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

Total population
6,534
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$76,767/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,894
0.0% year-over-year change

Howard County population

How many people live in Howard County

Howard County is home to 6,534 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Howard County locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
6,534
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
3,323
Female
49.1%
3,211
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,323 50.9% 0.8%
Female 3,211 49.1% 0.5%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.3% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
21.3%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
22.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,302 19.9% -2.2%
15 to 24 764 11.7% 8.7%
25 to 44 1,391 21.3% -1.2%
45 to 64 1,596 24.4% -0.9%
Over 65 1,481 22.7% 2.9%
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, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,418 98.2% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 20 0.3% -53.5%
Non-citizens 96 1.5% 2.1%
Racial breakdown
White
92.2%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 6,023 92.2%
Black or African American 42 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0%
Asian 4 0.1%
Two or more races 362 5.5%
Other 101 1.6%

Households in Howard County

A peek inside Howard County households

Howard County has 2,504 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.8% are families, while the remaining 29.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,504
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
732
Family households
1,772
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 732 29.2% -1.1%
Family households 1,772 70.8% 1.0%
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 2,894 units, with 91.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% 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 4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,894
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,651 91.6%
1 unit, attached 9 0.3%
2 units 11 0.4%
3 or 4 units 48 1.7%
5 to 9 units 34 1.2%
10 to 19 units 4 0.1%
20 to 49 units 4 0.1%
50 or more units 12 0.4%
Mobile home 115 4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
21
40.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Howard County

In Howard County, the median construction year is 1963. About 36.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,044 36.1% 5.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 115 4% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 233 8% -0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 165 5.7% -8.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 461 15.9% 4.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 198 6.8% -10.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 263 9.1% -25.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 138 4.8% 4.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 256 8.8% 20.2%
Built in 2020 or later 21 0.7% 40.0%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,504 occupied housing units in Howard County, 78.2% are owner-occupied, while 21.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,504
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
545
Owner occupied
1,959
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 545 21.8% -15.8%
Owner occupied 1,959 78.2% 6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
13.5%
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 $904 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $777.

Median housing costs per month
$904/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
$777/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 36.7% of the population in Howard County went to high school, while 25.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 19.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 84 1.7% -9.7%
High school diploma 1,795 36.7% -5.0%
College diploma 1,267 25.9% 1.8%
Associate degree 568 11.6% -1.1%
Bachelor's degree 940 19.2% 8.4%
Graduate degree 232 4.8% 31.8%
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 County

How much people earn in Howard County

The average annual household income in Howard County was $96,174 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $76,767, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Howard County
$96,174/year
10.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Howard County
$76,767/year
3.0% 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 $98,333. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,588 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,107 in earnings. Overall, 95.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,750 6.5%
25 - 44 $98,333 11.0%
45 - 64 $90,588 3.2%
Over 65 $54,107 10.4%
Above poverty level
6,029
Below poverty level
304
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,029 95.2% 1.7%
Below poverty level 304 4.8% -10.8%

Employment in Howard County

Workforce and job types in Howard County

The job market in Howard County is powered by 3,182 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.3% run their own businesses, 63.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,182
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
2,194
Blue collar
988
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,194 69% 1.1%
Blue collar 988 31% -5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14.3%
Private companies
63.6%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 455 14.3% -1.5%
Private companies 2,024 63.6% -2.3%
Governmental workers 467 14.7% 20.1%
Not for profit companies 236 7.4% -18.3%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
9.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Howard County stands at 3.8%, 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

Commuting methods vary: 87.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% 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 2,769 87.1% -2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Walk 67 2.1% -9.5%
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
68817 340 163 $74,375 $75,376
68820 343 147 $82,212 $108,541
68831 705 287 $68,977 $85,401
68835 459 210 $52,292 $73,413
68838 150 68 $103,750 $103,718
68864 958 407 $83,365 $100,368
68872 992 420 $84,500 $95,226
68873 3,785 1,354 $75,000 $94,743
68882 401 206 $67,778 $69,546

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FAQs about Howard County demographics 

What is the total population of Howard County?

Howard County has a total population of 6,534 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Howard County?

The gender ratio in Howard County is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (3,323 residents)
  • 49.1% females (3,211 residents)

What is the median age in Howard County?

The median age in Howard County is 42.2.

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

The age distribution in Howard County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (1,302 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (764 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.3% (1,391 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (1,596 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.7% (1,481 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Howard County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard County is as follows:
  • White: 92.2% (6,023 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (42 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (362 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (101 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Howard County.

How many housing units are there in Howard County?

There are 2,894 housing units in Howard County, reflecting a +0.0% 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 2,504 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Howard County?

Howard County has a median household income of $76,767, representing a +3.0% 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 96.2% in Howard County, with a workforce of 3,182 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69% (2,194 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31% (988 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.3% (455 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.6% (2,024 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (467 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (236 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