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
The poverty rate is what most separates Howard County from the typical county: 6.2% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 9,459 residents, Howard County is a county in Iowa.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,336 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.2% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $133,900, with typical rent around $699.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 10.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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
Other counties in Iowa
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.
Howard County, IA Climate
Howard County, IA has an average annual temperature of 7°C (45°F) and receives about 880 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7°C
Avg Temp
880
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 13° | 24 mm |
| February | -7° / 20° | 22 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 53 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 86 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 104 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 112 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 111 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 116 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 99 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 68 mm |
| November | 0° / 33° | 52 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 33 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, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Howard County, IA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Howard County
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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.