Median Income
$69,653
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$348,900
24% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
221/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.3%
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Harper Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,199
Median Age27.1 yrs
Density21/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,653
Per Capita$36,483
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,193M
Commute24 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$348,900
Ownership69.4%
Zillow$401,604
Housing Units673
Rent Burden40.2%
Crime
F
Violent221/100K
Property4,033/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking13.6%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain28.3 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation2,182 ft (665 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.3%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+17.6%
School Score5.76
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband92.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Harper a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harper receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. 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 $69,653, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harper is $348,900, 24% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Harper is below the national average at 221 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,033 per 100,000, 106% above the national average.
Education
26.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Harper enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Harper has a population of 1,199 with a density of 21 people per square mile, spread across 56.7 square miles. The median age is 27.1 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.2% female and 58.8% male. The city is predominantly White (79.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.1yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Harper is $69,653, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,483. The average weekly wage is $1,087, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,559 business establishments, including 172 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,653 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,483 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,087 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,674 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,559 |
| County GDP | $3,193M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 172 |
| Healthcare | 190 |
| Retail | 220 |
| Manufacturing | 49 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,448 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Harper is $348,900, 24% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $401,604, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 673 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $8,448 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $348,900 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $401,604 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.6% |
| Housing Units | 673 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,448 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.42% |
In Harper, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,236. The dentist ratio is 1:1,378. 61.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harper vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,236 |
| Dentists | 1:1,378 |
| Mental Health | 1:295 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 190 |
Harper has a violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,033 per 100,000, 106% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Harper receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harper vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 221.0/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,033.2/100K |
| 106% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harper enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 328 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 28.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 2,182 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (9°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.8°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,182 ft (665 m) |
| Area | 56.7 sq mi (146.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 21/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.2661°N, 99.2726°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kerr County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Antonio International (SAT)
70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.3"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 3, 2015.
| Sep 3, 2015 |
7 km NNE of Leander, Texas |
M2.9 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Harvey (2017, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
258 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
295 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
135 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 59 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF4 |
49 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 1953 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| Oct 12, 2001 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1999 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1979 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 2017 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1999 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1999 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1996 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1989 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1983 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1971 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SAN SABA FIRE (12,896 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
SAN SABA FIRE |
12,896 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
EATON CEMETERY |
10,441 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
OASIS |
7,919 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
JAMES RIVER ROAD |
3,918 |
33 km |
| 1984 |
STEWAIT |
3,696 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
LOG CABIN |
3,391 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
NETHERY ROAD |
3,391 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
GARVEN STORE COMPLEX |
3,379 |
47 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,928 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,719 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
TRAINING AREA 23 |
2,696 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,654 |
40 km |
| 2007 |
ART |
2,623 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
MAYNARD CREEK FIRE |
2,374 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
HAVELAH |
2,320 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,234 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,183 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
DOSS |
1,860 |
13 km |
| 2008 |
HAVERLAH FIRE |
1,812 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
KERR COUNTY COMPLEX |
1,775 |
16 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (9°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Harper has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 47°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (1.2").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $740 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $675 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $641 |
| Preschool | $632 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harper
What is the population of Harper?
Harper has a population of 1,199 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 21 people per square mile, spread across 56.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.2% female and 58.8% male.
Is Harper expensive to live in?
Harper has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,653, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $348,900 (24% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harper safe?
Harper is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,033 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Harper receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harper?
Harper enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Harper?
The job market in Harper is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,087. There are 1,559 business establishments in the area, including 172 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 16.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harper?
The median home value in Harper is $348,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $401,604. The homeownership rate is 69.4%. The average annual property tax is $8,448.
How are the schools in Harper?
Schools in Harper score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.3% of adults in Harper hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 17.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harper?
The obesity rate in Harper is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,236.
What is transportation like in Harper?
The average commute in Harper is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harper?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harper is 79.5% White. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 80.4% have health insurance coverage.
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