Howard County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,445
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,446/yr
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,320
0.1% year-over-year change

Howard County population

How many people live in Howard County

Howard County is home to 9,445 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Howard County locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
9,445
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
4,760
Female
49.6%
4,685
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,760 50.4% 0.3%
Female 4,685 49.6% -0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Howard County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 21% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
21%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
20.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,987 21% -0.1%
15 to 24 1,143 12.1% 2.4%
25 to 44 2,130 22.6% 0.3%
45 to 64 2,253 23.8% -2.1%
Over 65 1,932 20.5% 0.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Howard County, 96.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,127 96.6% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 200 2.1% 60.0%
Non-citizens 118 1.2% 34.1%
Racial breakdown
White
93.2%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 8,800 93.2%
Black or African American 79 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 23 0.2%
Asian 31 0.3%
Two or more races 338 3.6%
Other 174 1.8%

Households in Howard County

A peek inside Howard County households

Howard County has 3,773 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.9% are families, while the remaining 32.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,773
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,211
Family households
2,562
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,211 32.1% 1.9%
Family households 2,562 67.9% 3.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Howard County

The housing landscape of Howard County

Howard County's housing consists of 4,320 units, with 90.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,320
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,893 90.1%
1 unit, attached 66 1.5%
2 units 87 2%
3 or 4 units 87 2%
5 to 9 units 55 1.3%
10 to 19 units 47 1.1%
20 to 49 units 11 0.2%
Mobile home 74 1.7%
Homes built since 2020
61
45.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Howard County

In Howard County, the median construction year is 1960. About 39.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,696 39.3% -2.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 300 6.9% -15.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 142 3.3% -19.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 459 10.6% 5.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 741 17.2% 17.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 252 5.8% -12.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 212 4.9% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 248 5.7% 3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 209 4.8% 1.9%
Built in 2020 or later 61 1.4% 45.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Howard County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,773 occupied housing units in Howard County, 77.4% are owner-occupied, while 22.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,773
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
852
Owner occupied
2,921
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 852 22.6% -0.8%
Owner occupied 2,921 77.4% 3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Howard County housing costs

Housing costs in Howard County come to a median of $742 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $713.

Median housing costs per month
$742/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Howard County
$713/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Howard County

Howard County education at a glance

About 43.7% of the population in Howard County went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 12.9% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 399 5.7% -1.7%
High school diploma 3,058 43.7% -1.8%
College diploma 1,357 19.4% -1.5%
Associate degree 906 12.9% -1.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,037 14.8% 5.9%
Graduate degree 247 3.5% 1.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Howard County

How much people earn in Howard County

The average annual household income in Howard County was $87,621 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,446, reflecting a +0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Howard County
$87,621/year
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Howard County
$67,446/year
0.2% year-over-year change

Howard County income by age

In Howard County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,435. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,435 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,958, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,200 in earnings. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,958 -19.6%
25 - 44 $80,435 11.7%
45 - 64 $80,435 1.5%
Over 65 $49,200 -10.8%
Above poverty level
8,324
Below poverty level
800
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,324 91.2% -0.3%
Below poverty level 800 8.8% 6.8%

Employment in Howard County

Workforce and job types in Howard County

The job market in Howard County is powered by 4,658 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.5% run their own businesses, 63.1% are employed by private companies, and 9.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,658
-0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
2,833
Blue collar
1,825
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,833 60.8% 4.8%
Blue collar 1,825 39.2% -6.7%
Employer type
Self employees
16.5%
Private companies
63.1%
Governmental workers
9.3%
Not for profit companies
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 768 16.5% -0.1%
Private companies 2,938 63.1% 1.2%
Governmental workers 432 9.3% -11.8%
Not for profit companies 520 11.2% 4.8%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
12.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Howard County stands at 1.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Howard County

How people get around in Howard County

In Howard County, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
5.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,867 84.6% 0.8%
Bicycle 33 0.7% 153.8%
Walk 156 3.4% -8.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Howard County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50466 1,972 775 $56,728 $83,960
50628 1,423 564 $68,750 $87,283
50603 555 231 $74,271 $83,568
52134 223 94 $63,125 $72,172
52136 5,840 2,373 $70,778 $91,610
52155 1,110 449 $57,917 $77,188
52163 333 141 $78,194 $75,191

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FAQs about Howard County demographics 

What is the total population of Howard County?

Howard County has a total population of 9,445 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Howard County?

The gender ratio in Howard County is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (4,760 residents)
  • 49.6% females (4,685 residents)

What is the median age in Howard County?

The median age in Howard County is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Howard County?

The age distribution in Howard County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21% (1,987 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (1,143 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (2,130 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (2,253 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.5% (1,932 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Howard County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard County is as follows:
  • White: 93.2% (8,800 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (79 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (23 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (31 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (338 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (174 residents)

What percentage of the population in Howard County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.6% of the population in Howard County.

How many housing units are there in Howard County?

There are 4,320 housing units in Howard County, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Howard County and what is the average household size?

Howard County has a total of 3,773 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Howard County?

Howard County has a median household income of $67,446, representing a +0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Howard County?

The employment rate is 98.2% in Howard County, with a workforce of 4,658 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.8% (2,833 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.2% (1,825 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.5% (768 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.1% (2,938 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.3% (432 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.2% (520 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025