Howard County is located in central Nebraska and is known for its rolling farmland, river valleys, and friendly communities. The county seat, St. Paul, is a charming town with local shops, schools, a hospital, and historic buildings. Other notable towns include Dannebrog, Elba, Farwell, and Boelus, each offering quiet rural living and strong cultural roots, especially Norwegian and Danish influences. Historically, Howard County grew in the late 1800s as European immigrants settled along the North Loup River. Farming quickly became the primary industry, and the region has maintained its agricultural identity ever since. Today, corn, soybeans, hay, and cattle dominate local production. Housing in Howard County includes ranch-style homes, traditional single-family houses, farmhouses, and rural acreages. St. Paul has more modern housing options, while the smaller towns offer lower-cost homes with larger lots. Existing home prices typically range from $160,000 to $270,000, though acreages and updated homes may exceed $350,000. New construction costs usually fall between $150–$195 per sq. ft., bringing full land-and-build totals into the $340,000–$450,000 range. Howard County is conveniently located just 25 miles north of Grand Island, giving residents access to major shopping, medical services, and employment opportunities. The county appeals to families, retirees, agricultural workers, and anyone seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities.
Howard County Real Estate Listings
Howard County is located in central Nebraska and is known for its rolling farmland, river valleys, and friendly communities. The county seat, St. Paul, is a charming town with local shops, schools, a hospital, and historic buildings. Other notable towns include Dannebrog, Elba, Farwell, and Boelus, each offering quiet rural living and strong cultural roots, especially Norwegian and Danish influences. Historically, Howard County grew in the late 1800s as European immigrants settled along the North Loup River. Farming quickly became the primary industry, and the region has maintained its agricultural identity ever since. Today, corn, soybeans, hay, and cattle dominate local production. Housing in Howard County includes ranch-style homes, traditional single-family houses, farmhouses, and rural acreages. St. Paul has more modern housing options, while the smaller towns offer lower-cost homes with larger lots. Existing home prices typically range from $160,000 to $270,000, though acreages and updated homes may exceed $350,000. New construction costs usually fall between $150–$195 per sq. ft., bringing full land-and-build totals into the $340,000–$450,000 range. Howard County is conveniently located just 25 miles north of Grand Island, giving residents access to major shopping, medical services, and employment opportunities. The county appeals to families, retirees, agricultural workers, and anyone seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities.