Howard County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Howard County is located in Missouri with a total population of 10,141. It is the 85th most populous county out of 115 in Missouri.

Age Demographics

The median age in Howard County is 38.3 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Howard County is $62,628. This is 9% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 20% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%. This is 2% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 1% lower than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $145,300. Housing costs are 33% lower than the state median of $215,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Howard County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 80.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Howard County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.0% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 5.2%. The Black or African American population (5.2%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 5.1%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.1%.

Education

28.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 31.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.6%.