Howard County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 85th-largest in Missouri
The population of Howard County, Missouri is 10,141 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 85th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $62,628, the median home value is $145,300, and the median age is 38.3.
The population of Howard County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (10,141 → 10,150), a +0.01% annualized rate.
10,141
Population
+0.01%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$62,628
Median Income
$145,300
Median Home Value
Howard County covers 464 sq mi of land at 21.9 people per square mile.
About Howard County, MO
Homeownership is the standout figure in Howard County: 80.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Howard County is a county in Missouri with a population of 10,141.
The typical household here earns about $62,628, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.9%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $145,300, with typical rent around $807.
College attainment is above the local norm at 28.0%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.3%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Howard County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Howard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Howard County had a population of 10,141 in 2010 and 10,150 in 2024, a 0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,240 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
10,150
Population (2024)
10,141
Population (2010)
10,240
Peak (2013)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,141 |
| 2011 | 10,219 |
| 2012 | 10,198 |
| 2013 | 10,240 |
| 2014 | 10,131 |
| 2015 | 10,136 |
| 2016 | 10,033 |
| 2017 | 10,067 |
| 2018 | 10,027 |
| 2019 | 9,982 |
| 2020 | 10,157 |
| 2021 | 10,144 |
| 2022 | 10,169 |
| 2023 | 10,116 |
| 2024 | 10,150 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.5% |
| Black or African American | 5.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.3
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,628$-6,292 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,267 |
| Per-capita income | $30,241 |
| Poverty rate | 7.9%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Howard County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
76.6%
Public transit
8.3%
Work from home
26.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$145,300$-70,300 vs state
Median home value
$807
Median rent
80.3%
Homeownership rate
4,381
Total housing units
79.2%
Occupied
20.8%
Vacant
19.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
91.9%
With broadband internet
19.8%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
15.4%
With a disability
98.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.6%
High School+
28.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Howard County, Missouri has a population of 10,141 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 85th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Howard County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (10,141 → 10,150), a +0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Howard County, Missouri is $62,628, with mean (average) household income of $83,267 and per-capita income of $30,241. 7.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Howard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.5%), Black or African American (5.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Howard County, Missouri is 38.3 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Howard County is $145,300 and median monthly rent is $807. 80.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,381 total housing units, 20.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Howard County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Howard County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Howard County, MO Climate
Howard County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.2°C (54°F) and receives about 995 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.2°C
Avg Temp
995
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 36 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 39 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 74 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 95 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 125 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 113 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 92 mm |
| August | 24° / 76° | 94 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 109 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 89 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 73 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 56 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, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Howard County, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Howard County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.