Total enrollment
3,073
-64 (-2%) vs SY 2017-18
Hardin County
Iowa · Public K-12
Hardin County reports 14 public K-12 schools and roughly 3,073 students enrolled, per NCES, with a mix of 7 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high.
7-year change in Hardin County
SY 2017-18 vs SY 2024-25School count
14
+1 (+8%) vs SY 2017-18
% White
86%
was 88%
% Hispanic
9%
was 7%
% Black
1%
was 1%
% Asian
1%
was 1%
Source: NCES Common Core of Data, enrollment-weighted demographic averages
Schools
14
7 districts
Enrollment
3,073
NCES CCD
Median income
$65,069
Below Iowa avg
Free/reduced lunch
38.4%
Below Iowa avg
Elementary
7
1,406 students
Middle
3
585 students
High
4
1,082 students
Combined / other
0
schools
LARGEST DISTRICT
Iowa Falls Comm School District
1,228 students · 7 districts in Hardin County
County vs. school enrollment demographics
Left bar is the racial makeup of Hardin County residents (Census ACS 5-year). Right bar is the enrollment-weighted makeup of public schools in the county (NCES CCD). NCES systematically under-reports Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and Native American enrollment for many schools; where the resident share is meaningful but the reported school share is zero, we mark the school bar "not reported".
County residents
School enrollment
Bachelor's+
21.9%
adults 25+
Poverty rate
6.0%
ACS 5-year
Unemployment
4.3%
civilian labor
Median age
45
19.0% under 18
Test scores in Hardin County
Latest 2024-25 ELA proficiency, 11 schools ranked. Iowa state average: 73.7%.
Top 5 schools (ELA)
- Riverbend Middle School· 84.5%
- Hubbard-Radcliffe Elementary School· 83.6%
- Rock Run Elementary· 82.1%
- South Hardin High School· 75.5%
- Alden Elementary School· 75.0%
Lowest 5 schools (ELA)
- Choice Charter School· 60.0%
- AGWSR High School· 67.4%
- South Hardin Middle School· 67.8%
- Eldora-New Providence Elementary School· 67.9%
- AGWSR Elementary School· 68.0%
| Name | City | Level | Grades | Enrollment | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa Falls - Alden High School | Iowa Falls | High | 09-12 | 398 | · |
| Rock Run Elementary | Iowa Falls | Elementary | 02-05 | 292 | · |
| Pineview Elementary | Iowa Falls | Elementary | PK-01 | 281 | · |
| Choice Charter School | Union | High | 07-12 | 257 | · |
| Riverbend Middle School | Iowa Falls | Middle | 06-08 | 257 | · |
| Eldora-New Providence Elementary School | Eldora | Elementary | PK-05 | 242 | · |
| South Hardin High School | Eldora | High | 09-12 | 237 | · |
| AGWSR Elementary School | Ackley | Elementary | KG-05 | 227 | · |
| South Hardin Middle School | Hubbard | Middle | 06-08 | 196 | · |
| AGWSR High School | Ackley | High | 09-12 | 190 | · |
| Hubbard-Radcliffe Elementary School | Radcliffe | Elementary | PK-05 | 181 | · |
| Alden Elementary School | Alden | Elementary | PK-06 | 148 | · |
| BCLUW Middle School | Union | Middle | 05-08 | 132 | · |
| The Cougars Den | Ackley | Elementary | PK-KG | 35 | · |
Cities in Hardin County
About Hardin County
In Iowa, Hardin County is a sparse county of about 16,639 residents. 14 public schools across the county educates about 3,073 students between them.
For perspective, census numbers show the median household earns about $65,069 a year, roughly 22% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and roughly 6% of residents live below the federal poverty line. That income level is 9% noticeably below the Iowa median.
On the level-by-level breakdown, Hardin County covers 7 elementary schools (1,406 students), 3 middle schools (585), and 4 high schools (1,082).
Iowa Falls Comm School District dominates the local landscape, accounting for roughly 1,228 students on its own.
Trend over the past 7 years. Total public-school enrollment in Hardin County has remained close to its prior level since SY 2017-18, moving from about 3,137 students to 3,073. Hardin County now counts 14 public schools, up from 13 in SY 2017-18.
In the discussion threads here, the community for Hardin County discusses school events, board meetings, and seasonal calendars. Members of the local community share what they see day-to-day.
Frequently asked questions
Hardin County school rankings
DATA · Census ACS 5-year · NCES Common Core of Data