Joplin, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $51,154

32% lower than US avg

Home Value $159,700

43% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 514/100K

35% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 26.4%

22% lower than US avg

Median Rent $889

24% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 40.8%

27% higher than US avg

Unemployment 3.6%

0% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 11.7%

6% lower than US avg

How Joplin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population52,218

Median Age37.5 yrs

Density1,371/mi²

Male / Female49% / 51%

Largest GroupWhite 84%

Veterans8.1%

Economy

B+

Median Income$51,154

Per Capita$30,344

Unemployment3.6%

Poverty11.7%

Commute18 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$159,700

Rent$889

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$199,941

Housing Units24,142

Rent Burden30.4%

Crime

Violent514/100K

Property7,779/100K

Murder5.9/100K

Assault292/100K

Burglary1,204/100K

Health

Obesity40.8%

Uninsured11.0%

Smoking20.1%

Depression26.9%

Heart Disease6.4%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain44.2 in/yr

Sunny Days256/yr

Elevation1,004 ft (306 m)

Education

Bachelor's+26.4%

High School+90.1%

Graduate+8.2%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute18 min

Broadband89.2%

EV Stations31

Is Joplin a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Joplin receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Joplin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Joplin is $51,154, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Joplin is $159,700, 43% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $889 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 514 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,779 per 100,000, 297% above the national average.

Education

26.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Joplin enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 256 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Joplin has a population of 52,218 with a density of 1,371 people per square mile, spread across 38.1 square miles. The median age is 37.5 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (83.8%), with 3% Hispanic, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.8% have health insurance coverage.

Population

52,218

Total Population

1,371

People / sq mi

37.5yrs

Median Age

4% below US avg

38.1mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.3%

Female 50.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Joplin vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	94.9%
	21% above US avg
Spanish	5.1%
	62% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Joplin vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Joplin is $51,154, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,344 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Joplin vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$51,154
	32% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$30,344

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	3.6%
	0% below US avg
Poverty Rate	11.7%
	6% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	18.1 min
Drive Alone	78.4%
Public Transit	0.2%
Work from Home	8.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Joplin is $159,700, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,941, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $889 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 24,142 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$159,700
	43% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$199,941
Median List Price	$202,950

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$202,950
$/Sq Ft	$141
Homes Sold	65
Sale-to-List Ratio	100.0%
Price Drops	27.5%
Inventory	211

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$889
	24% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)	$1,241
Rent Burden	30.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	55.9%
Housing Units	24,142
Median Year Built	1982

Property Tax

In Joplin, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 35.5% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Joplin vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	40.8%
	27% above US avg
Diabetes	11.9%
Heart Disease	6.4%
High Blood Pressure	35.5%
Asthma	11.2%
COPD	8.9%
Cancer	7.4%
Stroke	3.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	20.1%
	44% above US avg
Binge Drinking	16.5%
Physical Inactivity	32.3%
Depression	26.9%
Mental Distress	20.6%
Physical Distress	15.7%
Short Sleep	41.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	86.8%
Uninsured	11.0%
	28% above US avg
Checkup Rate	76.0%
Dental Visits	54.0%

Food & Exercise

Joplin has a violent crime rate of 514 per 100,000 residents, 35% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 291.6 per 100,000, robbery at 122.2, rape at 94.6. The murder rate is 5.9 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 7,779 per 100,000, 297% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 5,994, burglary at 1,204, vehicle theft at 581 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Joplin receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Joplin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	514.3/100K
	35% above US avg
Murder	5.9/100K
	6% below US avg
Rape	94.6/100K
Robbery	122.2/100K
Assault	291.6/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	7,779.2/100K
	297% above US avg
Burglary	1,203.9/100K
Theft	5,994.0/100K
Vehicle Theft	581.3/100K
Arson	41.4/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Joplin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 256 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.2 inches. The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,004 feet.

Temperature

33°F Jan (0°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	57.4°F
	6% above US avg
January Average	33°F (0°C)
July Average	79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	256 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	44.2 inches
	16% above US avg
Snowfall	1.7 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	1,004 ft (306 m)
Area	38.1 sq mi (98.6 km²)
Population Density	1,371/sq mi
Coordinates	37.0842°N, 94.5133°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	33°F (0°C)	1.7 in	Coldest, Driest
February	38°F (4°C)	2.1 in
March	48°F (9°C)	3.6 in
April	58°F (14°C)	4.1 in
May	66°F (19°C)	5.0 in
June	74°F (24°C)	5.1 in
July	79°F (26°C)	3.2 in	Warmest
August	78°F (26°C)	3.8 in
September	70°F (21°C)	5.2 in	Wettest
October	60°F (15°C)	3.9 in
November	47°F (8°C)	3.9 in
December	37°F (3°C)	2.7 in

Joplin has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 33°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.7").

26.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 22% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 89.2% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 31 EV charging stations. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	26.4%
	22% below US avg
High School+	90.1%
Graduate Degree+	8.2%
School Test Score	5.51

B Education Grade (3.1/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,371/sq mi
Total Area	38.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	89.2%
EV Charging Stations	31
Alt Fuel Stations	38

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	18.1 min
Drive Alone	78.4%
Public Transit	0.2%
Work from Home	8.5%

Frequently Asked Questions About Joplin

What is the population of Joplin?

Joplin has a population of 52,218 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,371 people per square mile, spread across 38.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.5 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.

Is Joplin expensive to live in?

Joplin 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 $51,154, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,700 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $889 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Joplin safe?

The violent crime rate in Joplin is 514 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,779 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Joplin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Joplin?

Joplin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 256 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.2 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Joplin?

Joplin has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Joplin?

The median home value in Joplin is $159,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,941. For renters, the median monthly rent is $889. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Joplin?

Schools in Joplin score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.4% of adults in Joplin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Joplin?

The obesity rate in Joplin is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Joplin?

The average commute in Joplin is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Joplin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Joplin is 83.8% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Duquesne, MO 2,216 pop · 3.0 mi Webb City, MO 13,139 pop · 5.1 mi Duenweg, MO 1,707 pop · 5.5 mi Carterville, MO 1,978 pop · 5.9 mi Galena, KS 2,752 pop · 6.8 mi Carl Junction, MO 8,257 pop · 7.0 mi Oronogo, MO 2,685 pop · 7.6 mi Loma Linda, MO 1,070 pop · 7.6 mi Carthage, MO 15,513 pop · 12.9 mi Baxter Springs, KS 3,863 pop · 13.0 mi Neosho, MO 12,857 pop · 16.9 mi Seneca, MO 1,938 pop · 17.7 mi Granby, MO 2,345 pop · 18.2 mi Columbus, KS 2,902 pop · 19.2 mi

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