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
Howell County is a county in Missouri with a population of 40,168. It ranks #28 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 40.1, older than the national median. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
The median household income in Howell County is $49,814, below the US median of $74,580. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $161,000, with monthly rent averaging $722. The homeownership rate of 68.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Howell County reflects 17.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.9 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.
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.