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
What distinguishes Howard County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 285 people per square mile. With 83,610 residents, Howard County is a county in Indiana. It ranks #18 among counties in Indiana by population.
The typical household here earns about $62,496, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.5%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $151,500, with typical rent around $915.
Roughly 20.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.2% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Howard County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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.
Howard County, IN Climate
Howard County, IN has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 977 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.3°C
Avg Temp
977
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 54 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 52 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 76 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 99 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 98 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 91 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 108 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 94 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 76 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 71 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 80 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 78 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, IN
The most comfortable months to visit Howard County, IN are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Howard County
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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.