Howard City, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,636
-2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,688/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
740
-1.9% year-over-year change

Howard City population

How many people live in Howard City

Howard City is home to 1,636 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.8% of Howard City locals are male, and 45.2% are female.

Total population
1,636
-2.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.8%
897
Female
45.2%
739
Value Percent YoY change
Male 897 54.8% -0.8%
Female 739 45.2% -5.1%
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 City is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.6% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
30.6%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
15.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 296 18.1% -18.0%
15 to 24 185 11.3% 15.6%
25 to 44 500 30.6% -10.6%
45 to 64 402 24.6% 0.5%
Over 65 253 15.5% 24.6%
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 City, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,591 97.2% -2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 1.1% -10.0%
Non-citizens 27 1.6% 8.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 1,515 92.6%
Black or African American 3 0.2%
Asian 10 0.6%
Two or more races 98 6%
Other 10 0.6%

Households in Howard City

A peek inside Howard City households

Howard City has 710 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.1% are families, while the remaining 45.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
710
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
326
Family households
384
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 326 45.9% -0.6%
Family households 384 54.1% -0.8%
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 City

The housing landscape of Howard City

Howard City's housing consists of 740 units, with 60.4% 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 25.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
740
-1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 447 60.4%
2 units 18 2.4%
3 or 4 units 33 4.5%
5 to 9 units 6 0.8%
10 to 19 units 4 0.5%
20 to 49 units 41 5.5%
Mobile home 191 25.8%
Homes built since 2020
24
41.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Howard City

In Howard City, the median construction year is 1990. About 13.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 101 13.6% -8.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 1.9% 16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 54 7.3% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 51 6.9% -7.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 89 12% -19.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 61 8.2% -6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 158 21.4% -7.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 156 21.1% 19.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 32 4.3% 10.3%
Built in 2020 or later 24 3.2% 41.2%
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 City occupancy rates

Out of the 710 occupied housing units in Howard City, 77.5% are owner-occupied, while 22.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
710
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
160
Owner occupied
550
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 160 22.5% -15.3%
Owner occupied 550 77.5% 4.6%
Unoccupied housing units
4.1%
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 City housing costs

Housing costs in Howard City come to a median of $867 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $609.

Median housing costs per month
$867/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 City
$609/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 City

Howard City education at a glance

About 59.2% of the population in Howard City went to high school, while 22.9% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 6.8% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 23 1.8% 21.1%
High school diploma 742 59.2% -3.3%
College diploma 287 22.9% 3.2%
Associate degree 117 9.3% 6.4%
Bachelor's degree 85 6.8% 1.2%
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 City

How much people earn in Howard City

The average annual household income in Howard City was $62,525 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,688, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Howard City
$62,525/year
7.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Howard City
$54,688/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Howard City income by age

In Howard City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,484. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,571 overall. Overall, 76.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,484 2.1%
45 - 64 $53,571 5.3%
Over 65 $45,938 43.3%
Above poverty level
1,234
Below poverty level
380
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,234 76.5% -7.8%
Below poverty level 380 23.5% 17.6%

Employment in Howard City

Workforce and job types in Howard City

The job market in Howard City is powered by 831 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 48.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 51.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 79.4% are employed by private companies, and 5.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
831
3.5% year-over-year change
White collar
406
Blue collar
425
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 406 48.9% 10.0%
Blue collar 425 51.1% -2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
79.4%
Governmental workers
5.2%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 50 6% -21.9%
Private companies 660 79.4% 4.9%
Governmental workers 43 5.2% 53.6%
Not for profit companies 78 9.4% -4.9%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
-6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Howard City 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 City

How people get around in Howard City

Commuting methods vary: 89.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 743 89.8% 2.6%
Bicycle 4 0.5% 0.0%
Walk 12 1.4% 71.4%
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 City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49329 9,156 3,370 $74,235 $96,539

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FAQs about Howard City demographics 

What is the total population of Howard City?

Howard City has a total population of 1,636 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 -2.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Howard City?

The gender ratio in Howard City is as follows:
  • 54.8% males (897 residents)
  • 45.2% females (739 residents)

What is the median age in Howard City?

The median age in Howard City is 33.7.

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

The age distribution in Howard City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (296 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (185 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.6% (500 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (402 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.5% (253 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Howard City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard City is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (1,515 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6% (98 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (10 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Howard City.

How many housing units are there in Howard City?

There are 740 housing units in Howard City, reflecting a -1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Howard City has a total of 710 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Howard City?

Howard City has a median household income of $54,688, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.2% in Howard City, with a workforce of 831 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 48.9% (406 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 51.1% (425 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (50 residents)
  • Private companies: 79.4% (660 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.2% (43 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (78 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