Howard County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 88th-largest in Texas
The population of Howard County, Texas is 33,127 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 88th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $71,457, the median home value is $150,300, and the median age is 37.0.
The population of Howard County has declined 11.9% since 2010 (34,983 → 30,833), a -0.90% annualized rate.
33,127
Population
-0.90%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$71,457
Median Income
$150,300
Median Home Value
Howard County covers 901 sq mi of land at 36.8 people per square mile.
About Howard County, TX
What sets Howard County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 3.8% versus 14.0% nationally. Howard County is a county in Texas with a population of 33,127.
Households take in a median $71,457, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.4%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $150,300, with typical rent around $993.
College attainment is 15.3%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Howard County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Howard County had a population of 34,983 in 2010 and 30,833 in 2024, a -11.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,114 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.84%.
30,833
Population (2024)
34,983
Population (2010)
37,114
Peak (2015)
-0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,983 |
| 2011 | 34,967 |
| 2012 | 35,485 |
| 2013 | 36,170 |
| 2014 | 36,513 |
| 2015 | 37,114 |
| 2016 | 36,202 |
| 2017 | 35,778 |
| 2018 | 35,813 |
| 2019 | 36,732 |
| 2020 | 34,807 |
| 2021 | 34,360 |
| 2022 | 30,745 |
| 2023 | 30,704 |
| 2024 | 30,833 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.4% |
| Black or African American | 5.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.0
Median Age
43.7%
Female
56.3%
Male
13.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 13.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,457$-4,835 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,958 |
| Per-capita income | $34,587 |
| Poverty rate | 10.4%-0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Howard County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
3.8%
Work from home
20.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$150,300$-110,100 vs state
Median home value
$993
Median rent
68.6%
Homeownership rate
13,999
Total housing units
85.2%
Occupied
14.8%
Vacant
31.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.8%
With health insurance
93.9%
With broadband internet
16.8%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
68.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.2%
High School+
15.3%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Howard County, Texas has a population of 33,127 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 88th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Howard County has declined 11.9% since 2010 (34,983 → 30,833), a -0.90% annualized rate.
The median household income in Howard County, Texas is $71,457, with mean (average) household income of $91,958 and per-capita income of $34,587. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Howard County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (69.4%), Black or African American (5.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Howard County, Texas is 37.0 years. Residents are 43.7% female and 56.3% male.
The median home value in Howard County is $150,300 and median monthly rent is $993. 68.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,999 total housing units, 14.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Howard County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Howard County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.