Howard County, Indiana Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Howard County is located in Indiana with a total population of 83,610. It is the 18th most populous county out of 92 in Indiana.

Age Demographics

The median age in Howard County is 41.0 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 38.0 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Howard County is $62,496. This is 11% lower than the state median of $70,051. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 20% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%. This is 3% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. This is 33% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $151,500. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $201,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Howard County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 71.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 70.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Howard County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.1% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 7.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.9%) is well below the state average of 8.4%.

Education

20.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 28.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.1%.