Median Income
$30,365
60% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
398/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.5%
21% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$516
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.3%
169% higher than US avg
How Harlan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,304
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density1,694/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
D
Median Income$30,365
Per Capita$22,100
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty33.3%
County GDP$760M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$516
Ownership42.6%
Zillow$100,100
Housing Units1,058
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent398/100K
Property3,119/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault199/100K
Burglary465/100K
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.2 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,310 ft (399 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.5%
High School+81.7%
Graduate+13.6%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 12%
Commute23 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Harlan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harlan receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Harlan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harlan is $30,365, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 33.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harlan is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $516 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,119 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
26.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Harlan enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Harlan has a population of 2,304 with a density of 1,694 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.9% female and 41.1% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 4.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% 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 $30,365, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,100 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $855, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 525 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,365 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,100 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $855 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,821 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.3% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 525 |
| County GDP | $760M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 86 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,525 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Harlan is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,100, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $516 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $699 for a one-bedroom to $866 for a two-bedroom apartment. 42.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,058 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,525 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $100,100 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $516 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $694 |
| 1 Bedroom | $699 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $866 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,142 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,147 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 42.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 57.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,058 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,525 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.24% |
In Harlan, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,907. The dentist ratio is 1:3,208. 59.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harlan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,907 |
| Dentists | 1:3,208 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,688 |
| Dental Visits | 52.5% |
| Premature Death | 20,677/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Harlan has a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 199.1 per 100,000, robbery at 199.1, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,119 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,522, burglary at 465, vehicle theft at 133 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 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 | 398.1/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 199.1/100K |
| Assault | 199.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,118.8/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
| Burglary | 464.5/100K |
| Theft | 2,521.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 132.7/100K |
| Arson | 66.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harlan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 299 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 52.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,310 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,310 ft (399 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,694/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8413°N, 83.3195°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Harlan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.2"
37% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
106 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
41 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
12 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
78 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
42 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
62 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
39 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
73 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
43 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
61 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Sep 24, 1991 |
6 km NE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
132 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 24 fatalities, 334 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
7 |
| Jun 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
88 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2001 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1984 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1977 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1976 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
69 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
65 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
70 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
70 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
26 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
45 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,817 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
STINKING CREEK |
10,768 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,327 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,572 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
9,084 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,084 |
18 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
8,287 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
8,143 |
76 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,123 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Harlan has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 36°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.9") and October the driest (3.3").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $435 |
| Toddler | $404 |
| Preschool | $404 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $351 |
| Preschool | $351 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harlan
What is the population of Harlan?
Harlan has a population of 2,304 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,694 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 58.9% female and 41.1% male.
Is Harlan expensive to live in?
Harlan is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $30,365, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $516 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harlan safe?
The violent crime rate in Harlan is 398 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,119 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Harlan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harlan?
Harlan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Harlan?
The unemployment rate in Harlan is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $855. There are 525 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harlan?
The median home value in Harlan is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,100. For renters, the median monthly rent is $516. Fair market rent is $699 for a 1-bedroom and $866 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 42.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,525.
How are the schools in Harlan?
Schools in Harlan score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.5% of adults in Harlan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. 13.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harlan?
The obesity rate in Harlan is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 59.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,907.
What is transportation like in Harlan?
The average commute in Harlan is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harlan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harlan is 91.1% White, 4.9% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 22.9% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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