MissouriPop. 52,593Smaller cities
Is Joplin a Good Place to Live? Joplin, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Joplin ranks #1121 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #465 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.7, #6 of 524) and low rents ($962/mo, #33 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (72.3%, #417 of 437) and low household income ($52,097, #497 of 524).
Joplin by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Joplin's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Joplin?
Joplin's cost of living index is 85.7, 14% below the US level of 100 and #39 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $962/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $207,169, 23% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | Joplin | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 85.7#39 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $207,169#132 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,237/mo#121 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $168,300#132 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $962/mo#168 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.2%#698 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Joplin housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Joplin is in the Joplin, MO metro.
Missouri housing market →Is Joplin safe?
Joplin recorded 559 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% above the US rate of 328 and 34% above Missouri's 418. That ranks #885 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #389 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Joplin Police Department. Property crime runs 3,613 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Joplin | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 559#885 of 1,085 | 418 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,613#1021 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Joplin?
The median household in Joplin earns $52,097, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Joplin | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $52,097#1201 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.9%#974 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Joplin?
The median resident of Joplin is 38.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #915 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Joplin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 26.7%#915 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Joplin's schools and health?
Joplin's 14 public schools graduate 72.3% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $10,792 spent per pupil. 39.6% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Joplin | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 72.3%#1012 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $10,792#1081 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.6%#1095 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.8%#756 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,752 students are enrolled in Joplin's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Joplin?
The average commute in Joplin is 18 minutes (Missouri 24); 0.3% of workers take transit and 10% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Joplin scores 9.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.2°F and winters 37.5°F, with 45.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Joplin | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18 min#191 of 1,312 | 24 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.1% | 74.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.9% | 1.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.5#750 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44.8 | 25 | 1.9 |
| Feb | 50 | 28.7 | 2 |
| Mar | 59.8 | 37.4 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 69.2 | 46.6 | 5 |
| May | 77 | 56 | 6.6 |
| Jun | 85.9 | 65.3 | 5.6 |
| Jul | 90.3 | 69.5 | 4 |
| Aug | 90 | 67.9 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 82 | 59.4 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 70.7 | 47.9 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 58.4 | 37.1 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 47.8 | 28.5 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Joplin Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Joplin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 58.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 37.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Joplin Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Joplin?
Jasper County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jasper County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Joplin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#657 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Jasper County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jasper County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0078% | 91% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.02% | 87% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0011% | 80% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0067% | 77% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0042% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 58% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0024% | 56% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Joplin compare with similar-size cities?
Joplin is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #465 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 52,593.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #1121 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 | 18 min |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #461 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 | 30.9 min |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #773 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 | 16.9 min |
| Kendale Lakes, FLPop. 52,622 | #1137 | 47.1 | $71,621 | $1,968/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Catalina Foothills, AZPop. 52,593 | #264 | 62.9 | $115,304 | $1,412/mo | no data | 22 min |
| Novato, CAPop. 52,546 | #425 | 59.6 | $115,736 | $2,506/mo | 211 | 28.1 min |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #458 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data | 25.4 min |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #373 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 | 24.7 min |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #1253 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 | 18.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Joplin compare with the rest of Missouri?
Joplin ranks #18 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 47.5 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 27% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Missouri home.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is Joplin's score calculated?
Joplin scores 47.5 out of 100, #1121 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Missouri's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Joplin. Similar-size median 55.5.
42.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Joplin's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
45.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Joplin. Similar-size median 58.9.
38.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Joplin's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
38.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Joplin's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
87.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Joplin. Similar-size median 56.1.
31.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Joplin. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Joplin. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Joplin's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Joplin's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Joplin has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Joplin
Is Joplin, MO a good place to live?
Joplin ranks #1121 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #465 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.7, #6 of 524) and low rents ($962/mo, #33 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (72.3%, #417 of 437) and low household income ($52,097, #497 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Joplin?
Joplin's cost of living index is 85.7, 14% below the US level of 100 and #39 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $962/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $207,169, 23% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
What is the crime rate in Joplin?
Joplin recorded 559 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% above the US rate of 328 and 34% above Missouri's 418. That ranks #885 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #389 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Joplin Police Department. Property crime runs 3,613 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Joplin?
The median household in Joplin earns $52,097, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Joplin?
Median rent in Joplin is $962/mo (Census), #168 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,237/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Joplin?
The typical home value in Joplin is $207,169, up 2% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $168,300.
How are the public schools in Joplin?
Joplin's 14 public schools graduate 72.3% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $10,792 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Joplin?
The average commute is 18 minutes, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Joplin?
Joplin averages 58.1°F over the year, 78.2°F in summer and 37.5°F in winter, with 45.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Joplin walkable?
Joplin scores 9.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Joplin at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jasper County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Joplin?
Jasper County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Joplin?
Joplin has 52,593 residents. The median resident of Joplin is 38.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #915 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Joplin compare with the rest of Missouri?
Joplin ranks #18 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 47.5 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 27% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to Joplin?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Joplin's population of 52,593 are Burleson, TX (#461 overall), Grand Island, NE (#773 overall), Kendale Lakes, FL (#1137 overall), Catalina Foothills, AZ (#264 overall), and Novato, CA (#425 overall). Joplin is #1121.