Iowa / Shelby County

Moving to Harlan, IA

Thinking of making a move to Harlan, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harlan, IA

Considering a move to Harlan, IA? This welcoming community of 4,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $132,000 and average rents near $760. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Harlan's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Harlan, IA

Harlan has a population of 4,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 96% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
4,900
Density
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age
43.8
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
96.0%
Black
0.8%
Asian
0.5%
Others
2.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Harlan, IA?

The cost of living in Harlan is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.5. Median home values are around $132,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $760. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$132,000
Gross Rent
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$390
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
84.5
Grocery
95.0
Housing
62.8
Utilities
103.4
Transportation
89.6
Health Care
96.8
Miscellaneous
88.9

Crime

Is Harlan, IA a safe place to live?

Harlan is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 175 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
175
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,420
Crime Index
1,595
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 571
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 70

Weather

What is the weather like in Harlan, IA year-round?

Harlan experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
12°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $55,800 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$55,800
Family Income
$73,000
Per Capita Income
$31,200
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$31,000
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
6.5%
Rent
$760
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
Public Transport Usage
0.8%
Commute Time
18.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.8%
Bachelors or More
19.6%

Education

How are the schools in Harlan, IA?

Harlan offers quality education options, with public schools like Harlan Community High School and Harlan Community Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Iowa Western Community College - Harlan Center and University of Nebraska at Omaha. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Harlan Community High School
Street
2102 Durant St
Phone
712-755-2111
Students
330
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8
Name
Harlan Community Middle School
Street
2102 Durant St
Phone
712-755-2111
Students
250
Student Teacher Ratio
13.5

Private Schools

Name
St. Michael Catholic School
Street
511 2nd St
Phone
712-755-2104
Students
120

Colleges

Name
Iowa Western Community College - Harlan Center
City
Harlan
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
300
Name
University of Nebraska at Omaha
City
Omaha
State
NE
Distance
62 miles
Students
15,000

Healthcare

Harlan residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Harlan Family Medicine and Myrtue Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 91.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Harlan Family Medicine
Address
2004 Indigo Ave, Harlan, IA 51537
Phone
(712) 755-5500
Type
Primary Care
Emergency Services
No
Name
Myrtue Medical Center
Address
1213 Garfield Ave, Harlan, IA 51537
Phone
(712) 755-5137
Type
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage
91.6%
Health Care Index
69.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Harlan, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $132,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 73%. The market has seen a 3.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.4%. Harlan offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$132,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$760
Owner Occupied Rate
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.1%
New Construction Rate
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Harlan handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ankeny. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
1-515-244-8725

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.

FAQs About Moving to Harlan, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Harlan, review the core fields on this page: population 4,900, median home value $132,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $760, commute time 18.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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