[2] Originally named Richardville County, it was renamed in 1846 to commemorate General Tilghman Ashurst Howard.

Howard County comprises the Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Its first name honored Jean Baptiste Richardville, a chief of the Miami.

They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending.

The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.

The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be admitted to practice law in the State of Indiana.

County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff, coroner, auditor, treasurer, recorder, surveyor, and circuit court clerk Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government.

[11] As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 82,752 people, 34,301 households, and 22,604 families residing in the county.