Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Harlan, Iowa is a smaller city with a population of 4,813 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Harlan is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. The Harlan population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 48, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Harlan. With an average one way commute time of only 14 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Harlan is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Harlan and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Harlan to Iowa and the national average.
With a livability score of 79 out of 100, Harlan is ranked #1,561 in the United States and #55 in Iowa. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Harlan could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Harlan ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A-) and housing (A) Harlan does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D-). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 41 crimes per 100,000 residents, Harlan has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Harlan, the average school test scores reached an impressive 81%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Harlan an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Harlan apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Harlan meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Harlan. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Harlan are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Harlan come in at $110,900, which is 16.5% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Harlan, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 8.3% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Harlan | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.9% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.2% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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