Median Income
$71,418
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$174,000
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
209/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.2%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,184
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Harvard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,875
Median Age30.5 yrs
Density1,178/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$71,418
Per Capita$26,464
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$174,000
Rent$1,184
Ownership61.1%
Zillow$266,605
Housing Units3,280
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
F
Violent209/100K
Property1,397/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault187/100K
Burglary77/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured18.2%
Smoking14.0%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation924 ft (282 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.2%
High School+81.1%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute27 min
Broadband93.1%
EV Stations5
Libraries13
Is Harvard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harvard receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Harvard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harvard is $71,418, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harvard is $174,000, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,184 per month. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Harvard is below the national average at 209 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,397 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
Education
19.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Harvard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°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 37.6 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Harvard has a population of 9,875 with a density of 1,178 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 30.5 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (64.7%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 60.5% of residents, while 39.5% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.5yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
60.5%
23% below US avg
Spanish
39.5%
195% above US avg
The median household income in Harvard is $71,418, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,464 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,418 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,464 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Harvard is $174,000, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,605, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,184 (2% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,280 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $174,000 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $266,605 |
| Median List Price | $254,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $254,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $189 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.2% |
| Price Drops | 15.8% |
| Inventory | 19 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,184 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,335 |
| Rent Burden | 29.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,280 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.01% |
In Harvard, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.1% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 18.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harvard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 18.2% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Harvard has a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 187.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 22.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,397 per 100,000, 29% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,276, burglary at 77, vehicle theft at 44 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Harvard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harvard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 209.0/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 22.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 187.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,396.8/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| Burglary | 77.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,275.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 44.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harvard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°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 37.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 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 924 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 924 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,178/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4296°N, 88.6211°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
110 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
52 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
34 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
50 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
589 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 77 fatalities, 1,764 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
86 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
34 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
31 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Harvard has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Harvard. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard
What is the population of Harvard?
Harvard has a population of 9,875 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,178 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Harvard expensive to live in?
Harvard has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,418, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $174,000 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,184 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harvard safe?
Harvard is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,397 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Harvard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harvard?
Harvard has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 37.6 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Harvard?
Harvard has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harvard?
The median home value in Harvard is $174,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,605. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,184. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.1%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Harvard?
Schools in Harvard score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.2% of adults in Harvard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harvard?
The obesity rate in Harvard is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 18.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Harvard?
The average commute in Harvard is 27 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harvard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harvard is 64.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 60.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 39.5% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
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