Hartley, IA
Population 1,588 · Iowa
About Hartley, IA
Hartley is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,588 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,118 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.1 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 Hartley features a median home value of $108,400, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hartley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $698, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 796 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (554 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (173 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hartley shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hartley have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.5% of Hartley 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 7.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hartley, IA
Compared to national averages, Hartley has a median household income of $51,118 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,400, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $698 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Hartley's income is 25% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 18% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Hartley, IA?
Hartley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $698/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,118) that falls below the national average. However, Hartley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hartley has a population of 1,588 with a median age of 48.1 years. Compare Hartley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Hartley
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dysart | 1,575 | $62,308 | $156,500 | Compare |
| Corning | 1,573 | $60,446 | $84,700 | Compare |
| Guthrie Center | 1,603 | $67,679 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Corydon | 1,566 | $48,988 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Brooklyn | 1,565 | $71,500 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Monona | 1,618 | $70,509 | $125,900 | Compare |
| Ackley | 1,554 | $61,667 | $99,200 | Compare |
| Holstein | 1,552 | $61,625 | $113,200 | 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 Hartley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hartley
What is the population of Hartley, IA?
The population of Hartley, IA is 1,588 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 Hartley?
The median household income in Hartley, IA is $51,118 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hartley?
The median home value in Hartley, IA is $108,400, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hartley?
The median monthly rent in Hartley, IA is $698, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hartley?
The unemployment rate in Hartley, IA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hartley, IA a good place to live?
Hartley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,588 and a median age of 48.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hartley, IA?
13.5% of residents in Hartley 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 Hartley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hartley, IA: median home value is $108,400 (56% below national), median rent is $698/month, and median household income is $51,118. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hartley?
The poverty rate in Hartley, IA is 15.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hartley, IA?
Hartley's population is 7.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.