Howard, KS
Population 553 · Kansas
About Howard, KS
Howard is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 553 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,125 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Howard features a median home value of $53,400, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Howard one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $447, 62% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 383 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (205 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (78 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Howard shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Howard have an average one-way commute time of 29.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.7% of Howard residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 9.8% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Howard Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Howard, KS
Compared to national averages, Howard has a median household income of $53,125 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $53,400, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $447 is 62% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Howard's income is 17% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 53% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Howard, KS?
Howard offers affordable housing with a median home value of $53,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $447/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,125) that falls below the national average. However, Howard’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Howard has a population of 553 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Howard with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Howard
What is the population of Howard, KS?
The population of Howard, KS is 553 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Howard?
The median household income in Howard, KS is $53,125 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Howard?
The median home value in Howard, KS is $53,400, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Howard?
The median monthly rent in Howard, KS is $447, which is 62% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Howard?
The unemployment rate in Howard, KS is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Howard, KS a good place to live?
Howard offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 553 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Howard, KS?
16.7% of residents in Howard aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Howard?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Howard, KS: median home value is $53,400 (78% below national), median rent is $447/month, and median household income is $53,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Howard?
The poverty rate in Howard, KS is 23.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Howard, KS?
Howard's population is 9.8% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.