Iowa
Harlan is a small town in Iowa with a population of 4,896. Residents earn $54,923 per year, which is 27% below the national average.
Based on current data, Harlan receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Harlan offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Harlan is $54,923, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Harlan is $137,500, 51% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Harlan experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 98.2% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.8% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $54,923 |
| 27% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $36,327 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,398 |
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 444 |
| County GDP | $1,051M |
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,350 |
| Census Median Rent | $856 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,814/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 34.3 inches |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 30.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,272 ft (388 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,108/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6495°N, 95.3268°W |
| County FIPS | 19165 |
Winner: Republican by 43 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 21.6% |
| 36% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.0% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,108/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.4 sq mi |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Retail Stores | 44 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 14.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |