Howard County Public RecordsIndiana

As of the 2020 Census, Howard County, Indiana, had a population of 83,658. The median age was 41.4 years. The gender distribution was nearly equal, with 49% male and 51% female. The racial makeup was 82.5% White, 8.8% Black or African American, 3.1% two or more races, 1.8% Asian, and 4.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Howard County, Indiana, had approximately 51,500 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout at around 46%. In the 2022 general election, Republicans won most major races, reflecting county-wide Republican dominance (about 65% GOP vote share). There are 27 polling locations, managed by the Howard County Election Board. Key 2024 issues include public safety and property taxes. Major parties—Republican and Democratic—actively campaign in the area. Registration is available online or at the county clerk’s office, with strict voter ID requirements in place.

Howard County, IN, serves over 15,000 K-12 students across 30 public and private schools, including 4 public high schools. Around 19.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report an average graduation rate of 87% and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. School safety initiatives reduce incidents by 12% annually, and the county offers advanced STEM, AP, vocational, and adult education programs, serving over 900 adult learners per year. Average test scores are near the state mean, with ongoing efforts to improve academic achievement and opportunities.

As of 2023, Howard County, IN, has an employment rate of approximately 58.9%. The leading industries include manufacturing (24.6%), healthcare and social assistance (18.1%), and retail trade (10%). Major occupation types are production (19.8%), office and administrative support (12.5%), and healthcare practitioners (8%). Around 87% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 19.1 minutes. Most residents work locally, though about 22% commute to nearby counties such as Tipton or Miami.

Howard County, IN, has a homeownership rate of approximately 70%, with median home values around $132,000 as of 2023. Rental rates average $780 per month. The housing market has seen a 4% annual increase in property values. Common housing types include single-family homes, duplexes, and some apartments, particularly in neighborhoods like Kokomo, Indian Heights, and Alto. Property taxes average 0.8% of assessed value, providing relatively affordable options. The area’s housing market remains stable, with a mix of established communities and newer developments appealing to both buyers and renters.

Howard County, IN, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the overall crime rate was approximately 27.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, with violent crime (such as assault and robbery) accounting for 4.3 per 1,000 and property crime (like burglary and theft) at 23.2 per 1,000. Law enforcement encourages the reporting of all suspicious activities, contributing to an 85% crime reporting rate. Enhanced community policing and public safety initiatives have helped reduce crime by nearly 8% over the past year, fostering a generally safe environment for residents.