Howard County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 54th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Howard County, Arkansas is 12,701 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 54th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $44,492, the median home value is $135,400, and the median age is 39.4.
The population of Howard County has declined 10.2% since 2010 (13,798 → 12,387), a -0.77% annualized rate.
12,701
Population
-0.77%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$44,492
Median Income
$135,400
Median Home Value
Howard County covers 587 sq mi of land at 21.6 people per square mile.
About Howard County, AR
Remote work is unusually rare in Howard County: 2.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Howard County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 12,701.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $44,492, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 18.4%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $135,400, with typical rent around $702.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 2.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Howard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Howard County had a population of 13,798 in 2010 and 12,387 in 2024, a -10.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,817 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.76%.
12,387
Population (2024)
13,798
Population (2010)
13,817
Peak (2011)
-0.76%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,798 |
| 2011 | 13,817 |
| 2012 | 13,676 |
| 2013 | 13,541 |
| 2014 | 13,489 |
| 2015 | 13,332 |
| 2016 | 13,347 |
| 2017 | 13,361 |
| 2018 | 13,297 |
| 2019 | 13,219 |
| 2020 | 12,758 |
| 2021 | 12,689 |
| 2022 | 12,583 |
| 2023 | 12,500 |
| 2024 | 12,387 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 64.4% |
| Black or African American | 20.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.4
Median Age
52.1%
Female
47.9%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.4% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,492$-14,281 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,736 |
| Per-capita income | $25,639 |
| Poverty rate | 18.4%+6.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Howard County is manufacturing, accounting for 32.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
3.2%
Carpool
80.2%
Public transit
2.3%
Work from home
19.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,400$-39,900 vs state
Median home value
$702
Median rent
71.2%
Homeownership rate
6,162
Total housing units
83.9%
Occupied
16.1%
Vacant
28.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.3%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
29.7%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
18.5%
With a disability
86.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.4%
High School+
16.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Howard County, Arkansas has a population of 12,701 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 54th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Howard County has declined 10.2% since 2010 (13,798 → 12,387), a -0.77% annualized rate.
The median household income in Howard County, Arkansas is $44,492, with mean (average) household income of $62,736 and per-capita income of $25,639. 18.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Howard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (64.4%), Black or African American (20.8%), Hispanic or Latino (2.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Howard County, Arkansas is 39.4 years. Residents are 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
The median home value in Howard County is $135,400 and median monthly rent is $702. 71.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,162 total housing units, 16.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Howard County, Arkansas is manufacturing, employing 32.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Howard County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Howard County, AR Climate
Howard County, AR has an average annual temperature of 16.1°C (61°F) and receives about 1370 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.1°C
Avg Temp
1370
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 76 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 100 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 140 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 126 mm |
| May | 20° / 69° | 149 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 123 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 108 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 81 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 108 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 110 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 127 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 122 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Howard County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Howard County, AR are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Howard County
Visiting or relocating to Howard County, AR? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Howard County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Howard County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Howard County, AR by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Arkansas
Population 398,949
Population 294,541
Population 251,863
Population 128,448
Full rankings of Arkansas counties
Statewide data for Arkansas
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Arkansas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.