Violent Crime
179/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Novice Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population121
Median Age37.5 yrs
Density252/mi²
Male / Female41% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans98.0%
Economy
Per Capita$26,920
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$281M
Commute44 min
Housing
Ownership82.1%
Zillow$168,717
Housing Units30
Rent Burden23.2%
Crime
F
Violent179/100K
Property3,175/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking16.3%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain27.2 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation1,980 ft (604 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+88.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.70
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute44 min
Broadband28.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Novice a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Novice receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Novice faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
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 44 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Novice is below the national average at 179 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,175 per 100,000, 62% above the national average.
Education
10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Novice enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Novice has a population of 121 with a density of 252 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 37.5 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.5% female and 40.5% male. The city is predominantly White (71.1%), with 27.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.5% of residents, while 21.5% speak Spanish. 98.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 37.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 57.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.5yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.5%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.5%
60% above US avg
Per capita income is $26,920 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $866, 40% lower than the U.S. average. 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 area has 258 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 22.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $26,920 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $866 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,347 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 258 |
| County GDP | $281M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,700 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 42.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,717. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 30 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,700 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.9% |
| Housing Units | 30 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,700 |
| 34% above US avg |
In Novice, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,934. The dentist ratio is 1:3,925. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Novice vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 57.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,934 |
| Dentists | 1:3,925 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,842 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,602/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Novice has a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,175 per 100,000, 62% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Novice receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Novice vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 178.9/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,174.6/100K |
| 62% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Novice enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 328 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 27.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,980 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.4°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,980 ft (604 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 252/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.9872°N, 99.6253°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Coleman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Abilene Regional (ABI) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.2"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
159 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 5, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M5.1 |
130 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.9 |
130 km |
| Feb 16, 2023 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.7 |
129 km |
| Jul 27, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.5 |
131 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.4 |
131 km |
| Sep 11, 2011 |
20 km NE of Snyder, Texas |
M4.3 |
144 km |
| Jul 25, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| Sep 22, 2023 |
8 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Jul 30, 2024 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Jul 20, 2025 |
14 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Oct 2, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Jul 19, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Westbrook, Texas |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Aug 14, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Oct 3, 2023 |
18 km SW of Rotan, Texas |
M3.5 |
126 km |
| Sep 12, 2011 |
12 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Feb 11, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Feb 3, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Jul 24, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Jul 1, 2021 |
11 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.4 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
515 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 215 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF5 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1950 |
EF4 |
50 km |
5 |
| May 3, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2015 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| May 14, 1995 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1986 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| May 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1982 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1979 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1979 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1976 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG COUNTRY FIRE (209,352 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
BIG COUNTRY FIRE |
209,352 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
WILDCAT |
150,157 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
WHITE HAT |
71,857 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
KIDD |
41,939 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
CARBON |
33,013 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
SILVER |
18,094 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
CEDAR MOUNTAIN |
16,589 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
WILDCAT |
14,034 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
GATE 5 |
11,457 |
76 km |
| 2022 |
MESQUITE HEAT |
10,807 |
45 km |
| 2022 |
CREWS GAP |
8,134 |
15 km |
| 2022 |
WHEAT FIELD |
7,333 |
57 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,936 |
30 km |
| 2005 |
CROSSROADS |
5,976 |
45 km |
| 2005 |
TALPA |
5,117 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
CR 156 |
4,585 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
JETER II |
4,317 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
OAK MOTT |
4,183 |
67 km |
| 2018 |
NEWELL |
4,124 |
86 km |
| 1993 |
BLUE ALLEGHENY FIRE |
4,074 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
65°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Novice has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 45°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Novice. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $537 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $463 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Novice
What is the population of Novice?
Novice has a population of 121 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 252 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.5 years. The population is 59.5% female and 40.5% male.
Is Novice expensive to live in?
Novice has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Novice safe?
Novice is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,175 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Novice receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Novice?
Novice enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Novice?
The job market in Novice is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $866. There are 258 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 44 minutes, and 22.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Novice?
Schools in Novice have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.1% of adults in Novice hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Novice?
The obesity rate in Novice is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,934.
What is transportation like in Novice?
The average commute in Novice is 44 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 42% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Novice?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Novice is 71.1% White, 27.3% Hispanic or Latino. 78.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.5% speak Spanish. 98.0% of the population are military veterans. 37.2% of residents have a disability. 57.0% have health insurance coverage.