Howard, WI
Population 20,261 · Wisconsin
About Howard, WI
Howard is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 20,261 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,896 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 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 $286,200, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Howard in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,053, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,760 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (5,459 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (3,047 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Howard shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Howard have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.9% of Howard residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Howard Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Howard, WI
Compared to national averages, Howard has a median household income of $84,896 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $286,200, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,053 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Howard's income is 17% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 39% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Howard, WI?
Howard offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,896, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,053/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 34.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Howard has a population of 20,261 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Howard with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Howard
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Milwaukee | 20,547 | $70,146 | $216,400 | Compare |
| Germantown | 20,940 | $104,337 | $356,700 | Compare |
| Pleasant Prairie | 21,515 | $103,903 | $336,300 | Compare |
| Fox Crossing | 18,960 | $74,423 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Onalaska | 18,909 | $84,898 | $279,100 | Compare |
| Wisconsin Rapids | 18,756 | $54,116 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Marshfield | 18,718 | $59,294 | $169,900 | Compare |
| Oconomowoc | 18,385 | $105,833 | $367,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Howard With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Howard
What is the population of Howard, WI?
The population of Howard, WI is 20,261 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Howard?
The median household income in Howard, WI is $84,896 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Howard?
The median home value in Howard, WI is $286,200, which is 17% above 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, WI is $1,053, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Howard?
The unemployment rate in Howard, WI is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Howard, WI a good place to live?
Howard offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 20,261 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Howard, WI?
34.9% of residents in Howard aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Howard?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Howard, WI: median home value is $286,200 (17% above national), median rent is $1,053/month, and median household income is $84,896. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Howard?
The poverty rate in Howard, WI is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Howard, WI?
Howard's population is 0.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.