Median Income
$67,292
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,400
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
135/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.1%
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Joplin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population269
Median Age31.4 yrs
Density213/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,292
Per Capita$28,603
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$925M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,400
Ownership82.6%
Zillow$212,825
Housing Units103
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent135/100K
Property1,556/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Uninsured11.9%
Smoking18.9%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain10.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation3,320 ft (1,012 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.1%
High School+82.3%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 39%
Commute25 min
Broadband86.0%
Libraries1
Is Joplin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Joplin receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $67,292, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Joplin is $102,400, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Joplin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
29.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Joplin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.8 inches, including 35.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Joplin has a population of 269 with a density of 213 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 31.4 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.4yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Joplin is $67,292, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,603 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 601 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 16.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,292 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,603 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,947 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 601 |
| County GDP | $925M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.7% |
The median home value in Joplin is $102,400, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,825, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 103 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,257. 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,400 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,825 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.4% |
| Housing Units | 103 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.18% |
In Joplin, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471. The dentist ratio is 1:1,148. 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Joplin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.9% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,471 |
| Dentists | 1:1,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:247 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Joplin has a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Joplin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Joplin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 135.3/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,556.2/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Joplin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 274 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 10.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 3,320 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 42.3°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,320 ft (1,012 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 213/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5594°N, 110.7729°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Hill County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cut Bank International (CTB)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.8"
72% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 10, 2024.
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
42 km |
| Sep 29, 2009 |
42 km NW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Jan 20, 2003 |
10 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Aug 15, 1996 |
33 km WNW of Sweet Grass, Montana |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Jan 22, 1993 |
33 km SSE of Raymond, Canada |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Nov 6, 2002 |
3 km SSE of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
20 km WSW of Sweet Grass, Montana |
M3.4 |
111 km |
| Nov 17, 1992 |
39 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Mar 5, 1995 |
2 km NW of Cut Bank, Montana |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Jan 11, 2003 |
44 km SSE of Magrath, Canada |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| May 29, 2009 |
11 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Apr 4, 1990 |
4 km WNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Apr 2, 2014 |
13 km NNW of Conrad, Montana |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jun 9, 2009 |
20 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
17 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Jan 8, 2012 |
8 km W of Valier, Montana |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Mar 29, 2008 |
4 km SSE of Little Browning, Montana |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| Mar 29, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Cut Bank, Montana |
M2.5 |
113 km |
| Feb 25, 2013 |
28 km WSW of Chester, Montana |
M2.5 |
44 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
28 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1977 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1962 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1999 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1996 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1994 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1994 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1994 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1993 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1992 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1992 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: EAST FORK (21,165 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
96 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
EAGLE CREEK |
6,359 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
72 km |
| 2012 |
OUTHOUSE |
3,179 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
EAGLE BUTTE |
1,817 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
BIG STRETCH |
1,524 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
SHIRLEY |
1,290 |
75 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 236 |
1,049 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Joplin has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.2") and February the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Joplin. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $912 |
| Toddler | $948 |
| Preschool | $815 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $737 |
| Toddler | $752 |
| Preschool | $752 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Joplin
What is the population of Joplin?
Joplin has a population of 269 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 213 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Joplin expensive to live in?
Joplin is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,292, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,400 (64% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Joplin safe?
Joplin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Joplin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Joplin?
Joplin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.8 inches, with 35.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Joplin?
The job market in Joplin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 601 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 16.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Joplin?
The median home value in Joplin is $102,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,825. The homeownership rate is 82.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,257.
How are the schools in Joplin?
Schools in Joplin have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 29.1% of adults in Joplin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Joplin?
The obesity rate in Joplin is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 11.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471.
What is transportation like in Joplin?
The average commute in Joplin is 25 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Joplin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Joplin is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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