countyscore
45.3
County Score
Soil Quality 88.2Lawn Care 72.9Water Quality 65.8

County Report Card

About Howard County, Indiana

Navigating Below the National Average

Howard County’s composite score of 45.3 falls below the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county faces more significant livability challenges than the average American county.

Trailing Indiana's Average Score

At 45.3, Howard County ranks below the Indiana state average of 55.9. The county currently struggles to keep pace with the state's top-performing regional economies.

Low Taxes and Decent Water Quality

Low tax burdens are a primary draw, evidenced by an effective tax rate of 0.733% and a tax score of 59.5. The water quality score of 65.8 also provides a solid foundation for local health.

Addressing Safety and Environmental Risk

A safety score of 31.5 and a risk score of 36.3 indicate significant room for improvement in community security and environmental resilience. These factors weigh down the overall livability index for residents.

Best for Renters Seeking Low Taxes

Howard County suits individuals focused on minimizing their tax bill and finding affordable rent, which averages $915. However, those prioritizing safety and high-performing schools may find better fits elsewhere in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax59.5Cost43.6Safety31.5Health49.4Schools42.9Income46.5Risk36.3Water65.8Weather57.7
🏛59.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨88.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Tipton County
Indiana
65.2
Clinton County
Indiana
56.5
Carroll County
Indiana
61.6
Cass County
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Miami County
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Hamilton County
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Grant County
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Boone County
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Deep Dives

Howard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Howard County

via TaxByCounty

Howard County taxes rank well above U.S. median

Howard County's 0.733% effective tax rate places it in the top 25% nationally, well above the U.S. median of 0.571%. The median annual tax of $1,110 reflects relatively affordable home values at $151,500 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Higher-tax county in Indiana

Howard County ranks among Indiana's pricier tax jurisdictions with a 0.733% effective rate versus the state average of 0.671%. The median tax bill of $1,110 nearly matches Indiana's median of $1,199 despite moderately lower home values.

Peer-level taxes with Henry and Huntington

Howard County's 0.733% rate sits between Henry County (0.749%) and Huntington County (0.731%), making it one of the region's higher-tax areas. All three counties significantly exceed Jackson County's 0.472% rate to the south.

What you'll pay in Howard County

On a median home valued at $151,500, Howard County homeowners pay approximately $1,110 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that climbs to $1,136 due to lender escrow requirements.

Assessment appeals can lower your bill

Many property owners in Indiana overpay due to inflated assessments relative to current market values. Contact your county assessor to request a reassessment or file an appeal—it's a straightforward process that could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Howard County

via CostByCounty

Howard County's Housing Affordability Picture

Howard County residents face a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio, meaning renters here spend noticeably more on housing than the national average and significantly more than their state peers. With a median household income of $62,496 sitting well below the national median of $74,755, housing costs pack an outsized punch in local household budgets.

Howard's Affordability Ranking

At 17.6%, Howard County has one of Indiana's tighter housing markets, ranking below the state average of 15.6% and among the less affordable counties statewide. Rents averaging $915 monthly exceed Indiana's median by $32, adding to the affordability pressure families experience here.

Howard Compared to Regional Peers

Howard County's 17.6% rent burden is the highest among its immediate neighbors, trailing only Huntington County at 16.6% and Henry County at 16.1%. At $915 monthly, Howard's rents rank above nearby counties, reflecting tighter local demand and fewer bargain options.

Howard County Housing Costs Explained

A median earner in Howard County takes home $62,496 annually but dedicates about $915 monthly—or 17.6% of gross income—to rent if renting. Homeowners face similar pressure with $847 monthly costs on properties valued around $151,500, making the total housing burden substantial relative to local incomes.

Relocating to Howard County?

Howard County demands careful budget planning, as its 17.6% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter affordability than most Indiana alternatives. If you're considering the move, evaluate whether Howard's job market and lifestyle benefits justify higher housing costs compared to neighboring counties offering similar or better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Howard County

via IncomeByCounty

Howard County below U.S. average

Howard County's median household income of $62,496 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by about $12,300. This 16% income gap reflects economic conditions typical of many Midwest manufacturing communities.

Mid-tier earner in Indiana

Howard County's $62,496 median sits modestly below Indiana's average of $68,681, ranking in the middle range statewide. The county's per capita income of $34,785 nearly matches the state average of $34,773, suggesting relatively even income distribution.

