Harlan, KY
Population 2,304 · Kentucky
About Harlan, KY
Harlan is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 2,304 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $30,365 per year, which is 60% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Harlan features a median home value of $112,500, which is 54% 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 $516, 56% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,178 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (437 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (588 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harlan shows an unemployment rate of 13.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Harlan have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.5% of Harlan residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Harlan Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Harlan, KY
Compared to national averages, Harlan has a median household income of $30,365 (60% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,500, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $516 is 56% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Harlan's income is 54% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 38% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Harlan, KY?
Harlan offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $516/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($30,365) 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 2,304 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Harlan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Harlan
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Creek | 2,344 | $127,487 | $358,600 | Compare |
| Fulton | 2,345 | $36,037 | $61,200 | Compare |
| Horse Cave | 2,348 | $51,927 | $93,600 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 2,259 | $38,639 | $100,500 | Compare |
| Carlisle | 2,356 | $46,292 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Dry Ridge | 2,250 | $53,641 | $193,200 | Compare |
| Brooks | 2,246 | $70,947 | $203,600 | Compare |
| Cumberland | 2,234 | $35,309 | $61,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
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, KY?
The population of Harlan, KY is 2,304 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Harlan?
The median household income in Harlan, KY is $30,365 per year, which is 60% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harlan?
The median home value in Harlan, KY is $112,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Harlan?
The median monthly rent in Harlan, KY is $516, which is 56% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harlan?
The unemployment rate in Harlan, KY is 13.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Harlan, KY a good place to live?
Harlan offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,304 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Harlan, KY?
26.5% 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, KY: median home value is $112,500 (54% below national), median rent is $516/month, and median household income is $30,365. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Harlan?
The poverty rate in Harlan, KY is 32.2%, 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 Harlan, KY?
Harlan's population is 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 4.9% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.