Median Income
$72,188
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,500
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.5%
12% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$558
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
89% lower than US avg
How Howells Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population602
Median Age49.5 yrs
Density1,038/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,188
Per Capita$36,674
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty1.4%
County GDP$1,023M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,500
Rent$558
Ownership88.6%
Zillow$245,973
Housing Units336
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,702/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking13.8%
Depression17.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,497 ft (456 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.5%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute22 min
Broadband74.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Howells a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Howells 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. Howells offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Howells is $72,188, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Howells is $104,500, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $558 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Howells is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,702 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
29.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Howells experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches, including 23.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Howells has a population of 602 with a density of 1,038 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 49.5 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.5yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
The median household income in Howells is $72,188, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,674. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 312 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,188 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,674 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,571 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 312 |
| County GDP | $1,023M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,514 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Howells is $104,500, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,973, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $558 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 336 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $3,514. 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,500 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,973 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $558 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.4% |
| Housing Units | 336 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,514 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.36% |
In Howells, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 17.5% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:5,222. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Howells vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 17.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,222 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,283 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 4,195/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Howells has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,702 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Howells receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Howells vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 84.0/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,702.5/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Howells experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 308 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 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,497 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,497 ft (456 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,038/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7242°N, 97.0046°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Colfax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
17 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
610 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 442 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
99 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Howells has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Howells. 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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Howells
What is the population of Howells?
Howells has a population of 602 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,038 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Howells expensive to live in?
Howells 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 $72,188, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,500 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $558 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Howells safe?
Howells is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,702 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Howells receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Howells?
Howells has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches, with 23.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Howells?
The job market in Howells is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 312 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Howells?
The median home value in Howells is $104,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,973. For renters, the median monthly rent is $558. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,514.
How are the schools in Howells?
Schools in Howells score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.5% of adults in Howells hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Howells?
The obesity rate in Howells is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 17.5% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Howells?
The average commute in Howells is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Howells?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Howells is 96.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.7% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
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