Harlan County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Harlan County, Nebraska, had a population of approximately 3,259 people. The racial composition was about 95.2% White, 1.3% two or more races, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 2.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median age was around 50 years. The county covers approximately 574 square miles. The median household income was estimated at $48,375, with 12.5% of the population living below the poverty line.

Harlan County, NE, housing market features a median home value of approximately $75,000. Homeownership rate is around 75%, with a vacancy rate near 20%. The average household size is roughly 2.3 people. Housing in this rural area is affordable compared to national averages, with monthly mortgage payments often below $700. Rental options are limited but average about $600 per month. Population trends have shown slight declines, impacting the housing market's stability.

As of the most recent elections, Harlan County, Nebraska, reported specific details for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 Presidential Election, Donald Trump received approximately 81% of the vote, while Joe Biden garnered around 17%. Local elections saw multiple candidates across various offices:

1. County Commissioners: For the three districts, various candidates contested, reflecting the county's Republican-leaning tendencies.
2. County Clerk: Incumbent Republican candidates often run unopposed.
3. Sheriff: The position often sees incumbents running against new challengers, predominantly within the Republican Party.
4. State Legislature: Nonpartisan races typically draw 2-3 candidates for single-member districts.

For accurate and updated results, please refer to the Harlan County official website or the Nebraska Secretary of State’s election page. Specific candidate names and votes might vary yearly and for special elections.

Harlan County, NE, demonstrates moderate educational attainment when compared to state and national averages. According to recent data:

• High School Graduation Rate: Approximately 91% of residents have graduated from high school, closely paralleling the Nebraska state average of around 92%, and slightly above the national average of about 88%.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: Around 18% of Harlan County residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is below both the state average of about 32% and the national average of roughly 33%.

In summary, while high school graduation rates in Harlan County are competitive with state and national figures, the county's rate of higher educational attainment lags behind both state and national averages.

As of the latest employment data for Harlan County, NE, the labor force comprises approximately 1,500 individuals, with an unemployment rate hovering around 2.5%, lower than both the national average of 3.5% and Nebraska's state average of 2.8%. Key industries in Harlan County include agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Agriculture dominates, reflecting the county's rural nature, while healthcare and manufacturing provide essential local employment.

When compared to national trends, Harlan County's heavy reliance on agriculture stands out, as the U.S. economy is more diversified with greater percentages in technology, finance, and service sectors. On the state level, Nebraska similarly has significant agricultural employment, but urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln have more diverse economies. Thus, Harlan County exemplifies rural employment patterns within both state and national contexts.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Harlan County, Nebraska is approximately $47,000. This is lower than both the Nebraska state median income of around $63,000 and the national median income of roughly $68,700. The lower income in Harlan County reflects its rural setting and smaller population compared to urban areas.

This comparison highlights a significant income gap between the county and broader averages at both the state and national levels.

Harlan County, NE, generally has low crime rates compared to national averages. Based on recent data, the total crime rate is roughly 965 per 100,000 residents. Here’s a breakdown of different types of crimes reported in the area:

These statistics reflect the relatively safe environment of Harlan County, NE, with the majority of reported incidents falling under property crimes rather than violent crimes.