2000 84,964 1990 80,827 1980 86,896 1970 83,198 1960 69,509 1950 54,498 1940 47,752 1930 46,696 1920 43,965 1910 33,177 1900 28,575 1890 26,186 1880 19,584 1870 15,847 1860 12,524 1850 6,657
As of the census of 2000, there were 84,964 people, 34,800 households, and 23,559 families residing in the county. The population density was 290 people per square mile (112/km²). There were 37,604 housing units at an average density of 128 per square mile (50/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 89.73% White, 6.55% Black or African American, 0.36% Native American, 1.01% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.85% from other races, and 1.49% from two or more races. 2.01% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 24.6% were of American, 20.9% German, 9.7% English and 8.0% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 34,800 households out of which 31.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.70% were married couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.30% were non-families. 28.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 28.20% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 93.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $43,487, and the median income for a family was $53,051. Males had a median income of $43,767 versus $26,566 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,049. About 6.60% of families and 9.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 6.50% of those age 65 or over.
Howard County is Indiana's second most wealthy county, only Hamilton County is wealthier.