Slightly ahead of Henry County

Howard County ($62,496) outpaces Henry County ($60,144) by $2,352 but trails Huntington County ($62,734) by just $238. These three adjacent counties cluster together, with earnings differences of less than 5%.

Renters stretch budgets carefully

At 17.6%, Howard County's rent-to-income ratio sits at the upper edge of affordability, meaning renters allocate a noticeable chunk of earnings to housing. With median home values at $151,500, homeownership remains accessible but requires careful financial planning.

Strategic saving builds security

Howard County households earning $62,496 should prioritize employer 401(k) matches and tax-advantaged savings accounts to maximize wealth growth. Even small increases in savings rates—moving from 5% to 10% of income—meaningfully accelerate long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Howard County

via CrimeByCounty

Howard County Remains Below National Rates

Howard County sees a total crime rate of 1615.3 per 100K, which remains below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a respectable safety score of 97.4 out of 100.

Above the Indiana State Average

Howard's crime rate sits above the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100K. Four local agencies provide data, indicating more active law enforcement reporting than some neighboring rural areas.

A More Active Regional Hub

Howard's total rate of 1615.3 is higher than Huntington's 569.5 and Henry's 139.0. This makes it one of the more active crime hubs in this specific regional cluster, reflecting its more urbanized character.

Understanding Violent and Property Trends

Violent crime stands at 406.2 per 100K, slightly exceeding the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of activity at 1209.1 per 100K, though this is still lower than the U.S. property crime average.

Proactive Security for Local Homes

Higher property crime rates suggest that visible security measures like motion lights and cameras are effective deterrents. Residents should stay proactive by participating in local watch programs to keep Howard County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Howard County

via HealthByCounty

Howard County faces serious life expectancy gap

At 73.0 years, Howard County residents live roughly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just under 1 in 5 residents (19.2%) report poor or fair health, suggesting significant chronic disease burden despite relatively low uninsured rates.

One of Indiana's lowest life expectancies

Howard County's 73.0-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Indiana, falling 2.1 years below the state average of 75.1 years. The county's 7.0% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 8.4%, indicating that coverage gaps alone don't explain the health disparity.

Strong mental health resources, thin primary care

Howard County has an impressive 236 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among neighboring counties—but primary care is more limited at 55 per 100K, matching Huntington County but trailing Jackson County's 67 per 100K. This imbalance suggests residents may access psychiatry but struggle to find family medicine physicians.

Better insured, but health outcomes lag

Howard County's 7.0% uninsured rate is among Indiana's best, yet life expectancy is among the worst—pointing to deeper issues like poverty, education, or healthcare quality rather than just access. With 55 primary care providers per 100K, residents have moderate access, but limited preventive care infrastructure may be driving late-stage diagnoses.

Get insured and stay connected to care

Though Howard County's 7.0% uninsured rate is low, every uninsured resident counts—that's still roughly 1 in 14 people. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or check with your employer to lock in coverage and schedule preventive screenings with your primary care provider.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Howard County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Education for Nearly 13,000 Students

Howard County manages 27 public schools across 6 districts, providing education for 12,911 students. The system includes 13 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 7 high schools to cover all developmental stages.

High Success Rates with Efficient Spending

Students graduate at a rate of 94.3%, which beats the national average of 87% and the state average of 92.6%. Despite high results, the county spends $5,166 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $5,507.

Kokomo School Corporation and Emerging Choice

Kokomo School Corporation is the major player, enrolling 5,238 students across 12 schools. The county also offers educational choice through one charter school, representing about 3.7% of the total school options available.

Diverse Locales from City to Countryside

Education happens in varied locales, featuring 14 city schools and 10 rural ones with an average enrollment of 497. Kokomo High School is the largest campus with 1,519 students, while smaller elementary schools provide more intimate settings.

Find Your Home in Howard's Top Districts

Howard County's strong academic outcomes and diverse school locales make it an attractive destination for parents. Evaluate homes near high-performing districts like Kokomo or Western to find the best fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Howard County

via RiskByCounty

Howard County faces above-average risk

Howard County's composite risk score of 63.68 significantly exceeds both the Indiana state average (45.52) and the national median, placing it in the relatively low category but well above typical U.S. county risk levels. This elevated profile warrants serious disaster preparedness efforts.

Among Indiana's riskier counties

Howard County ranks in the upper tier of Indiana counties for natural disaster risk, placing it above 70 of the state's 92 counties. Only the state's most hazard-prone areas exceed Howard's exposure levels.

