Median Income
$77,855
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$206,400
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
272/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.5%
20% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,222
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How Carl Junction Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,257
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density1,490/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans12.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,855
Per Capita$42,923
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty7.8%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$206,400
Rent$1,222
Ownership76.4%
Zillow$259,924
Housing Units3,067
Rent Burden39.7%
Crime
F
Violent272/100K
Property675/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking14.6%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Elevation896 ft (273 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.5%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations2
Is Carl Junction a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carl Junction receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Carl Junction offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carl Junction is $77,855, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carl Junction is $206,400, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,222 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Carl Junction is below the national average at 272 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 675 per 100,000, 66% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Carl Junction enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 7.8 inches of snow.
Carl Junction has a population of 8,257 with a density of 1,490 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 12.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
8,257
Total Population
2023 Census
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Carl Junction vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Carl Junction vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Carl Junction is $77,855, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,923. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.8% 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 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Carl Junction vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,855 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,923 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Carl Junction is $206,400, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,924, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $265,900 with homes selling in an average of 63 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,222 (5% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,067 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. 39.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $206,400 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,924 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $265,900 |
| Median List Price | $239,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $265,900 |
| Median List Price | $239,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $138 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Days on Market | 63 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 40 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,222 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.6% |
| Housing Units | 3,067 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
In Carl Junction, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Carl Junction vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
Food & Exercise
Carl Junction has a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 675 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. Overall, Carl Junction receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carl Junction vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 272.3/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 674.9/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carl Junction enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches. The area receives 7.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 896 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.1°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 896 ft (273 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,490/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1767°N, 94.5655°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.6"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.56"
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
624 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 226 fatalities, 2,156 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
14 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
55 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
55 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
39 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
33 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
36 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
43 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
44 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,424 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
86 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
31 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,160 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,661 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
EAST FORK |
2,134 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
BIG CREEK |
2,123 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
70 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
1,996 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,992 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
EAST FORK RX |
1,956 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,888 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,867 |
94 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,774 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
81 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
6.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Carl Junction has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.6") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Carl Junction. 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 Carl Junction
What is the population of Carl Junction?
Carl Junction has a population of 8,257 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,490 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Carl Junction expensive to live in?
Carl Junction 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 $77,855, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $206,400 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,222 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carl Junction safe?
Carl Junction is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 675 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Carl Junction receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carl Junction?
Carl Junction enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 7.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Carl Junction?
The job market in Carl Junction is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carl Junction?
The median home value in Carl Junction is $206,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,924. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $265,900, with homes typically selling within 63 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,222. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.4%.
How are the schools in Carl Junction?
Schools in Carl Junction score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.5% of adults in Carl Junction hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carl Junction?
The obesity rate in Carl Junction is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Carl Junction?
The average commute in Carl Junction is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carl Junction?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carl Junction is 93.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 12.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.