In the beginning, Howell was a strictly agricultural settlement, this is why it would have received so many settlers. Howell has very good soils that allow for a variety of agricultural products to be grown. Therefore meaning Howell would have held great opportunity for incoming settlers to develop and cultivate large tracts of land to earn a profit. Also when Howell was first established it was located not far from Detroit the largest city at the time. Allowing settlers to seek profits outside the rapidly growing city. Howell is now known for its up-and-coming downtown atmosphere as well as the many downtown events that take place throughout the year.