Special Interest
Housing in Howard County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Howard County averages $832/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Missouri median of $1,033 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 24% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Howard County FMR Area are $736 for a studio, $814 for 1‑bedroom, $1,068 for 2‑bedroom, $1,281 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,414 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $236 increase for a 2-bedroom in Howard County shows a 28% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Howard County was 3.7% in 2024, compared to Missouri at 3.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
