 | $673 |
| Coldiron | 193 | $58,690 | $90,500 | — |
| Pathfork | 542 | $49,571 | — | — |
| Jonesville | 1,308 | $18,421 | $115,400 | $576 |
More for people moving to Harlan
Harlan ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Harlan: FAQ
What is the median household income in Harlan, KY?
The median household income in Harlan is $32,408, 49% lower than the Kentucky median of $63,726 (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 $89,200, compared with $205,600 in Kentucky.
How much is rent in Harlan?
The median gross rent in Harlan is $543 per month, about 29.7% of household income.
Is Harlan, KY a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 57% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes. Minuses: median household income 49% lower than the Kentucky median; unemployment of 12%; a poverty rate of 33.1%.
What is the median age in Harlan?
The median age in Harlan is 40.8 years (Kentucky: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Harlan?
The average commute to work in Harlan is 22 minutes; 4.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Harlan?
The unemployment rate in Harlan is 12% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Harlan?
26.2% 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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