Harper, IA
Population 130 · Iowa
About Harper, IA
Harper is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 130 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,417 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Harper features a median home value of $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Harper one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (29 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (4 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harper shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Harper have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Harper 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 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Harper, IA
Compared to national averages, Harper has a median household income of $70,417 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,000, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Harper's income is 4% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 28% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Harper, IA?
Harper offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,417) that falls below the national average. However, Harper’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Harper has a population of 130 with a median age of 22.3 years. Compare Harper with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Harper
What is the population of Harper, IA?
The population of Harper, IA is 130 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Harper?
The median household income in Harper, IA is $70,417 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harper?
The median home value in Harper, IA is $95,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Harper?
The median monthly rent in Harper, IA is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harper?
The unemployment rate in Harper, IA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Harper, IA a good place to live?
Harper offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 130 and a median age of 22.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Harper, IA?
21.7% of residents in Harper 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 Harper?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harper, IA: median home value is $95,000 (61% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $70,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Harper?
The poverty rate in Harper, IA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Harper, IA?
Harper's population is 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.