$213,053Average Value$123Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
Schools and local industries give Harlan small-town pride
As the seat of Shelby County, Harlan is a hub for surrounding rural communities in southwest Iowa. The city’s 5,000 residents have access to health care, job opportunities, restaurants and retail, all about 55 miles from Omaha in neighboring Nebraska. “It’s a beautiful town that not many people know about, which can be a good thing,” says city administrator Gervas Mgonja, who has lived in Harlan for almost nine years. “The schools, the hospital, the jobs — the amenities overall. I’ve lived in a lot of small towns, and this is one of the best.”
Harlan students love attending Harlan High School.
The Myrtue Medical Center is part of the industry in Harlan, Iowa.
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National and midcentury ranch-style homes line shaded streets
Most Harlan housing consists of midcentury ranch-style homes and National and Craftsman builds dating to the early 1900s. Some New Traditional homes have been added in the last 25 years, mainly on the southern side of town near Harlan Golf & Country Club. Narrow sidewalks and rows of mature trees line the central residential streets, where properties typically measure under a quarter-acre, though some newer builds offer more acreage. Most lots include shaded front and backyards and driveways, plus some garages. National and small ranch-style homes sell for $50,000 to $150,000, while split-level and Craftsman-style houses go for $165,000 to $335,000. New Traditional builds on large lots sell for $360,000 to $450,000. The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
National and Craftsman homes are fairly common in this community of Harlan, Iowa.
Midcentury ranch-style homes line the residential streets in Harlan.
New traditional homes are becoming more common in Harlan, Iowa.
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Local schools serve Harlan and nearby rural communities
Harlan Primary School receives a Niche grade of B-plus for prekindergarten through second grade. Harlan Intermediate School, rated B, serves students from grades 3 through 5, followed by Harlan Community Middle School, rated A-minus, and Harlan Community High School, rated B-plus. The high school participates in the TeamMates Mentoring Program to help students unlock their full potential. The district also serves residents of several nearby rural towns. Shelby County Catholic School, which is currently unrated, also serves prekindergarten through fifth. The private school is linked to St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
Students in Harlan begin their educational journey at Harlan Community Primary School.
Harlan is home of the Cyclones and Harlan Community Middle School.
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Harlan offers highway access and regional transportation
Monogram Foods, a food manufacturing company based in Harlan, is one of the area’s major employers. Myrtue Medical Center is also in town. Southwest Iowa Transit Agency offers workforce transport to Monogram, medical transport and on-demand shuttle service. U.S. Route 59 and Iowa Highway 44 intersect in Harlan, both heading to Omaha and Eppley Airfield, about 55 miles away
U.S. Route 59 and Iowa Highway 44 intersect in Harlan, providing residents with commuting options.
Harlan residents can take the short drive to Des Moines and enjoy some of what the city has to offer.
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Shops and restaurants surround the historic town square
Downtown Harlan surrounds a historic town square centered on the county courthouse. Coffee shops, boutiques and specialty stores fill the multicolored brick buildings. The Purple Door is a hip dining spot featuring exposed brick and an eclectic menu with everything from coconut shrimp to Greek salad to burgers and Italian specialties. Mexican cuisine takes the spotlight at Mi Casa, and regional chains Pizza Ranch and The Buck Snort are popular with locals. Homeowners can shop for the basics at Baxter Lumber & Hardware, Hineline Home Furnishings and Bomgaars department store. Groceries are available at Hy-Vee and Fareway Meat & Grocery.
Downtown Harlan has plenty of local shopping and dining options for residents and visitors to choose from.
Downtown Harlan is lined with local boutiques.
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Harlan’s parks offer fishing, disc golf, softball and swimming
Pioneer Park’s paved walking trail winds through a maze of trees, past a disc golf course, picnic areas, a fishing pond and a sledding hill. Rustic wooden play structures at Dream Playground entice the younger crowd. A basketball court and small skatepark sit alongside the outdoor pool and corkscrew waterslide at Norman D. Stamp Aquatic Center. JJ Jensen Park features baseball, softball and soccer fields for youth sports, and Shelby County Speedway loops around the fairgrounds in the city’s northern section. The 9-hole course at Harlan Golf & Country Club is open to the public. Dinesen Prairie State Preserve offers birding opportunities about 6 miles away.
Residents in Harlan use the trails at Pioneer Park to walk, run, and bike.
Rocky's Skate Park offers skaters many areas to improve their skills.
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Harlan events are centered on Shelby County Speedway
In July, the 10-day Shelby County Fair features agricultural shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, mutton busting, home-baked goods, a carnival and auto races at Shelby County Speedway. The action-packed races at the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series first cruised onto the speedway in July 2024.
