Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.9 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.50 |
| Below Poverty | 8.0% ▼ 20% below avg |
| College Grads | 35.0% ▼ 10% below avg |
| Unemployment | 1.5% ▼ 70% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 78 (1.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,839 (41%) |
| Some College | 628 (9.1%) |
| Associates | 965 (13.9%) |
| Bachelors | 982 (14.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,430 (20.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $64,891 ▼ 15% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $150,318 ▼ 46% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.3x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $711/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 4,964 |
| Vacant Units | 671 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Howard County is located in Iowa and encompasses 6 ZIP codes spanning 6 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 10,964 residents. With a median age of 40.88, it is a middle-aged county.
Howard County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $64,891 is near the national average. Unemployment stands at 1.5%, well below the national average. The poverty rate of 8.0% is well below the national average.
Housing in Howard County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $150,318 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $710. Homeownership rates are high at 77.3%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Howard County are primarily White (93.94%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 35.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Howard County, IA is a solidly middle-class area in Iowa. The 6 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52134 | Chester | 268 | $73,603 | $231,300 | $513 | 8.1% | 25.3% |
| 52136 | Cresco | 5,763 | $66,932 | $153,300 | $721 | 0.6% | 33.5% |
| 50628 | Elma | 1,309 | $57,596 | $140,900 | $652 | 1.1% | 36.5% |
| 52155 | Lime Springs | 1,181 | $68,750 | $122,400 | $665 | 5.7% | 33.4% |
| 52163 | Protivin | 354 | $63,125 | $106,000 | $582 | 0.6% | 49.8% |
| 50466 | Riceville | 2,089 | $60,833 | $160,900 | $792 | 1.0% | 37.7% |