Howard
Missouri

What stands out

If you had to describe Howard County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), homeownership is in the top 11% of American counties (82%), and unemployment is in the bottom 13% of American counties (2.4%). Within Missouri it ranks 9th of 115 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Howard County, Missouri. 10,142 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -47).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $59,023 a year, lower than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,039. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 87% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,593 a year.

Home

The median home costs $231K, cheaper than 51% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $844 a month. Property tax is 0.81% of home value, roughly $1,144 a year on that median home, lower than 55% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 61% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 76.4 years, longer than 57% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 5.9 per 10,000 people. 10.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.19 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 71% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 36 points. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 66 and lows near 46, warmer than 50% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 28 out of 100, safer than 72% of American counties; the county has had 29 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 116 Mbps down, slower than 83% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.