Cost of Living in Harlan, IA
Population 4,896 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Harlan sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Harlan is about 45 miles northeast of Omaha, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Omaha's $230,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Harlan
The median home value in Harlan is $137,500 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $856/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,923/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Harlan has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
Harlan has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Harlan, IA?
Harlan has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Harlan, IA?
The median gross rent in Harlan is $856 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Harlan?
The median home value in Harlan is $137,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Harlan?
The median household income in Harlan is $54,923 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Harlan, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Harlan is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Harlan, IA affordable?
Yes, Harlan is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
Harlan at a Glance
- Population
- 4,896
- Median Income
- $54,923
- Home Value
- $137,500
- Median Rent
- $856/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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