Howard, Elk County, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
516
-6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,625/yr
23.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
367
-4.2% year-over-year change

Howard population

How many people live in Howard

Howard is home to 516 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Howard locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
516
-6.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
259
Female
49.8%
257
Value Percent YoY change
Male 259 50.2% -9.8%
Female 257 49.8% -3.4%
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 is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 8.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 20.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
8.1%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
20.2%
Over 65
30.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 94 18.2% -19.0%
15 to 24 42 8.1% -12.5%
25 to 44 120 23.3% -21.1%
45 to 64 104 20.2% 1.0%
Over 65 156 30.2% 16.4%
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, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 8.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 512 99.2% -6.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.4% N/A
Non-citizens 2 0.4% -50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.2%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 460 89.2%
Black or African American 2 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 2.3%
Two or more races 42 8.1%

Households in Howard

A peek inside Howard households

Howard has 259 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.9% are families, while the remaining 42.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
259
-8.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
109
Family households
150
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 109 42.1% -14.2%
Family households 150 57.9% -3.9%
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

The housing landscape of Howard

Howard's housing consists of 367 units, with 72.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 10.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
367
-4.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 265 72.2%
2 units 48 13.1%
5 to 9 units 5 1.4%
50 or more units 1 0.3%
Mobile home 40 10.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Howard

In Howard, the median construction year is 1959. About 17.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 65 17.7% 8.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 39 10.6% -13.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 84 22.9% -5.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 29 7.9% -48.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 63 17.2% -23.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 26 7.1% 116.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 33 9% 32.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 28 7.6% 180.0%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 259 occupied housing units in Howard, 75.3% are owner-occupied, while 24.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 29.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
259
-8.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
64
Owner occupied
195
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 64 24.7% -17.9%
Owner occupied 195 75.3% -4.9%
Unoccupied housing units
29.4%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Howard come to a median of $534 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $514.

Median housing costs per month
$534/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
$514/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

Howard education at a glance

About 48.8% of the population in Howard went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 13.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6 1.5% 100.0%
High school diploma 191 48.8% -5.0%
College diploma 84 21.5% -17.6%
Associate degree 39 10% 30.0%
Bachelor's degree 52 13.3% 6.1%
Graduate degree 19 4.9% -20.8%
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

How much people earn in Howard

The average annual household income in Howard was $68,080 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,625, reflecting a +23.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Howard
$68,080/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Howard
$65,625/year
23.5% year-over-year change

Howard income by age

In Howard, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,857. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,313 overall. Overall, 82.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $77,857 16.0%
45 - 64 $80,313 -1.7%
Over 65 $37,500 5.7%
Above poverty level
414
Below poverty level
90
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 414 82.1% -0.5%
Below poverty level 90 17.9% -22.4%

Average renter income in Howard

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Howard, their median household income was $18,333 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,333
Rent-to-income ratio
33.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Howard

Workforce and job types in Howard

The job market in Howard is powered by 235 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 42.6% are employed by private companies, and 37.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
235
-8.9% year-over-year change
White collar
191
Blue collar
44
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 191 81.3% -8.2%
Blue collar 44 18.7% -12.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
42.6%
Governmental workers
37.9%
Not for profit companies
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 31 13.2% 19.2%
Private companies 100 42.6% -27.0%
Governmental workers 89 37.9% -6.3%
Not for profit companies 15 6.4% N/A
Unemployment rate
2.1%
-16.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Howard stands at 2.1%, 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

How people get around in Howard

Commuting methods vary: 78.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 179 78.5% -16.0%
Walk 21 9.2% -16.0%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67349 646 326 $67,727 $77,407

Explore more communities

FAQs about Howard demographics 

What is the total population of Howard?

Howard has a total population of 516 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 -6.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Howard?

The gender ratio in Howard is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (259 residents)
  • 49.8% females (257 residents)

What is the median age in Howard?

The median age in Howard is 45.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Howard?

The age distribution in Howard is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (94 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.1% (42 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (120 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.2% (104 residents)
  • Over 65: 30.2% (156 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Howard?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard is as follows:
  • White: 89.2% (460 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.1% (42 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Howard.

How many housing units are there in Howard?

There are 367 housing units in Howard, reflecting a -4.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Howard has a total of 259 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Howard?

Howard has a median household income of $65,625, representing a +23.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.9% in Howard, with a workforce of 235 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.3% (191 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.7% (44 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (31 residents)
  • Private companies: 42.6% (100 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 37.9% (89 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.4% (15 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