Harlem, Florida Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Harlem, Florida had a total population of 2,420, the 646th largest community in Florida, with a median household income of $46,038, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Only 1.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.2x.
- Unemployment rate of 12.3% is notably above the national average.
Harlem Quick Facts
How Harlem Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,050 | 2,420 | -20.7% |
| Median household income | $44,960 | $46,038 | +2.4% |
| Median home value | $72,000 | $56,200 | -21.9% |
How Harlem Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Harlem Rankings in Florida
Explore Florida Rankings
Other Cities in Hendry County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port LaBelle | 7,923 | $75,231 | 11.9% | $230,400 |
| Clewiston | 7,348 | $57,222 | 16.4% | $239,200 |
| LaBelle | 5,184 | $53,309 | 17.2% | $204,400 |
| Montura | 4,121 | $34,617 | 38.3% | $124,400 |
| Fort Denaud | 1,639 | $56,042 | 7.7% | $330,100 |
| Pioneer | 868 | $64,015 | 13.7% | $337,500 |
Cities Similar to Harlem
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Placid | 2,477 | $47,018 | $261,300 | 21.5% | 23.8% |
| Carrabelle | 2,438 | $49,792 | $217,900 | 7.2% | 21.6% |
| Tavernier | 2,413 | $50,256 | $613,700 | 31.2% | 17.6% |
| Manatee Road | 2,426 | $51,708 | $155,400 | 15.5% | 19.9% |
| Apalachicola | 2,431 | $51,875 | $288,000 | 34.4% | 15.7% |
Population Overview
Harlem is a small community located in Florida, within Hendry County. The total population is 2,420. It ranks as the 646th most populous out of 955 Census-designated places in Florida.
Age Demographics
The median age in Harlem is 29.8 years. This is 30% lower than the state median of 42.6 years. With 35.1% of the population under 18, Harlem has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Harlem is $46,038. This is 38% lower than the state median of $74,568. It is also 43% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%. This is 47% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 12.3%. This is 155% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $56,200. Housing costs are 84% lower than the state median of $359,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.2x, Harlem is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 38.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 43% lower than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Harlem has a predominantly Black or African American population, comprising 99.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 0.7%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (99.3% vs 14.6%). The Hispanic or Latino population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 27.4%.
Education
1.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 95% lower than the state rate of 34.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Harlem, Florida is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Florida state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 955 Census-designated places in Florida. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Harlem, Florida?
Harlem, Florida has a population of 2,420 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Harlem, FL?
The median household income in Harlem is $46,038, which is 43% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Harlem, FL?
The poverty rate in Harlem is 6.7%. This means approximately 162 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Harlem, Florida?
Harlem's population is 0.0% White, 99.3% Black, 0.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Harlem, FL?
The median home value in Harlem is $56,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x.
How educated is Harlem, Florida?
1.6% of adults (25+) in Harlem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.