Hartley, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,553
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,656/yr
12.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
797
0.1% year-over-year change

Hartley population

How many people live in Hartley

Hartley is home to 1,553 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Hartley locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
1,553
-2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
761
Female
51%
792
Value Percent YoY change
Male 761 49% -3.2%
Female 792 51% -1.2%
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 Hartley is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.5% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.6% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.5%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
19.6%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
26.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 209 13.5% -1.9%
15 to 24 223 14.4% 10.9%
25 to 44 305 19.6% -5.0%
45 to 64 401 25.8% -2.4%
Over 65 415 26.7% -6.1%
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 Hartley, 97.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.3% 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
97.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,508 97.1% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9 0.6% 80.0%
Non-citizens 36 2.3% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.5%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 1,441 92.8%
Black or African American 5 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.6%
Two or more races 55 3.5%
Other 42 2.7%

Households in Hartley

A peek inside Hartley households

Hartley has 712 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.5% are families, while the remaining 44.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
712
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
317
Family households
395
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 317 44.5% -6.8%
Family households 395 55.5% 2.1%
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 Hartley

The housing landscape of Hartley

Hartley's housing consists of 797 units, with 82.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.3% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
797
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 659 82.7%
1 unit, attached 50 6.3%
3 or 4 units 43 5.4%
5 to 9 units 24 3%
10 to 19 units 17 2.1%
20 to 49 units 2 0.2%
Mobile home 2 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hartley

In Hartley, the median construction year is 1961. About 28.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 226 28.4% -8.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 49 6.2% -25.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 113 14.2% 10.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 110 13.8% 27.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 134 16.8% 42.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 27 3.4% -49.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 91 11.4% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 27 3.4% 8.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 20 2.5% -37.5%
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.

Hartley occupancy rates

Out of the 712 occupied housing units in Hartley, 79.8% are owner-occupied, while 20.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
712
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
144
Owner occupied
568
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 144 20.2% -16.8%
Owner occupied 568 79.8% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
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.

Hartley housing costs

Housing costs in Hartley come to a median of $726 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $779.

Median housing costs per month
$726/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 Hartley
$779/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 Hartley

Hartley education at a glance

About 44.4% of the population in Hartley went to high school, while 27% pursued college studies. Another 12.3% earned an associate degree and 10.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 41 3.2% 0.0%
High school diploma 569 44.4% -11.7%
College diploma 346 27% 7.8%
Associate degree 157 12.3% 9.0%
Bachelor's degree 132 10.3% -15.9%
Graduate degree 36 2.8% 63.6%
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 Hartley

How much people earn in Hartley

The average annual household income in Hartley was $67,323 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,656, reflecting a +12.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hartley
$67,323/year
7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hartley
$57,656/year
12.8% year-over-year change

Hartley income by age

In Hartley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,625. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,125 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,688, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,750 in earnings. Overall, 87.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,688 4.4%
25 - 44 $85,625 31.0%
45 - 64 $73,125 5.8%
Over 65 $40,750 30.0%
Above poverty level
1,283
Below poverty level
182
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,283 87.6% 1.8%
Below poverty level 182 12.4% -20.9%

Average renter income in Hartley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Hartley, their median household income was $28,438 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,438
Rent-to-income ratio
32.9%
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 Hartley

Workforce and job types in Hartley

The job market in Hartley is powered by 786 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.3% run their own businesses, 65.4% are employed by private companies, and 7.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
786
4.4% year-over-year change
White collar
489
Blue collar
297
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 489 62.2% 1.9%
Blue collar 297 37.8% 8.8%
Employer type
Self employees
12.3%
Private companies
65.4%
Governmental workers
7.8%
Not for profit companies
14.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 97 12.3% 1.0%
Private companies 514 65.4% 0.6%
Governmental workers 61 7.8% 48.8%
Not for profit companies 114 14.5% 8.6%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
-16.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hartley stands at 2.5%, 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 Hartley

How people get around in Hartley

Commuting methods vary: 88.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.5% 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 691 88.2% 1.0%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.5% 33.3%
Walk 35 4.5% 34.6%
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 Hartley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51346 2,247 963 $72,426 $84,500

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FAQs about Hartley demographics 

What is the total population of Hartley?

Hartley has a total population of 1,553 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 -2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hartley?

The gender ratio in Hartley is as follows:
  • 49% males (761 residents)
  • 51% females (792 residents)

What is the median age in Hartley?

The median age in Hartley is 47.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hartley?

The age distribution in Hartley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.5% (209 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (223 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.6% (305 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (401 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.7% (415 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hartley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hartley is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (1,441 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (5 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.5% (55 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (42 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.1% of the population in Hartley.

How many housing units are there in Hartley?

There are 797 housing units in Hartley, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Hartley has a total of 712 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hartley?

Hartley has a median household income of $57,656, representing a +12.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.5% in Hartley, with a workforce of 786 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.2% (489 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.8% (297 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.3% (97 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.4% (514 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.8% (61 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.5% (114 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