Median Income
$70,417
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Harper Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population130
Median Age22.3 yrs
Density1,444/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans80.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,417
Per Capita$19,866
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$443M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$850
Ownership87.9%
Zillow$165,985
Housing Units32
Rent Burden40.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property668/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking17.7%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation810 ft (247 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute19 min
Broadband33.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Harper a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harper receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Harper offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harper is $70,417, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harper is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Harper is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 668 per 100,000, 66% below the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Harper experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Harper has a population of 130 with a density of 1,444 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 22.3 years, 43% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.3% female and 37.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 80.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.3yrs
Median Age
43% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Harper is $70,417, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,866 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 316 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,417 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,866 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,794 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 316 |
| County GDP | $443M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Harper is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,985, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 32 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $2,438 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 40.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,985 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.1% |
| Housing Units | 32 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.57% |
In Harper, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.6% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914. The dentist ratio is 1:2,476. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harper vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,914 |
| Dentists | 1:2,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,914 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Harper has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 668 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. Overall, Harper receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Harper vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 667.5/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Harper experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 810 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 810 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,444/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3637°N, 92.0509°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Keokuk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
558 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 267 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
6 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Harper has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Harper. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harper
What is the population of Harper?
Harper has a population of 130 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,444 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.3% female and 37.7% male.
Is Harper expensive to live in?
Harper 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 $70,417, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harper safe?
Harper is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 668 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Harper receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harper?
Harper has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Harper?
The unemployment rate in Harper is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 316 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harper?
The median home value in Harper is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,985. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,438.
How are the schools in Harper?
Schools in Harper score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Harper hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harper?
The obesity rate in Harper is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914.
What is transportation like in Harper?
The average commute in Harper is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harper?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harper is 90.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 80.0% of the population are military veterans. 4.0% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