Notably riskier than surrounding areas

Howard County's 63.68 score substantially exceeds nearby Henry County (44.82) and Grant County, making it one of the higher-risk zones in north-central Indiana. Residents here face markedly greater natural disaster exposure than immediate neighbors.

Tornadoes and earthquakes lead threats

Tornado risk reaches 83.68 in Howard County, among the state's highest, followed by earthquake risk at 77.07—well above Indiana's average. Flood risk (64.50) also ranks significantly higher than the state average, creating a triple threat of major hazards.

Multi-hazard insurance is essential

Howard County residents must secure homeowners insurance with robust wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, plus separate earthquake insurance given the elevated 77.07 seismic score. Flood insurance is equally important, as 64.50 flood risk is substantially above state norms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Howard County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures and Higher Snowfall

Howard County’s 50.6°F average temperature puts it among the cooler regions in the national landscape. It experiences a classic continental climate with sharp contrasts between January and July.

Above Average Snow for Indiana

The county is cooler than the Indiana average of 52.2°F and sees more snow than the central state. Annual snowfall reaches 28.6 inches, which is high for this part of the state.

Wetter and Snowier Than Huntington

Howard is slightly warmer than Huntington County but receives significantly more snow. While both are around 50°F, Howard deals with nearly 3 more inches of winter accumulation.

Cold Winters and Moderate Summers

Winters are cold at 27.6°F, though the county only faces 12 days of extreme 90°F heat. July temperatures average a comfortable 73.1°F, offering relief from Midwestern heat waves.

Gear Up for Serious Snowfall

Invest in high-quality winter gear to handle the nearly 29 inches of annual snow. HVAC systems should be optimized for the cold January average of 24.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Howard County

via SoilByCounty

Howard County's Premier Agricultural Foundation

Howard County boasts an impressive soil score of 88.2 and a pH of 6.48, aligning almost perfectly with the national median. This chemical balance makes it far more hospitable than the typical 6.08 Indiana average.

Silky Texture and High Nutrient Retention

Silt dominates the landscape at 54.8%, complemented by 21.2% clay and 19.6% sand. This high silt content creates a smooth texture that holds onto nutrients while remaining easier to till than heavy clay.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

The soil contains 5.64% organic matter, significantly outpacing the state average of 4.90%. With an available water capacity of 0.211 in/in, these fields offer exceptional drought resistance and growing potential.

Productive Soils with High Retention

While specific drainage class data is unavailable for these high-scoring soils, the silt-heavy mix suggests strong water retention. These traits contribute to the county's reputation as a top-tier agricultural hub.

Abundant Growth in Zone 6a

Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, Howard County offers ideal conditions for a wide variety of row crops and garden staples. The rich organic content makes it a haven for vigorous leafy greens and heavy-producing tomato plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Howard County

via LawnByCounty

Howard County's Reliable Growing Environment

Howard County maintains a respectable lawn difficulty score of 72.9, outperforming both state and national averages. While the 6a hardiness zone is standard for Indiana, local conditions make maintenance slightly easier than the typical American yard.

Moderate Temperatures and Steady Rain

The county receives 43.8 inches of annual rain, which is very close to the state average of 44.2 inches. With only 12 days of extreme heat per year, lawns here face fewer stress-inducing temperature spikes than many southern Indiana counties.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

A soil pH of 6.48 provides an excellent chemical foundation for grass, requiring minimal lime or sulfur adjustments. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the 21.2% clay content suggests a soil that holds moisture well but may be prone to some compaction.

Urgent Water Management Required

Severe drought currently grips 100% of the county after a year with 32 weeks of dry conditions. You must implement efficient irrigation strategies, such as early morning watering, to combat these unusually harsh local conditions.

Seize the Growing Season

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue thrive in Howard County's climate. The spring growing window opens wide after April 27, giving you plenty of time to establish roots before the first frost arrives on October 18.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Howard County's county score?
Howard County, Indiana has a composite county score of 45.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Howard County rank among counties in Indiana?
Howard County ranks #78 among all counties in Indiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Howard County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Howard County is $1,110, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Howard County a tax score of 59.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Howard County?
The median household income in Howard County, Indiana is $62,496 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Howard County earns an income score of 46.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Howard County, Indiana a good place to live?
Howard County scores 45.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Howard County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Howard County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.