Regional Profile
Howard County
Population Demographics
As of 2026 the population of Howard County is 12,157. The population is expected to shrink to 11,780 by 2031 - a growth rate of -0.63%.
The median age of Howard County residents is 41.
The diversity index of Howard County is 65.3, meaning that there is a 65% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
Housing and Income
The average household income in Howard County is $67,015 and projected to be $72,962 in 2031. Per capita income is $27,953, projected to be $31,077 in 2031. 1.37% of households – 167 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $477,750 and the average disposable income is $53,674.
There are 6,151 housing units in Howard County; 3,562 are owner-occupied, 1,486 are rented, and 1,103 are vacant. The average home value is $204,561, with 702 homes built in 2010 or later, and 457 built in 1939 or earlier.
Business and Workforce
There are 474 businesses in Howard County, employing 5,037 workers and pulling from a labor force of 5,114 age 16 and above. 831 workers commute into Howard County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
4,139 residents both live and work in/around Howard County. The average travel time is 19.8 minutes. 8.29% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 2.17% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 4,068 drive alone, 642 carpool, and 37 take public transportation. 212 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 155 residents work from home.
3,353 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 1,042 have associates degrees, 979 have bachelor’s degrees, and 486 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-30