Median Income
$37,813
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,100
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Harpers Ferry Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population210
Median Age66.6 yrs
Density328/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans12.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$37,813
Per Capita$35,426
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$780M
Commute37 min
Housing
A
Home Value$165,100
Rent$700
Ownership95.3%
Zillow$280,371
Housing Units582
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property52/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking15.9%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation651 ft (198 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+96.4%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute37 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Harpers Ferry a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harpers Ferry receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Harpers Ferry offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harpers Ferry is $37,813, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harpers Ferry is $165,100, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Harpers Ferry 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 52 per 100,000, 97% below the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Harpers Ferry experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches, including 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Harpers Ferry has a population of 210 with a density of 328 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 66.6 years, 71% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
66.6yrs
Median Age
71% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Harpers Ferry vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Harpers Ferry vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Harpers Ferry is $37,813, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,426. The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 472 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Harpers Ferry vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,813 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,426 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 472 |
| County GDP | $780M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,042 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.4% |
The median home value in Harpers Ferry is $165,100, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,371, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 582 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $3,042. 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,100 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $280,371 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.7% |
| Housing Units | 582 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,042 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Harpers Ferry, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 23.7% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,741. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harpers Ferry vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,741 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,519 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,990/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Harpers Ferry has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 52 per 100,000, 97% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Harpers Ferry receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Harpers Ferry vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 51.8/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Harpers Ferry experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. The area receives 35.5 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 651 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 651 ft (198 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 328/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2008°N, 91.1522°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Allamakee County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
408 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 499 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
99 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
87 km |
5 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1964 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Harpers Ferry has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Harpers Ferry. 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 | $688 |
| Toddler | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harpers Ferry
What is the population of Harpers Ferry?
Harpers Ferry has a population of 210 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 328 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 66.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Harpers Ferry expensive to live in?
Harpers Ferry 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 $37,813, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,100 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harpers Ferry safe?
Harpers Ferry 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 52 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Harpers Ferry receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harpers Ferry?
Harpers Ferry has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches, with 35.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Harpers Ferry?
The job market in Harpers Ferry is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 472 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 11.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harpers Ferry?
The median home value in Harpers Ferry is $165,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,371. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,042.
How are the schools in Harpers Ferry?
Schools in Harpers Ferry score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Harpers Ferry hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harpers Ferry?
The obesity rate in Harpers Ferry is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,741.
What is transportation like in Harpers Ferry?
The average commute in Harpers Ferry is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harpers Ferry?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harpers Ferry is 98.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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