12 cities
| City | Rank | 2025 Pop. ↓ | 2020 Pop. | Annual Change | Density | Area (mi²) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cresco | 1 | 3,886 | 3,893 | -0.1% | 1,163 | 3 | City |
| Cresco | 2 | 3,886 | 3,904 | -0.1% | 1,163 | 3 | City |
| Riceville | 3 | 805 | 809 | -0.25% | 760 | 1 | City |
| Riceville | 4 | 805 | 812 | -0.25% | 760 | 1 | City |
| Elma | 5 | 489 | 506 | -0.81% | 399 | 1 | City |
| Elma | 6 | 489 | 507 | -0.81% | 399 | 1 | City |
| Lime Springs | 7 | 465 | 474 | -0.43% | 458 | 1 | City |
| Lime Springs | 8 | 465 | 475 | -0.43% | 458 | 1 | City |
| Protivin | 9 | 262 | 268 | -0.76% | 595 | 0 | City |
| Protivin | 10 | 262 | 269 | -0.76% | 595 | 0 | City |
| Chester | 11 | 133 | 138 | -0.75% | 96 | 1 | City |
| Chester | 12 | 133 | 138 | -0.75% | 96 | 1 | City |
Cresco is the largest city in Howard County, with a population of 3,886.
Chester is the smallest city in Howard County, with a population of 133.
There are 12 cities in Howard County, Iowa.