
Current Market Data · Livingston County, MI (Realcomp, March 2026)
Median Price
$345K
YoY Change
+5.5%
Days on Market
26
Price / Sq Ft
$175
About Howell
Howell is the county seat of Livingston County and the commercial center of the area. The historic downtown, anchored by the county courthouse, features a walkable grid of shops, restaurants, and local businesses that host community events year-round, including the popular Howell Melon Festival and Fantasy of Lights holiday celebration.
The city sits along the I-96 corridor west of Brighton, with Howell Township extending into rolling farmland and lake communities to the north and south. Howell has historically been more affordable than Brighton while offering a similar small-city lifestyle and strong public schools.
Real Estate Overview
Howell's real estate market offers genuine value relative to communities further east along the I-96 corridor. The city proper has a mix of historic homes near downtown, mid-century ranches and colonials in established neighborhoods, and newer construction in subdivisions along the city's edges.
Howell Township adds lakefront properties on Thompson Lake and other nearby bodies of water, along with rural parcels that appeal to buyers seeking space and privacy. The market moves at a healthy pace, not as frenzied as Brighton, but well-priced homes don't linger.
What Your Budget Buys in Howell
Entry Tier
Under $250K gets you a ranch or older home in the city, often within walking distance of the historic downtown courthouse square.
Mid Range
$250K–$425K brings updated colonials, newer subdivision homes, and properties on larger lots in surrounding Howell Township.
Luxury Tier
Above $425K you're into lakefront properties on Thompson Lake or custom homes on multi-acre parcels in the surrounding countryside.
Brad’s Take
“Howell is the value play in Livingston County. You get a real downtown, a strong school district, and homes that are $30K–$60K less than comparable properties in Brighton. For buyers who don't need to be right on the highway interchange, Howell is the smarter buy.”
Brad Patrick
Realtor®, The Patrick Group
Location & Access
- •Located along I-96, approximately 55 minutes northwest of Detroit
- •40 minutes north of Ann Arbor via M-59 and US-23
- •Historic downtown centered around the Livingston County Courthouse
- •Adjacent to Howell Township with access to Thompson Lake and surrounding recreation areas
Schools
Primary District: Howell Public Schools
Howell is served by Howell Public Schools, which operates multiple elementary schools, two middle schools (Parker and Highlander Way), and Howell High School. The district covers the city and surrounding township areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Specialty Services in Howell
Divorce Real Estate
Court-compliant home sales with dual-party coordination for Howell families navigating divorce.
Estate & Probate Sales
Executor guidance, probate timelines, and estate property sales in Livingston County.
Downsizing
Right-sizing your home in Southeast Michigan, sell your Howell property and find your next chapter.
Cash Offer Program
Get a no-obligation cash offer on your Howell home in 48 hours, no showings, no repairs.
Homebuyer Grants & DPA
Check which Michigan down payment assistance programs you qualify for, free, instant results.
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Market statistics are sourced from Realcomp MLS data for LivingstonCounty and reflect general market conditions as of March 2026. City-level figures are adjusted estimates based on known market positioning and may not reflect official MLS sub-market data. Price ranges are general guidance and not guarantees of value. Individual property values depend on condition, location, and current market conditions. School district information should be verified directly with the district for specific property addresses. The Patrick Group | Oak & Stone Real Estate is committed to compliance with the Fair Housing Act and all applicable fair housing laws. Equal Housing Opportunity.
