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
Howard County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 12,701. It ranks #54 among counties in Arkansas by population. The median age is 39.4, in line with the national median. The population is 47.9% male and 52.1% female.
The median household income in Howard County is $44,492, below the US median of $74,580. 18.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $135,400, with monthly rent averaging $702. The homeownership rate of 71.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Howard County reflects 16.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.2 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.
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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.