[9] As of 1901, Howard was a sundown town where African Americans were not allowed to live.

[10] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.70 square miles (1.81 km2), all of it land.

[11] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[12] The 2020 United States census counted 570 people, 268 households, and 148 families in Howard.

There were 347 housing units at an average density of 492.2 per square mile (190.0/km2).

39.9% of households consisted of individuals and 28.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 415 housing units at an average density of 592.9 per square mile (228.9/km2).

41.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 452 housing units at an average density of 645.9 per square mile (249.4/km2).

37.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The community is served by West Elk USD 282 public school district.