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
Howard County is a county in Texas with a population of 33,127. It ranks #88 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 37.0, younger than the national median. The population is 56.3% male and 43.7% female.
The median household income in Howard County is $71,457, near the US median of $74,580. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $150,300, with monthly rent averaging $993. The homeownership rate of 68.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Howard County reflects 15.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.4 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.