Harlan is a city located in Shelby County, Iowa. Harlan has a 2025 population of 4,899 . It is also the county seat of Shelby County . Harlan is currently growing at a rate of 0.02% annually and its population has increased by 0.16% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 4,891 in 2020.
The average household income in Harlan is $79,709 with a poverty rate of 10.94%. The median age in Harlan is 48.2 years: 44.9 years for males, and 48.7 years for females. For every 100 females there are 93.8 males.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of Harlan includes 91.83% White, and smaller percentages for other race, Black or African American, Native American and multiracial populations.
White (91.83%)
Two or more races (4.35%)
Other race (2.1%)
Black or African American (0.94%)
Native American (0.78%)
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,496 | 91.83% |
| Two or more races | 213 | 4.35% |
| Other race | 103 | 2.1% |
| Black or African American | 46 | 0.94% |
| Native American | 38 | 0.78% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Harlan's average per capita income is $42,790. Household income levels show a median of $54,923. The poverty rate stands at 10.94%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $88,611 | - |
| Families | $82,109 | $102,446 |
| Households | $54,923 | $79,709 |
| Non Families | $33,692 | $48,021 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate