Howard County, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in Nebraska
The population of Howard County, Nebraska is 6,492 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in Nebraska. The median household income is $74,508, the median home value is $205,200, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of Howard County has grown 4.7% since 2010 (6,279 → 6,572), a +0.33% annualized rate.
6,492
Population
+0.33%
Annual growth
11
People / sq mi
$74,508
Median Income
$205,200
Median Home Value
Howard County covers 569 sq mi of land at 11.4 people per square mile.
About Howard County, NE
The poverty rate is what most separates Howard County from the typical county: 2.2% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 6,492 residents, Howard County is a county in Nebraska. It ranks #45 among counties in Nebraska by population.
The typical household earns $74,508 a year, below the US median of $78,538. Very few residents live in poverty — 2.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $205,200, with typical rent around $811.
Roughly 23.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.8% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Howard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Howard County had a population of 6,279 in 2010 and 6,572 in 2024, a 4.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,572 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.33%.
6,572
Population (2024)
6,279
Population (2010)
6,572
Peak (2024)
0.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,279 |
| 2011 | 6,295 |
| 2012 | 6,296 |
| 2013 | 6,335 |
| 2014 | 6,350 |
| 2015 | 6,378 |
| 2016 | 6,394 |
| 2017 | 6,391 |
| 2018 | 6,446 |
| 2019 | 6,423 |
| 2020 | 6,486 |
| 2021 | 6,525 |
| 2022 | 6,521 |
| 2023 | 6,564 |
| 2024 | 6,572 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
22.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 22.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,508$-477 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,091 |
| Per-capita income | $35,045 |
| Poverty rate | 2.2%-4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Howard County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
81.5%
Public transit
7.8%
Work from home
28.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$205,200$-18,600 vs state
Median home value
$811
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
2,893
Total housing units
86.2%
Occupied
13.8%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.0%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
12.0%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.1%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.2%
High School+
23.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nebraska
Other counties in Nebraska
Part of Nebraska
Metro areas in Nebraska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Howard County, Nebraska has a population of 6,492 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in Nebraska. Population density is 11 people per square mile.
The population of Howard County has grown 4.7% since 2010 (6,279 → 6,572), a +0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Howard County, Nebraska is $74,508, with mean (average) household income of $87,091 and per-capita income of $35,045. 2.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Howard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Howard County, Nebraska is 42.3 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Howard County is $205,200 and median monthly rent is $811. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,893 total housing units, 13.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Howard County, Nebraska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Omaha is among the largest cities associated with Howard County, Nebraska, with a population of 488,197.
Howard County, NE Climate
Howard County, NE has an average annual temperature of 9.7°C (49°F) and receives about 646 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.7°C
Avg Temp
646
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 11 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 16 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 51 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 67 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 103 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 96 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 82 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 72 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 63 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 39 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 31 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 15 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, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Howard County, NE are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Howard County
Visiting or relocating to Howard County, NE? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Howard County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Howard County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Howard County, NE by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Nebraska
Population 585,461
Population 323,673
Population 194,051
Population 62,431
Full rankings of Nebraska counties
Statewide data for Nebraska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nebraska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.