Median Income
$54,923
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.6%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$856
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How Harlan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,896
Median Age48.2 yrs
Density1,108/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,923
Per Capita$36,327
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty12.0%
County GDP$1,051M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$856
Ownership68.3%
Zillow$197,350
Housing Units2,473
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property188/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault104/100K
Burglary42/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.0%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,272 ft (388 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.6%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score6.35
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute14 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Harlan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harlan receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Harlan is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 188 per 100,000, 90% below the national average.
Education
21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Harlan has a population of 4,896 with a density of 1,108 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 48.2 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.2yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Harlan is $54,923, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,327. The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 444 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,923 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,327 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 444 |
| County GDP | $1,051M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Harlan is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,350, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $856 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,473 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,339 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,350 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $856 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.7% |
| Housing Units | 2,473 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Harlan, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.6% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,962. The dentist ratio is 1:1,664. 51.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harlan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,962 |
| Dentists | 1:1,664 |
| Mental Health | 1:656 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,814/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Harlan has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 104.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 41.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 188 per 100,000, 90% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 125, burglary at 42, vehicle theft at 21 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Harlan receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harlan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.0/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 41.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 104.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 187.7/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| Burglary | 41.7/100K |
| Theft | 125.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 20.9/100K |
| Arson | 41.7/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harlan experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. The area receives 30.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,272 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
556 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 442 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
57 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
90 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
42 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Harlan has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Harlan. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $479 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harlan
What is the population of Harlan?
Harlan has a population of 4,896 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,108 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Harlan expensive to live in?
Harlan is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,923, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harlan safe?
Harlan is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 188 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Harlan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harlan?
Harlan has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Harlan?
Harlan has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 444 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harlan?
The median home value in Harlan is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,350. For renters, the median monthly rent is $856. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,339.
How are the schools in Harlan?
Schools in Harlan score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.6% of adults in Harlan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harlan?
The obesity rate in Harlan is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 51.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,962.
What is transportation like in Harlan?
The average commute in Harlan is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harlan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harlan is 91.8% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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