Harlan, IA
Population 4,896 · Iowa
About Harlan, IA
Harlan is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 4,896 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,923 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.2 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 Harlan features a median home value of $137,500, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Harlan one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $856, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,304 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (1,445 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (670 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harlan shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Harlan have an average one-way commute time of 14.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Harlan 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 2.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Harlan, IA
Compared to national averages, Harlan has a median household income of $54,923 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,500, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $856 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Harlan's income is 19% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 4% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Harlan, IA?
Harlan offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $856/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,923) that falls below the national average. However, Harlan’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Harlan has a population of 4,896 with a median age of 48.2 years. Compare Harlan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Harlan
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shenandoah | 4,913 | $52,469 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Vinton | 4,948 | $65,488 | $146,400 | Compare |
| Humboldt | 4,761 | $70,661 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Iowa Falls | 5,062 | $53,051 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Le Claire | 4,718 | $100,404 | $300,200 | Compare |
| Sergeant Bluff | 5,090 | $122,610 | $287,600 | Compare |
| Glenwood | 5,118 | $69,320 | $193,800 | Compare |
| Manchester | 5,144 | $58,578 | $130,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Harlan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harlan
What is the population of Harlan, IA?
The population of Harlan, IA is 4,896 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Harlan?
The median household income in Harlan, IA is $54,923 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harlan?
The median home value in Harlan, IA is $137,500, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Harlan?
The median monthly rent in Harlan, IA is $856, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harlan?
The unemployment rate in Harlan, IA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Harlan, IA a good place to live?
Harlan offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,896 and a median age of 48.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Harlan, IA?
21.6% of residents in Harlan 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 Harlan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harlan, IA: median home value is $137,500 (44% below national), median rent is $856/month, and median household income is $54,923. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Harlan?
The poverty rate in Harlan, IA is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Harlan, IA?
Harlan's population is 2.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.