The Shelby County Fairgrounds is a popular space for community events in Harlan, Iowa.
Major roadways make it convenient for Harlan residents to get around.
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Photography Contributed By
Matt Pangman
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Milt Schneider,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Harlan, IA sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Harlan, IA over the last 12 months is $217,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE REDUCED - Move-In Ready! Don't miss this incredible opportunity! The owners have relocated, making this beautifully updated 3 bedroom home available at a newly reduced price. Enjoy peace of mind with major improvements already completed, including a roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC system that are only 2.5 years old. The open floor plan is highlighted with new top of the line flooring
Great family home or investment property with 4 bedroom and, 2 baths. Main floor includes a living room, large dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bath and kitchen. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and a bath and the home has a full basement. Within the last 4 years there has been a new roof, new furnace, new hot water heater, new wiring,new plumbing and the home was fully insulated. Additional new
This ranch home sits in a quiet cul-de-sac offering 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 1 car garage with many updates and offers room for its next owner to make their own improvements to build equity in this beautiful home. The original hardwood floors on the main level are in great shape. List of updated items: tankless water heater (2024), furnace (2024), AC (2023), most windows (2025), refrigerator &
This spacious 3 bed, 2 bath home offers the perfect blend of functionality and relaxed living and sits on two double lots, 87 and 88, owned by the homeowner. "No lot rent." The spacious, well designed kitchen is a true highlight, featuring ample counter space and cabinetry while overlooking a peaceful, private backyard. It is perfect for morning coffee or keeping an eye on the kids at play.Step
Nicely maintained split-level home offering 2-3 bedrooms, a carport, and a level lot in a convenient location close to churches, schools, and shopping. The main level features a galley-style kitchen, dining area, comfortable living room, and a sliding glass door leading to a 10' x 16' wood deck overlooking the backyard. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a full bath with a tub/shower combination. The
Nice 3-bedroom home with an attached one-car garage in a well-established, desirable neighborhood. The main level features a living room with a large picture window, a large primary bedroom with convenient closet laundry, two other bedrooms, and a 3⁄4 bath. The walk-out basement includes a shower stall and has been professionally waterproofed by Thrasher Basement Waterproofing. Additional
We are pleased to present the Richard Petersen Farm in Shelby County, Iowa —94± acres of productive farmland located approximately 2 miles northeast of Harlan in Section 8 of Center Township. Stretching across the gently rolling landscape of western Iowa, this farm presents a rare opportunity to acquire quality ground in a tightly held agricultural area. With very little unproductive acreage and
Are you looking for a well maintained single family home, then this could be the one for you? Very well maintained 2 bedroom, 1 3/4 baths, den and main floor laundry room. Nice floor plan throughout. Spacious rooms. Enjoy sitting on the back screened in porch at the end of the day for relaxing! New flooring and interior paint. Close to the downtown area with shopping and restaurants! Not too far
Completely redone from top to bottom, this multi-level home in Harlan is truly move-in ready! With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the layout gives comfortable living, plus extra space in the lower level with a large family room and bonus room with egress. Located just blocks from the park and school, plus all of Harlan's many other amenities, this is a must-see!
Relax on the covered front porch as this house is move in ready! 1 1/2 story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a large 2 car garage. Main floor laundry with full bath, 1 bedroom on main and 2 bedrooms up with 3/4 bath. Newer laminate flooring throughout most of home.
Renovate this 2-bedroom home with a detached 1-car garage on a large corner lot near churches and downtown Harlan. Features a spacious living room, eat-in kitchen, and 2 bedrooms. The basement offers a bath, laundry area, and storage. New shingles on home and garage! - Offered in "AS IS" Condition. - Great opportunity to transform this home. Motivated seller.
Don't miss this uniquely designed 4 bed, 3.5 bath, multi-level home with nearly 2500 finished sq. ft., nestled in a desirable subdivision just one mile east of Harlan! Step inside to a welcoming entry-level layout featuring a spacious living room, kitchen, dining area, and convenient main-floor laundry. The upper-level hosts three bedrooms, including an expansive private master ensuite perfect
Come see what you've been missing at Regency Villa of Harlan! Spacious living areas, newly renovated community center, laundry facilities on site, 24/7 maintenance, two beautiful outdoor gazebos, and a whole lot more! Rental Assistance may be available! Rent is based on income! Apartments designated for persons 62 of age or older, handicapped, regardless of age. "This institution is an equal
Discover comfortable living at 112 Court Street, a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home in Harlan, IA. This spacious 1,184 sq ft residence features a private patio, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and convenient washer/dryer hookups. The interior boasts laminate countertops, carpeted floors, and essential appliances including a range and refrigerator. Enjoy the added comfort of
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