Howell County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Missouri
The population of Howell County, Missouri is 40,168 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $49,814, the median home value is $161,000, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of Howell County has grown 0.5% since 2010 (40,544 → 40,762), a +0.04% annualized rate.
40,168
Population
+0.04%
Annual growth
43
People / sq mi
$49,814
Median Income
$161,000
Median Home Value
Howell County covers 927 sq mi of land at 43.3 people per square mile.
About Howell County, MO
Remote work is unusually rare in Howell County: 3.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 40,168 residents, Howell County is a county in Missouri. It ranks #28 among counties in Missouri by population.
The typical household earns $49,814, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.9%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $161,000, with typical rent around $722.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.5%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Howell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Howell County had a population of 40,544 in 2010 and 40,762 in 2024, a 0.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,762 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.04%.
40,762
Population (2024)
40,544
Population (2010)
40,762
Peak (2024)
0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,544 |
| 2011 | 40,578 |
| 2012 | 40,533 |
| 2013 | 40,234 |
| 2014 | 40,122 |
| 2015 | 40,071 |
| 2016 | 40,131 |
| 2017 | 40,069 |
| 2018 | 40,103 |
| 2019 | 40,084 |
| 2020 | 39,806 |
| 2021 | 40,026 |
| 2022 | 40,612 |
| 2023 | 40,707 |
| 2024 | 40,762 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
19.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,814$-19,106 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,950 |
| Per-capita income | $26,493 |
| Poverty rate | 15.9%+7.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Howell County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
82.2%
Public transit
3.5%
Work from home
20.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$161,000$-54,600 vs state
Median home value
$722
Median rent
68.7%
Homeownership rate
18,104
Total housing units
88.4%
Occupied
11.6%
Vacant
31.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.8%
With health insurance
91.3%
With broadband internet
41.0%
Foreign-born
9.3%
Veterans (18+)
19.6%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.9%
High School+
17.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Howell County, Missouri has a population of 40,168 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 43 people per square mile.
The population of Howell County has grown 0.5% since 2010 (40,544 → 40,762), a +0.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in Howell County, Missouri is $49,814, with mean (average) household income of $64,950 and per-capita income of $26,493. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Howell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Howell County, Missouri is 40.1 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Howell County is $161,000 and median monthly rent is $722. 68.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,104 total housing units, 11.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Howell County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Howell County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Howell County, MO Climate
Howell County, MO has an average annual temperature of 13.3°C (56°F) and receives about 1128 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.3°C
Avg Temp
1128
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 60 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 70 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 112 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 112 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 117 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 100 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 81 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 88 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 98 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 85 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 107 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 98 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 Howell County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Howell County, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Howell County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.