Median Income
$53,125
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$53,400
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
549/100K
44% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$447
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Howard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population553
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density779/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,125
Per Capita$32,117
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$102M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$53,400
Rent$447
Ownership72.4%
Zillow$77,221
Housing Units344
Rent Burden34.6%
Crime
F
Violent549/100K
Property2,279/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking19.3%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation1,039 ft (317 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+8.7%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute30 min
Broadband89.1%
Libraries4
Is Howard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Howard receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Howard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Howard is $53,125, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Howard is $53,400, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $447 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 549 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,279 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Howard enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches, including 6.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Howard has a population of 553 with a density of 779 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Howard is $53,125, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,117 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $685, 52% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 86 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,125 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,117 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $685 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,489 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 86 |
| County GDP | $102M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Howard is $53,400, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $77,221, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $447 (62% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 344 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. 34.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $53,400 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $77,221 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $447 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.6% |
| Housing Units | 344 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
In Howard, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 31.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,441. 28.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Howard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.8% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,441 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,720/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 28.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Howard has a violent crime rate of 549 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,279 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Howard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Howard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 548.8/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,279.4/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Howard enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 317 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches. The area receives 6.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,039 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,039 ft (317 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 779/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4694°N, 96.2630°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Elk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower Ntl (ICT)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 29.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,130 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 26, 2025.
| Sep 3, 2016 |
14 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma |
M5.8 |
130 km |
| Jan 26, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
145 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Mar 29, 2017 |
8 km W of Deer Creek, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
140 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
4 km ENE of South Haven, Kansas |
M4.0 |
107 km |
| Sep 8, 2014 |
1 km NE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Jun 8, 2016 |
13 km NNW of Pawnee, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Sep 24, 2017 |
10 km SSE of Red Rock, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Dec 16, 2013 |
10 km SE of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Jan 19, 2015 |
2 km ENE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Mar 3, 2015 |
4 km W of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Mar 16, 2014 |
3 km WSW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Apr 10, 2014 |
5 km E of Morrison, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 22, 2020 |
6 km N of Nardin, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
3 km NE of Renfrow, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
4 km ENE of Morrison, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
11 km NW of Morrison, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 290 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 10, 1958 |
EF4 |
79 km |
15 |
| Apr 2, 1956 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2004 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Oct 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1979 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1965 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
78 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
42 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
81 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
36,112 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
32,901 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
25 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
20,347 |
57 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
62 km |
| 2018 |
WEST 60 |
18,715 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
83 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
72 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
92 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 123 |
14,980 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
74 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
52 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
33 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
23 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Howard has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 37.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Howard. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Howard
What is the population of Howard?
Howard has a population of 553 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 779 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Howard expensive to live in?
Howard is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,125, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $53,400 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $447 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Howard safe?
The violent crime rate in Howard is 549 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,279 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Howard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Howard?
Howard enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.6 inches, with 6.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Howard?
The job market in Howard is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $685. There are 86 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Howard?
The median home value in Howard is $53,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $77,221. For renters, the median monthly rent is $447. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.4%.
How are the schools in Howard?
Schools in Howard score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Howard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Howard?
The obesity rate in Howard is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 31.8% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 28.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,441.
What is transportation like in Howard?
The average commute in Howard is 30 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Howard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard is 95.1% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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