Howard Public RecordsKansas

Howard City in Elk County, Kansas, has a homeownership rate of around 77%, with a median home value of about $48,000. Rental options are limited, with median gross rents near $530 per month. Housing consists primarily of single-family detached homes, reflecting the rural character. Property values have remained relatively stable, with slight increases in recent years. Neighborhoods are quiet and community-oriented. Property taxes are low, averaging 1.4% of the property value annually, making Howard an affordable option for residents seeking small-town living.

Howard City, located in Elk County, Kansas, has a population of approximately 550 residents. The median age is around 50 years, reflecting a significantly older demographic. About 52% of the population is female and 48% male. Racially, Howard is predominantly White (about 95%), with small representations of Native American (2%), Hispanic or Latino (1%), and those identifying with two or more races (2%). The town has a low population density, characteristic of rural southeast Kansas communities.

Howard, in Elk County, Kansas, is served by West Elk USD 282, which operates one K-12 school: West Elk Schools, enrolling about 400 students. The high school graduation rate is around 86%. Only about 13% of adults in Howard hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school’s average test scores are slightly below the Kansas state average. School safety incidents are rare, and the district offers some career and technical education programs, though options are limited due to size. Adult education opportunities are minimal, often requiring travel to nearby towns.

Transportation in Howard City, Elk County, KS is primarily automobile-dependent, with over 85% of residents commuting by car and less than 1% using public transit. The average commute time is about 20 minutes, slightly below the national average. Vehicle ownership rates are high, with approximately 95% of households owning at least one vehicle. Major highways, including US-160, connect Howard to regional employment hubs, though most jobs are locally concentrated in education, healthcare, and local government. Public transportation options are minimal, reflecting the town’s rural character and small population.

Howard City, located in Elk County, Kansas, has limited healthcare facilities, with the main provider being Elk County Health Center, a critical access hospital offering basic medical and emergency services (25 beds). There are few local clinics and pharmacies; residents often travel over 40 miles for specialty care. The county's population (estimated ~2,400, median age 48) faces higher-than-average rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Approximately 15% of residents lack health insurance, and 18% live below the poverty line. Healthcare access challenges include provider shortages and transportation barriers for older adults.