Howard County, Indiana
10 ZIP codes · Avg score 58/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike top-rated counties, Howard County's 10 ZIP codes carry a fair number of documented violations — chlorine compliance and disinfection byproduct limits are the categories most often cited in recent data.
How Howard County Compares
How Howard County Compares
Howard County scores 2 points below the Indiana state average (60/100) and 10 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Howard County, Indiana
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 14.8 (asthma 11.5%, diabetes 14.3%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $921, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.404% avg pipe failure probability, 56% of ZIPs at high risk
79% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2024–2025)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across Howard County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2024 with 4 violations. Past 5 years: 8 total (8 health-based).
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $921
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
40,951 housing units in Howard County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Howard County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Howard County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Howard County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Howard County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana American Water - Kokomo | 59,313 | 73 |
| 2 | Timbernest Townhouses | 175 | 73 |
| 3 | Oak Brook Estates | 455 | 68 |
| 4 | Deer Creek Estates Home Water Assoc. | 265 | 68 |
| 5 | Western Estates Mobile Home Park | 248 | 68 |
11 total water systems serve Howard County.
All ZIP Codes in Howard County
10 ZIP codes tracked in Howard County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 46904 | Kokomo | 68 | C | 17 (2 health) | — |
| 2 | 46979 | Russiaville | 66 | C | 5 | $205K |
| 3 | 46936 | Greentown | 65 | C | 0 | $207K |
| 4 | 46903 | Kokomo | 64 | C | 17 (2 health) | — |
| 5 | 46965 | Oakford | 64 | C | 4 | — |
| 6 | 46902 | Kokomo | 63 | C | 17 (2 health) | $154K |
| 7 | 46901 | Kokomo | 53 | D | 17 (2 health) | $132K |
| 8 | 46937 | Hemlock | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 9 | 46039 | Forest | 40 | D | 0 | $109K |
| 10 | 46995 | West Middleton | 40 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Howard County
Retailer arrangements don't shape what appears here — the selection logic is independent, filtered against EPA detections and the federal hazard data on file for this county.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 79% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Howard County, Indiana
Overview
Howard County in Indiana covers 10 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (58/100).
6 of 10 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 8 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Indiana water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.