In Harlan, the majority of households are owner-occupied. The average commute time is 13.7 minutes, less than the national median of 26.4 minutes.
Residents enjoy the close-knit community and many of its recreational activities. Residents can enjoy local music, parks, and trails.
History
Harlan TX, the county seat of Shelby County, is a thriving and prosperous city. The city is located on the west bank of the Nishnabotany River, a few miles south of the geographic center of Shelby County.
The sidewalks and streets are made of good bricks. In the last year, a number of beautiful houses have been built. E. Bergstresser’s dwelling, built in 1858, is the oldest building still standing.
Frank and Albert Reynolds, photographers, formerly of Keokuk county, Ia., learned their trade at Des Moines; came to this place in the spring of 1879, and established their present business in Sept., 1880; occupy four rooms in Coenen’s block; make a specialty of copying and enlarging.
The city is served by a branch of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad; daily trips are made between Harlan and Kirkman; semi-weekly between Harlan and Denison, and tri-weekly between the latter town and intermediate points. The railway facilities of the city are very ample.
Harlan East is a neighborhood in Iowa with a household income that is higher than the average. This is a great sign for local business and a solid base to attract people and jobs. In terms of out-of-pocket health care costs and insurance premiums, they are a bit higher than the national average for all households.
Harlan residents enjoy the close-knit communities and low cost of living. There are many parks and trails to explore in Harlan, as well as an historic downtown with a restaurant serving farm-to table food, a 4-screen cinema, and numerous antique and boutique stores. The cost of living is much lower for single adults than the average state and national. The primary employment sectors in the area include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade and Manufacturing. People in this industry are often able to find work near home. However, some may commute into the larger cities in the region for better paying jobs.
Education
Harlan Community Schools is the district that serves the community of Harlan. It is one of the leaders in the state for combining high-quality academics with an array of extracurricular activities. More than 110 teachers and 100 support staff provide education to 1,689 students in the district’s 279 square miles, which includes the communities Corley, Defiance Earling, Harlan Jacksonville, Panama Portsmouth and Westphalia.
As of the 2020 census, the median household income in Harlan was $50,379. The racial makeup of the city was 92.22% White (Non-Hispanic) and 2.58% Two or More Races.
Approximately 52% of households in the city are owner-occupied, and most residents drive to work. CDS Global is a fulfillment company owned by Hearst and one of the largest employers in town. The ethanol plant, tannery, and county hospital are also major employers. Harlan has several churches including Abundant Life Church, Bethel Baptist Church, First Christian Church, First United Methodist Church and Grace Baptist.
Government
The government of the city is well managed. Several fine improvements are being made. One of the entrepreneur citizens is building a brick opera house, which will be a wonderful addition to the city.
Here are several banks. Shelby County State Bank, the most famous bank in this area. Bank of the West, United Bank of Iowa and Bank of the West are also popular.
In general, the business men of Harlan are enterprising and progressive. The city is a very attractive place and the country surrounding it is delightfully rolling for miles in any direction.
Chicago & Northwestern Railway is likely to build an extension from this point to Kirkman. The commerce in this country will be greatly boosted by the construction of this railway. In the immediate vicinity of the city, there are many schools and higher education institutions.