Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Howard, KS
Thinking of moving to Howard, KS? This friendly small town of 592 residents offers very affordable living, with a median home price of $62,000 and average rent around $600. Howard features a low crime rate, short 15-minute average commutes, and a close-knit community atmosphere. The local school has a low student-teacher ratio, and you'll enjoy four distinct seasons with 62% sunny days annually. Explore Howard’s relaxed pace and cost-effective lifestyle as you consider your next move.
Demographics - Howard, KS
Demographics - Howard, KS
Howard, Kansas is a small, close-knit community of 592 residents with a median age of nearly 50 and a population density of 510 per square mile. The city is predominantly White, with 96.5% of residents identifying as such, and only a small percentage of non-English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and mature population contribute to a welcoming, slow-paced lifestyle ideal for those seeking a quieter environment.
Population:
592
Density:
510 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.7
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Howard, KS?
Living in Howard is highly affordable, with a median home value of just $62,000 and average rents at $600 per month. The cost of living index is 80.3, well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, further enhancing the city’s cost-effective reputation.
Median House Value:
$62,000
Gross Rent:
$600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.3
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
52.0
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Howard, KS a safe place to live?
Howard experiences a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring at a rate of 210 per 100,000 people—meaning the chance of being a victim is about 1 in 475. Property crimes are more common but still manageable for a small town, offering residents a generally safe environment. This low crime rate contributes to the community’s peaceful, secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,560
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Howard, KS year-round?
Residents of Howard enjoy four distinct seasons, with hot summers reaching up to 92°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, offering a pleasant balance of sunshine and seasonal variety. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate both warm, sunny days and the changing seasons.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household in Howard has an income of $36,300, with a moderate unemployment rate of 4% and a poverty rate of 19.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a quick 15 minutes, reflecting the town’s laid-back and accessible lifestyle. With low public transportation usage and affordable rents, Howard offers a simple, community-focused way of life.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$36,300
Family Income:
$46,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,000
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$600
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Howard, KS?
Howard’s public schools, such as West Elk Elementary & Junior/Senior High School, offer small class sizes with an 11:1 student-teacher ratio, fostering personalized attention. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible with Cowley College located about an hour away. The education system in Howard supports a strong foundation for students in a nurturing, small-town setting.

Public Schools
Name:
West Elk Elementary & Junior/Senior High School
Street:
701 S. West St
Phone:
620-374-2111
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
11:1

Colleges
Name:
Cowley College
City:
Arkansas City
State:
KS
Distance:
61 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Howard is served by the Elk County Medical Center, a critical access hospital offering emergency services right in town. The city has a good rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 89% and about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. This ensures that basic healthcare needs are met locally, providing peace of mind for families and seniors.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Elk County Medical Center
Address:
807 Montgomery St, Howard, KS 67349
Phone:
(620) 374-2117
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Howard, KS?
The housing market in Howard is marked by affordability and stability, with a median home price of $62,000 and a 72% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $600 and a vacancy rate of 8.5%. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make Howard an appealing choice for those seeking long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$62,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$600
Owner Occupied Rate:
72%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Howard can access DMV services through the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Topeka. Essential information and services are available online for convenience. This ensures drivers can efficiently manage licenses, registrations, and other vehicle-related tasks.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3621
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.