Median Income
$54,792
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,200
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
142/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.4%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$516
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How Howard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population990
Median Age49.7 yrs
Density1,021/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,792
Per Capita$30,547
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$177M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,200
Rent$516
Ownership72.9%
Zillow$258,166
Housing Units497
Rent Burden17.7%
Crime
F
Violent142/100K
Property1,332/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking16.8%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,561 ft (476 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.4%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score6.28
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 25%
Commute21 min
Broadband78.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Howard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Howard receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Howard has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Howard is $54,792, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Howard is $93,200, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $516 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Howard is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
8.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Howard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.4 inches, including 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Howard has a population of 990 with a density of 1,021 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 49.7 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 28.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.7yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
The median household income in Howard is $54,792, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,547 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $837, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 108 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,792 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,547 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $837 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,103 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 108 |
| County GDP | $177M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.2% |
The median home value in Howard is $93,200, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,166, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $516 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 497 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 17.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,200 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $258,166 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $516 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.1% |
| Housing Units | 497 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Howard, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,314. The dentist ratio is 1:384. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Howard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,314 |
| Dentists | 1:384 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,717/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Howard has a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,332 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. Overall, Howard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Howard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 141.7/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,332.0/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Howard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 276 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 26.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,561 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,561 ft (476 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,021/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0117°N, 97.5246°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Miner County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.4"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
80 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
75 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
526 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 248 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
32 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TAHOHPI WUI RX (1,166 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Howard has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and December the driest (0.5").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Howard
What is the population of Howard?
Howard has a population of 990 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,021 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is Howard expensive to live in?
Howard is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,792, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,200 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $516 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Howard safe?
Howard is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,332 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Howard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Howard?
Howard has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.4 inches, with 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Howard?
The job market in Howard is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $837. There are 108 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Howard?
The median home value in Howard is $93,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,166. For renters, the median monthly rent is $516. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.9%.
How are the schools in Howard?
Schools in Howard score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.4% of adults in Howard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Howard?
The obesity rate in Howard is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,314.
What is transportation like in Howard?
The average commute in Howard is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Howard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard is 93.6% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 28.8% of residents have a disability. 85.3% have health insurance coverage.
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