Median Income
$51,603
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$140,900
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
23/100K
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.8%
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Howe Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population887
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density496/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans1.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,603
Per Capita$29,339
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$2,473M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,900
Ownership80.4%
Zillow$243,503
Housing Units341
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent23/100K
Property274/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured12.3%
Smoking16.5%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation876 ft (267 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+30.3%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute23 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Howe a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Howe receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Howe offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Howe is $51,603, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Howe is $140,900, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Howe is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 23 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 274 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
31.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Howe experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Howe has a population of 887 with a density of 496 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44% female and 56% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 1.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Howe is $51,603, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,339 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,025, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,037 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,603 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,339 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,025 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,522 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,037 |
| County GDP | $2,473M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 195 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,763 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.7% |
The median home value in Howe is $140,900, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,503, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 341 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,763 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,900 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,503 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.6% |
| Housing Units | 341 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,763 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.96% |
In Howe, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 12.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,052. The dentist ratio is 1:3,144. 30.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Howe vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.3% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,052 |
| Dentists | 1:3,144 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,704 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,290/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Howe has a violent crime rate of 23 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 274 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Howe receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Howe vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 22.9/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 274.4/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 93 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Howe experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 876 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 876 ft (267 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 496/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7228°N, 85.4255°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | LaGrange County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
57 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
17 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
446 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 133 fatalities, 1,788 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
26 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
36 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
31 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
69 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
34 km |
5 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
121 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Howe has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Howe. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Howe
What is the population of Howe?
Howe has a population of 887 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 496 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44% female and 56% male.
Is Howe expensive to live in?
Howe is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,603, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,900 (50% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Howe safe?
Howe is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 23 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 274 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Howe receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Howe?
Howe has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Howe?
The job market in Howe is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,025. There are 1,037 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 14.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Howe?
The median home value in Howe is $140,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,503. The homeownership rate is 80.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,763.
How are the schools in Howe?
Schools in Howe score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.8% of adults in Howe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 30.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Howe?
The obesity rate in Howe is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 12.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 30.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,052.
What is transportation like in Howe?
The average commute in Howe is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Howe?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Howe is 91.8% White, 2.1% Black or African American. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 1.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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