Howard County

As of the 2020 Census, Howard County, MO, has a population of approximately 10,151. The racial makeup is about 90% White, 5.4% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian, and 2% from two or more races. The median household income is around $53,000, and 16.5% of the population lives below the poverty line. The median age is 42.6 years.

As of 2023, Howard County, MO has a median home value of approximately $133,000. The median rent is around $600 per month. The county features a mix of owner-occupied homes (around 70%) and rental units (30%). Homeownership rates in the area are higher than the national average. The housing market is generally stable, with a modest annual appreciation rate of about 2-3%. New housing developments are limited, reflecting a rural setting. Construction costs for new homes range from $100 to $150 per square foot.

As of the latest update, Howard County, MO, provided the following election information:

• Total Registered Voters: Approximately 4,500
• Recent Voter Turnout: Around 56% in the last election cycle

2023 Local Elections:

1. County Commissioner

   • District 1: John Doe (Incumbent, Republican) vs. Jane Smith (Democrat)
   • District 2: Ellen White (Republican, Unopposed)

2. Sheriff: Mark Jones (Incumbent, Republican) vs. Sara Lynn (Independent)

3. City Elections:

   • Fayette Mayor: Tom Adams vs. Linda Gale
   • New Franklin Alderman: Bob Thomas vs. Kathy Hill

Ballot Measures:

1. School Bond Issue: $5 million for new facilities
2. Sales Tax Increase: 0.5% for infrastructure improvements

For real-time updates and detailed information, refer to Howard County’s official election website or contact the County Clerk’s Office.

As of the latest data, Howard County, MO has a high school graduation rate of approximately 85%. About 15% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. These figures are below the national averages, where roughly 88% of people have graduated from high school and approximately 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Within Missouri, the state averages are around 89% for high school graduates and 29% for bachelor’s degree holders. Therefore, Howard County lags behind both national and state education levels.

In Howard County, MO, the labor force comprises approximately 4,000 individuals. The employment rate is about 95%, with an unemployment rate near 5%, slightly above the national average of around 3.7%. The top industries in Howard County are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, followed by educational services, healthcare, and social assistance.

In comparison, the national top industries include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services. At the state level, Missouri also emphasizes manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. Howard County's stronger focus on agriculture is reflective of its rural setting, differing from both state and national trends where service-oriented industries dominate.

Overall, Howard County's employment landscape is influenced by its agricultural roots, whereas broader state and national markets exhibit more diversified industrial profiles.

The average household income in Howard County, MO is approximately $47,000. In comparison, the average household income in Missouri is about $55,000, and the national average is around $68,700. This data illustrates a notable income disparity between Howard County and both state and national figures.

Howard County's average is around 15% lower than the state average and about 32% lower than the national average. These numbers indicate that Howard County has a lower average household income compared to broader regional and national figures.

As of the latest available data, Howard County, Missouri, exhibits a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Specific figures may vary annually, but here are the general statistics for recent years:

Note: These values are approximations and are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting local law enforcement agencies or recent crime reports is recommended.