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West Plains, MO

Cost of living in Howell County, MO

Estimated monthly cost
$2,492/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 40,168 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $634 25%
Healthcare $480 19%
Federal tax $382 15%
Transport $320 13%
Groceries $313 13%
Energy $194 8%
State tax $119 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Howell County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$615
per month
1 bedroom
$634
per month
2 bedroom
$824
per month
3 bedroom
$1,155
per month
4 bedroom
$1,384
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Howell County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$49,814
per year
Individual earnings
$33,405
per year
Per capita
$26,493
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Howell County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$161,000
Annual property tax
$892

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Howell County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$142
per month · 14.2¢/kWh
Natural gas
$52
per month
Annual total
$2,328
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Howell County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
14.2%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Howell County

State and local tax rates for Missouri.

State income tax
4.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
4.2%
Combined sales tax
8.3%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Howell County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.9 min
Drive alone
82.2%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
3.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Howell County

What it costs to live in Howell County each month.

Single person
$2,492
per month
  • Rent $634
  • Energy $194
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $313
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $382
  • State tax $119
Couple
$3,594
per month
  • Rent $824
  • Energy $233
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $519
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $489
  • State tax $185
Family
$6,047
per month
  • Rent $1,155
  • Energy $291
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $787
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $489
  • State tax $185

Frequently asked questions about Howell County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Howell County?

In Howell County, MO, a one-bedroom apartment averages $634 per month, a two-bedroom averages $824 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,155 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Howell County?

In Howell County, MO, the average household income is $49,814 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $33,405 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Howell County?

The estimated cost of living in Howell County, MO is approximately $2,492 per month for a single person, $3,594 for a couple, $6,047 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Howell County?

The combined sales tax rate in Howell County, MO is 8.29%, which includes the Missouri state rate of 4.22% plus an average local rate of 4.06%.

Is Howell County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Howell County, MO would need approximately $2,492 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $49,814 per year ($4,151 per month). Howell County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Howell County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Howell County, MO is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 14.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Howell County?

The average home value in Howell County, MO is $161,000, with average annual property taxes of $892, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Howell County compare to other areas?

You can compare Howell County, MO with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Howell County is in the West Plains, MO metro area.

Other counties in Missouri

Browse the full list of counties in Missouri, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Missouri

Compare Howell County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources