Is Howell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Howell

Is it Safe to Live in Howell?

Howell, Michigan, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Howell is significantly lower than the national average, with reports indicating it is 44% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This safety is further supported by its crime rate being lower than approximately 42% of Michigan communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When considering specific crime types, Howell boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States, with 110 violent crimes per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). While the city experiences a low rate of violent crime, it is noted to have a higher murder rate compared to some other cities of similar size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates in Howell are also reported to be about average for cities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Crime Statistics Overview

The crime rate in Howell is approximately 14.39 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of being a victim of crime in Howell varies by neighborhood, with the southwest area offering a lower risk compared to central neighborhoods (as reported by AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident in Howell is $224 annually, which is less than both the national and state averages (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living in Howell

Howell, Michigan, offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living in Howell is 11% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Specifically, housing expenses in Howell are notably lower, being 42% less than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

The median home value in Howell is approximately $266,934 (as reported by Livability.com). However, other sources indicate a higher median home price, with Redfin reporting it at $385,000 in early 2026 (as reported by CBS News) and Zillow stating the average home value was $377,375 in March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Renting in Howell is also more affordable, with an average rent of $1,229 per month, which is 25% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in Howell has shown recent activity, with home sales up 14% year over year and prices remaining steady (as reported by CBS News). In March 2026, home prices in Howell were up 63.0% compared to the previous year, selling for a median price of $375,000 (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Howell tend to sell relatively quickly, with an average of 32 days on the market in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

Income and Expenses

The median household income in Howell is approximately $56,973 (as reported by Livability.com), while other data suggests a median household income of $60,449 (as reported by Data USA and Howell, Michigan Population 2026). Household expenditures average around $85,820 per year (as reported by ZoomProspector). The majority of these earnings are spent on taxes, retirement, shelter, transportation, healthcare, and groceries (as reported by ZoomProspector).

Job Market and Economy

Howell’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 5,518 residents (as reported by Data USA). The primary industries employing Howell residents include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA). Sales and related occupations, production occupations, and office and administrative support occupations are the most common job groups (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Howell stands at 3.2% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is a healthy indicator of the local job market’s stability. In March 2026, the unemployment rate in Michigan was 5%, unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts). Major employers in the Howell area include Thai Summit America Corp, Citizens Insurance, Livingston Educational Service Agency, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, and Howell Public Schools (as reported by City of Howell Employer Profile).

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries contributing to Howell’s economy include manufacturing, which employs a significant portion of the workforce (as reported by Data USA). Health care and social assistance, along with retail trade, are also substantial sectors (as reported by Data USA). Companies like Thai Summit America Corporation and Citizens Insurance are among the largest employers, providing numerous job opportunities within the community (as reported by City of Howell Employer Profile, Largest companies in Howell, MI by revenue).

Climate and Weather

Howell, Michigan, experiences distinct seasons with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual temperature in Howell ranges from approximately 18°F in January to 83°F in July (as reported by Howell Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature). The warm season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 73°F (as reported by Howell Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature).

Annual precipitation averages around 32 to 35 inches, with snowfall also averaging about 32 to 36 inches (as reported by Livability.com, Howell, Michigan – Wikipedia). The wetter season generally runs from late March to mid-October, with July having the most wet days (as reported by Howell Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature). The drier season extends from mid-October to late March, with February having the fewest wet days (as reported by Howell Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature).

Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation

During the summer months, July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 62°F (as reported by Howell Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average lows of 18°F and highs of 31°F (as reported by Howell Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature). Annual rainfall averages about 33 inches (as reported by Howell, Michigan Weather & Climate – Best Time to Visit), and snowfall can reach around 36 inches annually (as reported by Howell, Michigan Weather & Climate – Best Time to Visit).

School Ratings and Education

Howell Public Schools is considered an above-average public school district in Michigan (as reported by Niche). The district serves approximately 7,045 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Math proficiency in the district is around 39%, and reading proficiency is around 52%, both of which are higher than the state averages (as reported by Niche).

Several schools within the district receive positive ratings. Northwest Elementary School and Southwest Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in Howell (as reported by Niche). Highlander Way Middle School and Parker Middle School also perform well, receiving 4-star ratings (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, some of the district’s high schools face challenges, with mixed academic performance and higher chronic absenteeism rates (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

District Performance and Highlights

Howell Public Schools has an overall Niche grade of B, with a rating of 3.76 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). The district ranks well for athletes and has a solid standing among Michigan’s school districts (as reported by Niche). While many schools show strong performance, there are also areas for improvement, particularly in high school graduation rates and chronic absenteeism (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics of Howell

Howell, Michigan, is home to a population of approximately 10,021 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The city has a median age of 41 years, with a balanced gender distribution of 49.4% male and 50.6% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup of Howell is predominantly White, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents constituting the largest group (as reported by Data USA).

The population of Howell includes a significant percentage of U.S. citizens, with 97.8% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA). The city has a homeownership rate of about 53.9% (as reported by Data USA). Howell is characterized by a dense suburban feel, with many families and young professionals choosing to live there (as reported by Niche).

Population and Age Distribution

As of the latest census data, Howell has a population of 10,068 (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Howell is 40.8 years, with a slight majority of females (as reported by Howell, Michigan Population 2026). The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the adult brackets, from 25-44 and 45-64 years old (as reported by Point2Homes).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of Howell is primarily White, accounting for approximately 89.9% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African Americans, Asians, and individuals of two or more races, though in smaller percentages (as reported by Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino individuals make up a small percentage of the population (as reported by Howell, Michigan Population 2026).

Pros and Cons of Living in Howell

Living in Howell offers a blend of small-town charm with convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. The city is noted for its safe environment, with crime rates significantly below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Howell also provides a more affordable cost of living, particularly in housing, compared to many other U.S. cities (as reported by Payscale).

However, some aspects of Howell may be considered drawbacks. While generally safe, there are mentions of a higher murder rate in specific analyses (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The job market, while stable, sees a slight decline in employment year-over-year (as reported by Data USA). Additionally, while schools are generally above average, some high schools face challenges with performance and attendance (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Advantages of Howell Living

The appeal of Howell lies in its balance of community feel and accessibility. Its location, situated between Lansing and Detroit, makes it a convenient spot for commuters (as reported by CBS News). The revitalized downtown area, featuring new restaurants, boutiques, and shops in historic storefronts, adds to its charm (as reported by CBS News).

Challenges for Howell Residents

Potential residents should be aware of certain challenges. The median home price, while more affordable than major cities, has seen significant increases recently (as reported by Redfin). While the overall crime rate is low, the specific mention of a higher murder rate in some reports warrants attention (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Furthermore, the job market shows a slight decrease in employment numbers, indicating a need for careful career planning (as reported by Data USA).