Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harlan, IA
Considering a move to Harlan, IA? With a welcoming small-town atmosphere and a population of just under 5,000, Harlan offers affordable living with the median home price at $146,000 and average rents around $710. Crime rates are low, commutes are a breeze at about 15 minutes, and the schools offer favorable student-teacher ratios. Enjoy four distinct seasons with plenty of sunny days, plus access to local healthcare and a tight-knit community feel—perfect for those seeking comfort, value, and a relaxed pace.
Demographics - Harlan, IA
Demographics - Harlan, IA
Harlan is a close-knit community of about 4,800 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 45. With a population density of over 1,000 per square mile and a nearly balanced gender ratio, Harlan offers a stable, family-friendly environment where diversity is slowly increasing.
Population:
4,786
Density:
1,045 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.1%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harlan, IA?
Living in Harlan is notably affordable, with a median home value of $146,000 and average rent at $710. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$146,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
87.5
Health Care:
108.7
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Harlan, IA a safe place to live?
Harlan experiences low crime rates, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 182 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,167 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a sense of safety, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at just 1 in 550.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
182
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,167
Crime Index:
1,349
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 550
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 86
Weather
What is the weather like in Harlan, IA year-round?
Residents of Harlan enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 10°F. The area receives about 33 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 64% of the year, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
The typical household in Harlan earns around $62,600, with a low unemployment rate of 2.9% and a poverty rate under 9%. Most residents have completed high school, and daily commutes are short, averaging less than 15 minutes, reflecting the town's convenience and strong community ties.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$62,600
Family Income:
$77,100
Per Capita Income:
$31,500
Income Male:
$43,500
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
14.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
25.5%
Education
How are the schools in Harlan, IA?
Families in Harlan benefit from well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Harlan Community High School. Private schooling options and proximity to Iowa Western Community College, just 45 miles away, offer diverse educational opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Harlan Community High School
Street:
2102 Durant St
Phone:
712-755-2152
Students:
460
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Harlan Community Middle School
Street:
2102 Durant St
Phone:
712-755-3191
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Private Schools
Name:
Shelby County Catholic School
Street:
2005 College Place
Phone:
712-755-5634
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Iowa Western Community College
City:
Council Bluffs
State:
IA
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Harlan is anchored by CHI Health Myrtue Medical Center, ensuring residents have local access to general and emergency services. The area has about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and a high health insurance coverage rate of 94%, supporting overall community wellness.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CHI Health Myrtue Medical Center
Address:
1213 Garfield Ave, Harlan, IA 51537
Phone:
(712) 755-5161
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harlan, IA?
Harlan's housing market is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $146,000 and an owner-occupied rate above 70%. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates, along with modest home appreciation, make it a solid choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$146,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Harlan residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with DMV services available in nearby Ankeny and accessible online. The state provides comprehensive vehicle and licensing services for new and existing residents.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.