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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.