Harlem, Georgia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Harlem, Georgia had a total population of 3,885, the 203rd largest city in Georgia, with a median household income of $46,197, which is 40% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 40% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%.
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 | 3,793 | 3,885 | +2.4% |
| Median household income | $43,571 | $46,197 | +6.0% |
| Median home value | $242,700 | $274,500 | +13.1% |
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 diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Harlem Rankings in Georgia
Explore Georgia Rankings
Other Cities in Columbia County
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeview Estates | 3,596 | $46,900 | $74,700 | 7.4% | 32.1% |
| Manchester | 3,631 | $51,353 | $135,500 | 17.0% | 20.1% |
| Lindale | 4,289 | $43,561 | $156,900 | 15.9% | 25.5% |
| Lyons | 4,219 | $42,059 | $122,000 | 13.9% | 33.5% |
| Washington | 3,680 | $54,219 | $144,500 | 22.3% | 18.2% |
Population Overview
Harlem is a small community located in Georgia, within Columbia County. The total population is 3,885. It ranks as the 203rd most populous out of 669 Census-designated places in Georgia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Harlem is 34.4 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Harlem is $46,197. This is 40% lower than the state median of $77,353. It is also 43% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 10.8%. This is 20% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.4%. The unemployment rate is 2.4%. This is 54% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $274,500. Housing costs are 9% lower than the state median of $303,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x. 57.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 65.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Harlem is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 30.8%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 4.5%.
Education
19.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% lower than the state rate of 34.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Harlem, Georgia 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 Georgia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 669 Census-designated places in Georgia. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
Free data download: Get all Georgia city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Harlem, Georgia?
Harlem, Georgia has a population of 3,885 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Harlem, GA?
The median household income in Harlem is $46,197, which is 43% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Harlem, GA?
The poverty rate in Harlem is 10.8%. This means approximately 418 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Harlem, Georgia?
Harlem's population is 55.0% White, 30.8% Black, 7.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Harlem, GA?
The median home value in Harlem is $274,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x.
How educated is Harlem, Georgia?
19.7% of adults (25+) in Harlem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.