Harlan, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,891
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,488/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,229
-3.3% year-over-year change

Harlan population

How many people live in Harlan

Harlan is home to 4,891 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Harlan locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
4,891
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
2,333
Female
52.3%
2,558
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,333 47.7% -1.6%
Female 2,558 52.3% 1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Harlan is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.7% are children under 15, then 16% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.9% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.7%
15 to 24
16%
25 to 44
18.9%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
23.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 768 15.7% -0.4%
15 to 24 780 16% 29.1%
25 to 44 923 18.9% -6.1%
45 to 64 1,250 25.6% -5.8%
Over 65 1,170 23.9% -3.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Harlan, 95.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,691 95.9% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 90 1.8% -9.1%
Non-citizens 110 2.2% 20.9%
Racial breakdown
White
90.4%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.5%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 4,424 90.4%
Black or African American 32 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 90 1.8%
Two or more races 171 3.5%
Other 174 3.6%

Households in Harlan

A peek inside Harlan households

Harlan has 2,017 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,017
-4.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
786
Family households
1,231
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 786 39% -17.2%
Family households 1,231 61% 5.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Harlan

The housing landscape of Harlan

Harlan's housing consists of 2,229 units, with 78% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,229
-3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,738 78%
1 unit, attached 15 0.7%
2 units 46 2.1%
3 or 4 units 90 4%
5 to 9 units 30 1.4%
10 to 19 units 12 0.5%
20 to 49 units 58 2.6%
50 or more units 46 2.1%
Mobile home 194 8.7%
Homes built since 2020
11
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Harlan

In Harlan, the median construction year is 1959. About 37.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 845 37.9% -8.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 75 3.4% -13.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 211 9.5% -11.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 224 10% -8.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 383 17.2% 5.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 211 9.5% 34.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 115 5.2% -14.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 96 4.3% 3.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 58 2.6% -4.9%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.5% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Harlan occupancy rates

Out of the 2,017 occupied housing units in Harlan, 72.3% are owner-occupied, while 27.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,017
-4.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
559
Owner occupied
1,458
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 559 27.7% -16.6%
Owner occupied 1,458 72.3% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
9.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Harlan housing costs

Housing costs in Harlan come to a median of $903 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $783.

Median housing costs per month
$903/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Harlan
$783/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Harlan

Harlan education at a glance

About 40.9% of the population in Harlan went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 15.6% earned an associate degree and 11.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 90 2.4% 0.0%
High school diploma 1,562 40.9% -6.6%
College diploma 832 21.8% 1.1%
Associate degree 595 15.6% 7.0%
Bachelor's degree 451 11.8% -11.2%
Graduate degree 289 7.6% 14.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Harlan

How much people earn in Harlan

The average annual household income in Harlan was $85,369 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,488, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Harlan
$85,369/year
7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Harlan
$57,488/year
4.7% year-over-year change

Harlan income by age

In Harlan, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,963. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,447 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,685, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $32,500 in earnings. Overall, 90.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,685 2.8%
25 - 44 $77,963 2.3%
45 - 64 $86,447 4.8%
Over 65 $32,500 3.6%
Above poverty level
4,355
Below poverty level
434
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,355 90.9% 2.2%
Below poverty level 434 9.1% -17.3%

Average renter income in Harlan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Harlan, their median household income was $32,422 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,422
Rent-to-income ratio
29%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Harlan

Workforce and job types in Harlan

The job market in Harlan is powered by 2,161 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 15.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,161
-1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,586
Blue collar
575
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,586 73.4% 4.1%
Blue collar 575 26.6% -13.4%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
15.3%
Not for profit companies
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 131 6.1% -33.8%
Private companies 1,398 64.7% -7.6%
Governmental workers 330 15.3% 27.4%
Not for profit companies 302 14% 38.5%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
-23.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Harlan stands at 4.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Harlan

How people get around in Harlan

Commuting methods vary: 84% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,816 84% -5.1%
Taxicab 7 0.3% 16.7%
Bus or trolleybus 10 0.5% 0.0%
Walk 93 4.3% 63.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Harlan by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51537 6,382 2,538 $65,000 $91,378

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FAQs about Harlan demographics 

What is the total population of Harlan?

Harlan has a total population of 4,891 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Harlan?

The gender ratio in Harlan is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (2,333 residents)
  • 52.3% females (2,558 residents)

What is the median age in Harlan?

The median age in Harlan is 44.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Harlan?

The age distribution in Harlan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.7% (768 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16% (780 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.9% (923 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (1,250 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.9% (1,170 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Harlan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Harlan is as follows:
  • White: 90.4% (4,424 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (32 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.8% (90 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.5% (171 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (174 residents)

What percentage of the population in Harlan are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.9% of the population in Harlan.

How many housing units are there in Harlan?

There are 2,229 housing units in Harlan, reflecting a -3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Harlan and what is the average household size?

Harlan has a total of 2,017 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Harlan?

Harlan has a median household income of $57,488, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Harlan?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Harlan, with a workforce of 2,161 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.4% (1,586 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.6% (575 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (131 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (1,398 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.3% (330 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14% (302 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025