Best Schools in Harlan, Iowa
5 schools · 3 Elementary · 1 Middle · 1 High
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.5/10
- Median household income
- $62,353
- Median home value
- $161,800
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 24%
- Avg commute
- 15 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 73%
20% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Harlan compares
Iowa rank
#153 of 175
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.8
below Iowa avg (6.3)
Median household income
$62k
82% of Iowa median
Schools in this city
5
About Schools in Harlan, Iowa
Harlan, Iowa is home to 5 schools, including 4 public schools and 1 private school. The city's schools span 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.
With an average rating of 5.5 out of 10, schools in Harlan show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Harlan is Shelby County Catholic School with a composite score of 7.0/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Harlan is served by 1 school district: Harlan Comm School District. These districts collectively serve 1,505 students.
Harlan's community shows 24% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $62,353. The poverty rate in the area is 8.6%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 324 students · 3rd–5th | 5.2 | ||
| 2 | 347 students · Pre-K–2nd | 4.4 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | SHELBY COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Private
77 students · Pre-K–5th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 343 students · 6th–8th | 6.3 |
High Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 477 students · 9th–12th | 4.5 |
Schools in Harlan
Harlan, Iowa · 5 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$62,353
Median Home Value
$161,800
Median Rent
$854/mo
Population
6,480
College Educated
24%
Homeownership
73%
Avg Commute
15 min
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Community Profile
Harlan has a median household income of $62,353. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $161,800, with a median rent of $854/month. The local poverty rate of 8.6% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 15 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Iowa
- Total Schools
- 5
- Elementary
- 3
- Middle
- 1
- High
- 1
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 5.5/10
Resources
School District
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Iowa
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Harlan, Iowa
How many schools are in Harlan, Iowa?
Harlan has 5 schools, including 4 public and 1 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Harlan, Iowa?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Harlan is 5.5 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Harlan, Iowa?
The top-ranked school in Harlan on MySchoolScout is Shelby County Catholic School with a composite score of 7.0/10.
What is the best elementary school in Harlan, Iowa?
The top-ranked elementary school in Harlan on MySchoolScout is Shelby County Catholic School with a composite score of 7.0/10.
What is the best middle school in Harlan, Iowa?
The top-ranked middle school in Harlan on MySchoolScout is Harlan Community Middle School with a composite score of 6.3/10.
What is the best high school in Harlan, Iowa?
The top-ranked high school in Harlan on MySchoolScout is Harlan High School with a composite score of 4.5/10.
How many school districts serve Harlan, Iowa?
Harlan is served by 1 school district: Harlan Comm School District.
What is the education level in Harlan, Iowa?
According to Census data, 24% of adults in Harlan have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Harlan, Iowa?
The median household income in Harlan is approximately $62,353 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Harlan, Iowa?
Yes, Harlan has 1 private school alongside 4 public schools. The top-rated private school is Shelby County Catholic School with a score of 7.0/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Harlan, Iowa?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Harlan is 14.5:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Harlan, Iowa?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Iowa Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.