Harlan, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,160
-6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$32,408/yr
6.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,178
0.0% year-over-year change

Harlan population

How many people live in Harlan

Harlan is home to 2,160 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.9% of Harlan locals are male, and 57.1% are female.

Total population
2,160
-6.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.9%
927
Female
57.1%
1,233
Value Percent YoY change
Male 927 42.9% -2.1%
Female 1,233 57.1% -9.1%
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 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
29%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 389 18% -15.4%
15 to 24 209 9.7% -24.6%
25 to 44 626 29% 0.0%
45 to 64 557 25.8% 3.5%
Over 65 379 17.6% -6.0%
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, 97.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 93% of locals are Caucasian, 2.7% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,114 97.9% -6.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 46 2.1% 9.5%
Racial breakdown
White
93%
Black or African American
2.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,008 93%
Black or African American 58 2.7%
Asian 32 1.5%
Two or more races 62 2.9%

Households in Harlan

A peek inside Harlan households

Harlan has 1,047 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.4% are families, while the remaining 43.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,047
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
456
Family households
591
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 456 43.6% 12.0%
Family households 591 56.4% -4.4%
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 1,178 units, with 54.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,178
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 638 54.2%
2 units 66 5.6%
3 or 4 units 30 2.6%
5 to 9 units 249 21.1%
10 to 19 units 81 6.9%
20 to 49 units 9 0.8%
50 or more units 100 8.5%
Mobile home 5 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Harlan

In Harlan, the median construction year is 1964. About 20.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.6% 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 239 20.3% -7.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 125 10.6% 5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 153 13% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 189 16% 6.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 166 14.1% 3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 157 13.3% 5.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 26 2.2% 8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 35 3% -46.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 88 7.5% 27.5%
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.

Harlan occupancy rates

Out of the 1,047 occupied housing units in Harlan, 41.2% are owner-occupied, while 58.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,047
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
616
Owner occupied
431
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 616 58.8% 4.8%
Owner occupied 431 41.2% -1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
11.1%
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 $585 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $543.

Median housing costs per month
$585/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
$543/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 36.6% of the population in Harlan went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 11.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 199 11.9% 7.0%
High school diploma 612 36.6% 8.9%
College diploma 364 21.8% -13.3%
Associate degree 78 4.7% -31.6%
Bachelor's degree 192 11.5% -6.3%
Graduate degree 227 13.6% -1.3%
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 $47,456 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $32,408, reflecting a +6.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Harlan
$47,456/year
-4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Harlan
$32,408/year
6.7% 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 $31,367. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $38,317 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $9,028, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $30,000 in earnings. Overall, 66.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $9,028 -18.0%
25 - 44 $31,367 -5.4%
45 - 64 $38,317 3.6%
Over 65 $30,000 N/A
Above poverty level
1,435
Below poverty level
715
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,435 66.7% -6.3%
Below poverty level 715 33.3% -3.8%

Average renter income in Harlan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Harlan, their median household income was $13,859 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 47%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$13,859
Rent-to-income ratio
47%
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 676 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 48.4% are employed by private companies, and 28.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
676
-7.3% year-over-year change
White collar
614
Blue collar
62
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 614 90.8% -3.0%
Blue collar 62 9.2% -35.4%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
48.4%
Governmental workers
28.6%
Not for profit companies
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 36 5.3% 24.1%
Private companies 327 48.4% -15.5%
Governmental workers 193 28.6% 9.7%
Not for profit companies 120 17.8% -12.4%
Unemployment rate
12.0%
-17.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Harlan stands at 12%, 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

In Harlan, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 618 91.4% -4.2%
Walk 26 3.8% -23.5%
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
40831 4,789 2,167 $35,404 $52,002

Explore more communities

FAQs about Harlan demographics 

What is the total population of Harlan?

Harlan has a total population of 2,160 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 -6.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Harlan?

The gender ratio in Harlan is as follows:
  • 42.9% males (927 residents)
  • 57.1% females (1,233 residents)

What is the median age in Harlan?

The median age in Harlan is 40.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Harlan?

The age distribution in Harlan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (389 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (209 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29% (626 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (557 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (379 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Harlan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Harlan is as follows:
  • White: 93% (2,008 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.7% (58 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (32 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (62 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.9% of the population in Harlan.

How many housing units are there in Harlan?

There are 1,178 housing units in Harlan, reflecting a 0.0% 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 1,047 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Harlan?

Harlan has a median household income of $32,408, representing a +6.7% 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 88% in Harlan, with a workforce of 676 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.8% (614 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.2% (62 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (36 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.4% (327 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.6% (193 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.8% (120 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