Median Income
$83,409
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$67,500
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Novelty Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population103
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density368/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,409
Per Capita$19,078
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$67,500
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$255,186
Housing Units42
Rent Burden27.9%
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking25.0%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain42.4 in/yr
Elevation833 ft (254 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+81.4%
Graduate+27.6%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute12 min
Broadband44.7%
EV Stations2
Is Novelty a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Novelty receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Novelty stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Novelty is $83,409, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Novelty is $67,500, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Novelty experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.4 inches, including 19.8 inches of snow.
Novelty has a population of 103 with a density of 368 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 3.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
103
Total Population
2023 Census
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Novelty is $83,409, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,078 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,409 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,078 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Novelty is $67,500, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,186, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 42 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $67,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $255,186 |
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 | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 42 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Novelty, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 25.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 36.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Novelty vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 12.7% |
| COPD | 11.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.0% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.3% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 23.4% |
| Physical Distress | 18.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 45.9% |
Food & Exercise
Novelty experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.4 inches. The area receives 19.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 833 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 368/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0125°N, 92.2082°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.4"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.97"
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
64 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
320 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 175 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
80 km |
4 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Novelty has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.0") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Novelty. 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 Novelty
What is the population of Novelty?
Novelty has a population of 103 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 368 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 57.3% female and 42.7% male.
Is Novelty expensive to live in?
Novelty is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $83,409, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $67,500 (76% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Novelty?
Novelty has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 42.4 inches, with 19.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Novelty?
The job market in Novelty is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Novelty?
The median home value in Novelty is $67,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,186. The homeownership rate is 71.1%.
How are the schools in Novelty?
Schools in Novelty score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.9% of adults in Novelty hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.4% have completed high school. 27.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Novelty?
The obesity rate in Novelty is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.0% of adults are smokers. 36.3% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Novelty?
The average commute in Novelty is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Novelty?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Novelty is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 3.9% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.