Median Income
$43,571
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$242,700
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$492
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Harlem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,793
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density576/mi²
Male / Female43% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 58%
Veterans17.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$43,571
Per Capita$33,623
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$6,219M
Commute28 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$242,700
Rent$492
Ownership59.2%
Zillow$292,683
Housing Units1,367
Rent Burden33.8%
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking13.8%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
Rain44.8 in/yr
Elevation489 ft (149 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+87.8%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute28 min
Broadband80.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Harlem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harlem receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Harlem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harlem is $43,571, 42% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harlem is $242,700, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $492 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Harlem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.8 inches.
Harlem has a population of 3,793 with a density of 576 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.5% female and 42.5% male. The city is predominantly White (58.4%), with 6.7% Hispanic, 31.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 17.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,793
Total Population
2023 Census
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Harlem is $43,571, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,623 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,525 business establishments, including 298 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,571 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,623 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,909 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,525 |
| County GDP | $6,219M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 298 |
| Healthcare | 353 |
| Retail | 387 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,342 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in Harlem is $242,700, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $292,683, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $150,000 with homes selling in an average of 41 days. Homes sell for 97% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $492 (58% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,367 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $4,342 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,700 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $292,683 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $150,000 |
| Median List Price | $314,700 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $150,000 |
| Median List Price | $314,700 |
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Days on Market | 41 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 32 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $492 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,367 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,342 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.79% |
In Harlem, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 35.1% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 15.4% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:950. The dentist ratio is 1:1,728. 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harlem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:950 |
| Dentists | 1:1,728 |
| Mental Health | 1:706 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,070/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 353 |
Harlem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.8 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 489 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.1°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 489 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 576/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.4353°N, 82.3161°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Augusta Regional At Bush Field (AGS)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.8"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.02"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
47 km |
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
111 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
123 km |
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| Mar 18, 2003 |
11 km S of Rayle, Georgia |
M3.5 |
60 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
79 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
70 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
6 km SW of Augusta, Georgia |
M3.2 |
28 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
50 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Sep 18, 1996 |
6 km E of Clarks Hill, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
33 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
9 km E of Lincolnton, Georgia |
M2.8 |
38 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
67 km |
| Apr 23, 1993 |
14 km E of Mount Zion, Georgia |
M2.7 |
50 km |
| Jul 5, 2025 |
11 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 2 |
255 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 1 |
286 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
290 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
210 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
226 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
275 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
257 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
180 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
218 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
242 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
313 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 297 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1973 |
EF4 |
75 km |
7 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (8,427 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,427 |
69 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,084 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,897 |
39 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,772 |
39 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,165 |
56 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,968 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
C-326/327 LC |
2,852 |
29 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,796 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,711 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,654 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,532 |
38 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,407 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,330 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,262 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,228 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,216 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
C-56 RX BURN |
2,183 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
C- 80 RX BURN |
2,173 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
C-249 LC |
2,084 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Harlem has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 45°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Harlem. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193-$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770-$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385-$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852-$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385-$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297-$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482-$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815-$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926-$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770-$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193-$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963-$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89-$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39-$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72-$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156-$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578-$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482-$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193-$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385-$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815-$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $619 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $553 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $485 |
| Preschool | $489 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harlem
What is the population of Harlem?
Harlem has a population of 3,793 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 576 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.5% female and 42.5% male.
Is Harlem expensive to live in?
Harlem has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,571, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $242,700 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $492 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Harlem?
Harlem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 44.8 inches.
How is the job market in Harlem?
Harlem has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 3,525 business establishments in the area, including 298 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harlem?
The median home value in Harlem is $242,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $292,683. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $150,000, with homes typically selling within 41 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $492. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,342.
How are the schools in Harlem?
Schools in Harlem score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Harlem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.8% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harlem?
The obesity rate in Harlem is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 5.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:950.
What is transportation like in Harlem?
The average commute in Harlem is 28 minutes. 81.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harlem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harlem is 58.4% White, 31.1% Black or African American, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home. 17.3% of the population are military veterans. 22.4% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.