Howard County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 18th-largest in Indiana
The population of Howard County, Indiana is 83,610 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $62,496, the median home value is $151,500, and the median age is 41.0.
The population of Howard County has grown 1.6% since 2010 (82,753 → 84,082), a +0.11% annualized rate.
83,610
Population
+0.11%
Annual growth
285
People / sq mi
$62,496
Median Income
$151,500
Median Home Value
Howard County covers 293 sq mi of land at 285.3 people per square mile.
About Howard County, IN
Howard County is a county in Indiana with a population of 83,610. It ranks #18 among counties in Indiana by population. The median age is 41.0, older than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The median household income in Howard County is $62,496, below the US median of $74,580. 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $151,500, with monthly rent averaging $915. The homeownership rate of 71.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Howard County reflects 20.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.3 minutes each way.
Howard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Howard County had a population of 82,753 in 2010 and 84,082 in 2024, a 1.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 84,082 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.11%.
84,082
Population (2024)
82,753
Population (2010)
84,082
Peak (2024)
0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 82,753 |
| 2011 | 82,805 |
| 2012 | 82,853 |
| 2013 | 82,761 |
| 2014 | 82,633 |
| 2015 | 82,378 |
| 2016 | 82,395 |
| 2017 | 82,302 |
| 2018 | 82,339 |
| 2019 | 82,660 |
| 2020 | 83,587 |
| 2021 | 83,653 |
| 2022 | 83,574 |
| 2023 | 83,857 |
| 2024 | 84,082 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.3% |
| Black or African American | 7.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.0
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,496$-7,555 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,280 |
| Per-capita income | $34,785 |
| Poverty rate | 8.5%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Howard County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
80.2%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
20.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$151,500$-50,100 vs state
Median home value
$915
Median rent
71.9%
Homeownership rate
39,795
Total housing units
88.3%
Occupied
11.7%
Vacant
28.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
20.7%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
17.9%
With a disability
96.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.1%
High School+
20.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Howard County, Indiana has a population of 83,610 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 285 people per square mile.
The population of Howard County has grown 1.6% since 2010 (82,753 → 84,082), a +0.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Howard County, Indiana is $62,496, with mean (average) household income of $81,280 and per-capita income of $34,785. 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Howard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.3%), Black or African American (7.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Howard County, Indiana is 41.0 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Howard County is $151,500 and median monthly rent is $915. 71.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 39,795 total housing units, 11.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Howard County, Indiana is manufacturing, employing 24.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Howard County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
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Statewide data for Indiana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Indiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.