Median Income
$84,896
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$286,200
2% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
495/100K
30% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.9%
4% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,053
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Howard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population20,261
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density1,094/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,896
Per Capita$47,102
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$17,224M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$286,200
Rent$1,053
Ownership64.2%
Zillow$381,538
Housing Units8,594
Rent Burden22.2%
Crime
F
Violent495/100K
Property2,200/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking12.4%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation589 ft (180 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.9%
High School+97.1%
Graduate+10.0%
School Score6.15
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Howard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Howard receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, 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 $84,896, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Howard is $286,200, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,053 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 495 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,200 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Howard has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Howard has a population of 20,261 with a density of 1,094 people per square mile, spread across 23.1 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Howard is $84,896, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,102 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,189, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,053 business establishments, including 502 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,896 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,102 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,189 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,505 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,053 |
| County GDP | $17,224M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 502 |
| Healthcare | 561 |
| Retail | 691 |
| Manufacturing | 344 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,567 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Howard is $286,200, 2% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $381,538, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,053 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 8,594 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $6,567 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $286,200 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $381,538 |
| Median List Price | $419,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $419,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $240 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 6.5% |
| Inventory | 62 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,053 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,225 |
| Rent Burden | 22.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.8% |
| Housing Units | 8,594 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,567 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.29% |
In Howard, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 12.4% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,107. The dentist ratio is 1:1,124. 88.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Howard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.4% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,107 |
| Dentists | 1:1,124 |
| Mental Health | 1:339 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,072/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 561 |
Howard has a violent crime rate of 495 per 100,000 residents, 30% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,200 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 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 | 495.3/100K |
| 30% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,200.4/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Howard has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 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 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 589 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 589 ft (180 m) |
| Area | 23.1 sq mi (59.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,094/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5686°N, 88.0717°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Outagamie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Green Bay/Austin Straubel International (GRB) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0451 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.83 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
252 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 76 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Aug 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
57 km |
2 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2013 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF2 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Howard has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 17°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Howard
What is the population of Howard?
Howard has a population of 20,261 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,094 people per square mile, spread across 23.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Howard expensive to live in?
Howard is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $84,896, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $286,200 (2% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,053 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Howard safe?
The violent crime rate in Howard is 495 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 2,200 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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Howard?
The job market in Howard is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,189. There are 6,053 business establishments in the area, including 502 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Howard?
The median home value in Howard is $286,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $381,538. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,053. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,567.
How are the schools in Howard?
Schools in Howard score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.9% of adults in Howard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. 10.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Howard?
The obesity rate in Howard is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.4% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 88.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,107.
What is transportation like in Howard?
The average commute in Howard is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Howard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Howard is 92.1% White, 3% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.