Howell
Missouri

What stands out

Against every county in America, Howell County is unusual in three ways: the share working from home is in the bottom 10% of American counties (3%), the median household income is in the bottom 14% of American counties ($46,401), and violent crime is in the top 14% of American counties (4.6 per 1,000). Within Missouri it ranks 2nd of 115 counties for the share working from home, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Howell County, Missouri. 39,960 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +301).

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 $46,401 a year, lower than 86% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,674. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 67% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,000 a year.

Home

The median home costs $226K, cheaper than 53% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $661 a month. Property tax is 0.58% of home value, roughly $826 a year on that median home, lower than 79% of American counties. 69% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 86% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.1 years, shorter than 79% of American counties. There are 91 active physicians in the county, about 22.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 11.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.79 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 72% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 61 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 62% 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 59°F, highs near 71 and lows near 48, warmer than 64% of American counties. About 50 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 82 out of 100, riskier than 82% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 149 Mbps down, slower than 71% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.