La Harpe, IL
Population 1,085 · Illinois
About La Harpe, IL
La Harpe is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,085 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,028 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Harpe features a median home value of $84,200, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes La Harpe one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 582 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (446 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (85 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Harpe shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in La Harpe have an average one-way commute time of 28.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of La Harpe residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in La Harpe, IL
Compared to national averages, La Harpe has a median household income of $49,028 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,200, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, La Harpe's income is 35% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 49% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in La Harpe, IL?
La Harpe offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,028) that falls below the national average. However, La Harpe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Harpe has a population of 1,085 with a median age of 50.1 years. Compare La Harpe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near La Harpe
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Grove | 1,086 | $60,833 | $136,800 | Compare |
| McCullom Lake | 1,087 | $71,000 | $180,700 | Compare |
| Lake Catherine | 1,091 | $94,821 | $237,100 | Compare |
| Grandview | 1,077 | $48,906 | $72,900 | Compare |
| Astoria | 1,094 | $49,345 | $63,700 | Compare |
| Royalton | 1,076 | $49,625 | $51,900 | Compare |
| Warrensburg | 1,076 | $88,897 | $141,100 | Compare |
| Andalusia | 1,073 | $72,589 | $150,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare La Harpe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Harpe
What is the population of La Harpe, IL?
The population of La Harpe, IL is 1,085 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in La Harpe?
The median household income in La Harpe, IL is $49,028 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Harpe?
The median home value in La Harpe, IL is $84,200, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Harpe?
The median monthly rent in La Harpe, IL is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Harpe?
The unemployment rate in La Harpe, IL is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is La Harpe, IL a good place to live?
La Harpe offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,085 and a median age of 50.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is La Harpe, IL?
21.4% of residents in La Harpe aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in La Harpe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Harpe, IL: median home value is $84,200 (66% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $49,028. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in La Harpe?
The poverty rate in La Harpe, IL is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is La Harpe, IL?
La Harpe's population is 1.9% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.