Violent Crime
223/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.3%
7% higher than US avg
How Ethel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population70
Median Age75.3 yrs
Density304/mi²
Male / Female24% / 76%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans62.0%
Economy
Per Capita$18,840
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty13.3%
Commute34 min
Housing
Ownership97.8%
Zillow$248,646
Housing Units59
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent223/100K
Property3,348/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Smoking20.1%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.1 in/yr
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation863 ft (263 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute34 min
Broadband46.0%
EV Stations2
Is Ethel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ethel receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Ethel faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 13.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ethel is below the national average at 223 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,348 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches, including 5.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Ethel has a population of 70 with a density of 304 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 75.3 years, 94% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 75.7% female and 24.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%), with 4.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 62.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
75.3yrs
Median Age
94% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $18,840 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 23.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,646. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 59 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.2% |
| Housing Units | 59 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
In Ethel, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress.
Health Metrics: Ethel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 53.9% |
Food & Exercise
Ethel has a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,348 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. Overall, Ethel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ethel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 223.2/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,348.2/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches. The area receives 5.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 863 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 863 ft (263 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 304/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8946°N, 92.7402°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.1"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
86 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
290 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 124 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
23 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
68 km |
4 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Ethel has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Ethel. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethel
What is the population of Ethel?
Ethel has a population of 70 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 304 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 75.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 75.7% female and 24.3% male.
Is Ethel expensive to live in?
Ethel is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Ethel safe?
Ethel is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ethel receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ethel?
Ethel has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.1 inches, with 5.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Ethel?
The job market in Ethel is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 23.5% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Ethel?
Schools in Ethel score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.1% of adults in Ethel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ethel?
The obesity rate in Ethel is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression.
What is transportation like in Ethel?
The average commute in Ethel is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ethel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ethel is 95.7% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 62.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.