Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 26,185 ↓ 2.4% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $37,198 50% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $73,100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 11.0% |
| Median Age | 41.2 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 19.3% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 12 transactions |
| Active Listings | 9 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 585 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Mar 2025 – Oct 2025)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $7,269 |
| Recent Sales | 10 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 566 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 7.60 acres |
| Active Listings | 6 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 4.09 | $28,000 | $6,846 | Harlan |
| Mar 2025 | 5.27 | $30,000 | $5,693 | Evarts |
| Mar 2025 | 2.88 | $18,000 | $6,250 | Harlan |
| Mar 2025 | 2.81 | $92,000 | $32,740 | Baxter |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $14,900 |
| Recent Sales | 2 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 677 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.60 acres |
| Active Listings | 3 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2025 | 0.54 | $25,000 | Cumberland |
| Jul 2023 | 0.69 | $4,800 | Wallins Creek |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 26,185 |
| Population (2020) | 26,831 |
| Population Growth | -2.41% |
| Median Household Income | $37,198 |
| Median Home Value | $73,100 |
| Total Housing Units | 13,012 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 2,512 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 19.3% |
| Median Age | 41.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 1,137 (4.3%) |
| Unemployment Rate | 11.0% |
Market Overview
Harlan County, Kentucky has a population of 26,185, which has declined 2.41% since 2020. The median household income is $37,198, below the national median of $74,580 by 50.1%. The housing vacancy rate of 19.3% suggests soft market conditions. Harlan County remains a key area for land acquisition in Kentucky. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $7,269 per acre, with properties averaging 7.60 acres. There are currently 9 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Harlan County, Kentucky?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Harlan County has a population of 26,185. The county has declined 2.41% since the 2020 Census.
What is the median household income in Harlan County?
The median household income in Harlan County is $37,198, which is 50.1% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Harlan County growing or shrinking?
Harlan County is shrinking. The population has declined 2.41% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Harlan County?
The median home value in Harlan County is $73,100. The housing vacancy rate is 19.3%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 11.0%, reflecting the local economic conditions. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $7,269 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $14,900.
Does Reelvest buy land in Harlan County, Kentucky?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout Kentucky, including Harlan County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.