Howard County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 79th-largest in Iowa
The population of Howard County, Iowa is 9,459 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 79th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $67,336, the median home value is $133,900, and the median age is 39.3.
The population of Howard County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (9,569 → 9,360), a -0.16% annualized rate.
9,459
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$67,336
Median Income
$133,900
Median Home Value
Howard County covers 473 sq mi of land at 20.0 people per square mile.
About Howard County, IA
Howard County is a county in Iowa with a population of 9,459. It ranks #79 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 39.3, in line with the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Howard County is $67,336, below the US median of $74,580. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $133,900, with monthly rent averaging $699. The homeownership rate of 76.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Howard County reflects 18.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.1 minutes each way.
Howard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Howard County had a population of 9,569 in 2010 and 9,360 in 2024, a -2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,569 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.15%.
9,360
Population (2024)
9,569
Population (2010)
9,569
Peak (2010)
-0.15%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,569 |
| 2011 | 9,548 |
| 2012 | 9,550 |
| 2013 | 9,443 |
| 2014 | 9,357 |
| 2015 | 9,322 |
| 2016 | 9,261 |
| 2017 | 9,235 |
| 2018 | 9,185 |
| 2019 | 9,146 |
| 2020 | 9,497 |
| 2021 | 9,509 |
| 2022 | 9,502 |
| 2023 | 9,357 |
| 2024 | 9,360 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.3
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
20.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.0% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,336$-5,811 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,023 |
| Per-capita income | $33,190 |
| Poverty rate | 6.2%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Howard County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.7%
Carpool
76.0%
Public transit
10.6%
Work from home
22.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$133,900$-62,000 vs state
Median home value
$699
Median rent
76.6%
Homeownership rate
4,314
Total housing units
85.1%
Occupied
14.9%
Vacant
23.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.4%
With health insurance
88.1%
With broadband internet
26.7%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
10.7%
With a disability
91.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
18.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
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Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Howard County, Iowa has a population of 9,459 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 79th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Howard County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (9,569 → 9,360), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Howard County, Iowa is $67,336, with mean (average) household income of $84,023 and per-capita income of $33,190. 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Howard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Howard County, Iowa is 39.3 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Howard County is $133,900 and median monthly rent is $699. 76.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,314 total housing units, 14.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Howard County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.1%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Howard County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.