Adair County Overview
Adair County, located in the northern part of Missouri, is known for its rich history and vibrant rural communities. The county was established in 1841 and named after John Adair, a general during the War of 1812 and the eighth governor of Kentucky. Adair County is bordered by Schuyler County to the north, Macon County to the south, and Scotland County to the northeast, among others. The region is predominantly agricultural, with rolling hills and a mix of farmlands and forests.
The county has a population of approximately 25,000 residents, with most people living in or around the county seat, Kirksville. The area is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, historical landmarks, and strong educational institutions, such as Truman State University.
- County Seat: Kirksville
- Number of Cities and Towns: 7
- Major School Districts: Kirksville R-III, Adair County R-I, Adair County R-II
Kirksville
Kirksville Overview
Kirksville, the county seat and largest city in Adair County, is located in the central part of the county. Established in 1841, Kirksville grew as a trading hub for the surrounding rural areas and later became home to several important institutions, including Truman State University and A.T. Still University. The city is bordered by Schuyler County to the north and Macon County to the south, providing easy access to both rural and urban areas.
Kirksville has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The city boasts several major landmarks, including the Kirksville Arts Association, the Missouri National Guard Armory, and Thousand Hills State Park, which offers outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.
- Population: 17,505
- Population Density: 1,217 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 63501
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 63, Missouri Route 6, Missouri Route 11
- Nearest Airports: Kirksville Regional Airport, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (about 200 miles)
- Libraries: Adair County Public Library
- Hospitals: Northeast Regional Medical Center
Schools in Kirksville
Kirksville is served by the Kirksville R-III School District. Kirksville Primary School (PreK-2) enrolls around 500 students, offering early childhood education with a focus on literacy and foundational skills. Ray Miller Elementary (grades 3-5) serves approximately 450 students, while William Matthew Middle School (grades 6-8) has around 600 students, offering a curriculum designed to support the transition to high school. Kirksville High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 800 students and offers a variety of advanced placement courses, extracurricular activities, and sports programs. The city is also home to Truman State University and A.T. Still University, which provide higher education opportunities for both local and international students.
Novinger
Novinger Overview
Novinger is a small town located in the western part of Adair County, about 10 miles west of Kirksville. Founded in 1878, Novinger was once a bustling coal-mining town, with its population peaking in the early 20th century. Today, Novinger is a quiet, rural community known for its historical significance and small-town charm. The Novinger Log Homestead, a preserved pioneer home, is a prominent historical landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s early days.
The town experiences a typical Midwestern climate with cold winters and warm summers. Novinger’s rural setting is ideal for residents seeking a peaceful, agricultural lifestyle while still being close to Kirksville’s amenities.
- Population: 456
- Population Density: 345 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 63559
- Road Network: Missouri Route 6, Missouri Route O
- Nearest Airports: Kirksville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Kirksville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Kirksville (Northeast Regional Medical Center)
Schools in Novinger
Novinger is served by the Adair County R-I School District. Novinger Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls approximately 200 students, offering a small, community-focused learning environment. Novinger Middle School and High School (grades 6-12) serve around 250 students, providing a combined curriculum that includes a mix of traditional academic courses and vocational training programs. The small class sizes in Novinger schools allow for personalized attention and strong community involvement, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both higher education and vocational careers.
Brashear
Brashear Overview
Brashear is a small town located in the northeastern part of Adair County, near the border with Scotland County. Established in the 1880s, Brashear has retained its rural character and agricultural roots. The town is surrounded by farmland, and many of its residents are involved in agriculture or commuting to nearby Kirksville for work. The town is known for its quiet streets and close-knit community, making it a peaceful place for residents.
Brashear experiences a climate typical of northern Missouri, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. The town’s most notable landmark is the Brashear Cemetery, which contains gravestones dating back to the town’s founding.
- Population: 273
- Population Density: 270 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 63533
- Road Network: Missouri Route 6, Missouri Route T
- Nearest Airports: Kirksville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Kirksville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Kirksville (Northeast Regional Medical Center)
Schools in Brashear
Brashear is part of the Adair County R-II School District. Brashear Elementary School (PreK-6) enrolls around 150 students and offers a strong academic foundation in a small, community-focused environment. Brashear High School (grades 7-12) serves approximately 130 students and is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, including athletics and academic clubs. The small student body allows for close relationships between students and teachers, fostering a supportive learning environment that emphasizes both academic achievement and personal growth.
Gibbs
Gibbs Overview
Gibbs is a small village located in the southeastern part of Adair County. Founded in the late 19th century as a railroad stop, Gibbs is one of the smallest communities in the county. The village is located near the border with Macon County and is surrounded by farmland and rural landscapes. The town’s history is tied to the expansion of the railroad in Missouri, although its population has remained small over the years.
The weather in Gibbs reflects the Midwestern climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The village’s quiet streets and rural setting make it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
- Population: 107
- Population Density: 100 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 63540
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 63, County roads
- Nearest Airports: Kirksville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Kirksville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Kirksville (Northeast Regional Medical Center)
Schools in Gibbs
Gibbs is part of the Kirksville R-III School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Kirksville. Kirksville Primary School, Ray Miller Elementary, William Matthew Middle School, and Kirksville High School serve the students from Gibbs. These schools offer a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education in a supportive environment.
Millard
Millard Overview
Millard is a small unincorporated community located just southeast of Kirksville. Founded as a small farming settlement in the late 1800s, Millard remains a rural area with strong agricultural roots. While the town itself is small, its proximity to Kirksville means that residents have access to the amenities of the larger city while enjoying the peace and quiet of country living.
Millard has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The town’s rural charm and historical background make it an appealing place for those looking for a small, rural community near Kirksville.
- Population: 89
- Population Density: 95 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 63501 (Kirksville)
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 63, County roads
- Nearest Airports: Kirksville Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Kirksville
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Kirksville (Northeast Regional Medical Center)
Schools in Millard
As part of the Kirksville R-III School District, students from Millard attend schools in Kirksville. Kirksville Primary School, Ray Miller Elementary, William Matthew Middle School, and Kirksville High School serve the community, providing a wide range of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities. The schools are known for their commitment to academic excellence, with modern facilities and programs that cater to students’ diverse interests and abilities.