Is Howard Safe, Pros and cons of living in Howard
Howard, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities, making it an appealing place for many. This growing community is situated near Green Bay, providing residents with a small-town feel alongside convenient access to larger city attractions and employment centers. The village is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, abundant parks, and a strong sense of community.
The area is particularly attractive to families due to its highly-rated school district and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. With over 20 parks and natural areas, residents can enjoy various activities, from sports complexes to golf courses. Proximity to major employers and attractions in the greater Green Bay area further enhances its desirability, making Howard a well-rounded option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Is it Safe to Live in Howard?
Howard, Wisconsin, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Howard is considered slightly lower than the average for U.S. cities, earning it a B- grade for safety (according to CrimeGrade.org). This indicates that Howard is safer than 58% of cities nationwide, although it is less safe than 42% (according to CrimeGrade.org).
When examining specific crime statistics, the total crime rate in Howard is 21.48 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). While the northwest areas are considered the safest, the northeast neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 11 to 1 in 87 depending on the specific neighborhood (according to CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is approximately $257 annually, which is notably less than both the national and state averages (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Availability
Howard’s housing market is characterized by a mix of homeownership and rental options, with a slight majority of residents owning their homes. As of March 2026, the median listing price for homes in Howard was $439,900 (according to Realtor.com®). More recently, in March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $403,000, showing a slight decrease of 3.0% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). The average home value in Howard was $391,193 as of March 31, 2026, reflecting a 5.9% increase over the past year (according to Zillow).
For those interested in renting, the average rent in Howard as of May 2026 is $1,251 per month, which is 24% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $1,251, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,319 per month (according to Apartments.com). For those seeking larger accommodations, a three-bedroom rental can be expected to cost $2,037 or more per month (according to Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Howard, Wisconsin, is robust, with a growing employment sector. As of 2024, the area employed approximately 11.6k people, experiencing a growth rate of 2.55% from the previous year (according to Data USA). The primary industries contributing to employment include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA).
Within these sectors, specific job groups that employ a significant number of residents are Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (according to Data USA). The highest-paying industries in Howard are Wholesale Trade, Information, and Utilities (according to Data USA). The average annual salary in Howard is approximately $45,893 as of April 2026, translating to about $22.06 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Howard, Wisconsin, experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns. The summers are warm, with average daily high temperatures above 70°F from late May to mid-September (according to Weather Spark). July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 80°F and lows of 61°F (according to Weather Spark).
Winters are cold, snowy, and windy. The cold season generally lasts from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 37°F (according to Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average lows around 13°F and highs of 26°F (according to Weather Spark). The area receives an average of 30 inches of rainfall annually and approximately 51 inches of snowfall (according to Livability.com).
Education and Schools
Howard is part of the highly-regarded Howard-Suamico School District, which is recognized as one of the best in Wisconsin. The district operates nine schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, and is rated 4 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger (according to SchoolDigger.com). Bay Port High School is a top-performing high school within the district, known for its strong graduation rates (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Howard Elementary School, while part of this strong district, shows some variation in performance compared to other elementary schools in the area. It is rated above average, with 43% of students proficient in math and 49% in reading, according to state test scores (according to Niche). The district as a whole is ranked 84th out of 426 school districts in Wisconsin (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Diversity
Howard, Wisconsin, is a growing community with a population of approximately 21,100 residents as of 2024 (according to Data USA). The village is predominantly White, with 90.1% of the population identifying as White (according to Point2Homes). Other racial and ethnic groups include Black or African American (3.2%) and Hispanic (2.9%) populations (according to Point2Homes).
The median age in Howard is 41.2 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females than males (according to Point2Homes). While the community is growing, some residents note a lack of racial and political diversity, which can be a consideration for those from different backgrounds (according to Niche). The majority of households in Howard do not report speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language (according to Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Howard
Howard, Wisconsin, offers a compelling lifestyle with numerous advantages, balanced by a few considerations for potential residents. The community is highly regarded for its family-friendly environment and exceptional public schools, making it an attractive option for those raising children. The abundance of parks and recreational facilities provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and healthy living.
The job market is stable and growing, with diverse employment sectors contributing to the local economy. Furthermore, Howard’s cost of living is generally in line with or slightly above the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor in this. While the cost of living is manageable, it is important to note that housing prices are higher than the Wisconsin average (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
On the other hand, some residents point to a lack of diversity within the community, both racially and politically. This can present challenges for individuals who come from different backgrounds or hold different viewpoints. Additionally, while crime rates are lower than the national average, they are higher than many other places in Wisconsin, which is a point to consider for safety-conscious individuals.