Howard County

As of the latest census, Howard County, IA, has a population of approximately 9,206. The racial makeup is primarily White (around 98.2%), with small percentages of other races including African American (0.3%), Native American (0.2%), and Asian (0.3%). About 1.0% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The median age is 45.2 years. The county covers an area of 474 square miles, with a population density of about 19.4 people per square mile. The median household income is approximately $50,217, and the poverty rate is around 9.5%.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS)

As of the latest data, Howard County, IA, has a median home value of approximately $93,200. The median rent is around $611 per month. The homeownership rate stands at about 78.5%, with the majority of homes being single-family residences. Housing units total approximately 4,110, with a vacancy rate of around 8%. The average household size is 2.3 persons.

Howard County, IA, holds elections for various local, state, and federal positions. Local elections include positions like County Supervisors, Sheriff, County Attorney, Auditor, Treasurer, and Recorder. Election dates coincide with general and primary elections, with key dates being the first Tuesday in November for general elections and the first Tuesday in June for primary elections.

Voter turnout in recent elections has varied, with general elections typically seeing a higher turnout. For example, the voter turnout might be around 60-70% for general elections and lower for primary elections, often around 30-40%.

Candidates in the most recent elections include:

• County Supervisors: Bob Colohan (R), Dean Eastman (D)
• Sheriff: Tim Beckman (R)
• County Attorney: Kevin Byrnes (D)
• Auditor: Julie Chapman (R)
• Treasurer: Vicki Macken (R)
• Recorder: Jill Bonfig (R)

For up-to-date information, consult the Howard County Auditor’s office or the website.

As of the latest data, Howard County, IA has a high school graduation rate of approximately 90%, which is slightly higher than the national average of about 88%. Around 18% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. In comparison, the state average for Iowa stands at approximately 27% for bachelor's degree holders, indicating Howard County is below the state average in higher education attainment. Educational attainment at the high school level is comparable to state and national averages, but the county lags behind in post-secondary education.

As of the latest available data, Howard County, IA, has a labor force participation rate of around 65%. The unemployment rate is approximately 3-4%, which is close to both the national average (around 3.5-4%) and the Iowa state average (around 3%). Top industries in the county include manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and retail trade.

In comparison to national trends, Howard County has a higher percentage of employment in agriculture due to its rural nature. Manufacturing is also notably strong, reflecting Iowa's overall emphasis on production industries. The healthcare sector aligns with national and state averages, driven by regional healthcare facilities. Retail trade employment is consistent with national patterns but slightly elevated compared to state averages due to localized consumer service demands.

These figures indicate a diversified local economy with strengths in both traditional (agriculture) and modern sectors (healthcare, manufacturing).

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa Workforce Development.

As of recent data, the median household income in Howard County, IA is approximately $56,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of Iowa is about $61,000, while the national median household income stands at roughly $68,700. This indicates that Howard County's median income is below both the state and national averages.

Income Statistics Table

Howard County's median household income lagging behind both state and national figures highlights potential economic disparities and may reflect local economic conditions.

Howard County, IA, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to 2021 data, the overall crime rate is approximately 11.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. Below is a table summarizing various types of crimes:

The low figures reflect the community's focus on maintaining public safety and effective law enforcement efforts.