Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carl Junction, MO
Thinking of moving to Carl Junction, MO? With around 8,200 residents, this friendly community offers affordable living—median home prices are about $182,000 and average rents near $960. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, short 22-minute commutes, and a relaxed small-town vibe just minutes from Joplin. Carl Junction’s schools, ample sunny days, and reasonable cost of living make it a great spot for families, first-time buyers, or anyone seeking a safe, welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - Carl Junction, MO
Demographics - Carl Junction, MO
Carl Junction is home to about 8,173 residents, with a median age of 36.8 and a population density of 950 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, but also features a small mix of other ethnicities and around 3.5% non-English speakers, creating a welcoming small-town environment with a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
8,173
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.5%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
8.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carl Junction, MO?
The cost of living in Carl Junction is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 82.3—lower than the national average. Housing costs are especially reasonable, with median home values at $182,000 and average rents around $960, making homeownership accessible for many families.
Median House Value:
$182,000
Gross Rent:
$960
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.3
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
62.5
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
95.2
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Carl Junction, MO a safe place to live?
Carl Junction offers a safe community with a violent crime rate of just 85 per 100,000 residents, and property crime risks are relatively low. Residents enjoy peace of mind, as their chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 1,176, contributing to the city's family-friendly atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
930
Crime Index:
1,015
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 108
Weather
What is the weather like in Carl Junction, MO year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 25°F and warm summers reaching highs around 90°F. The area receives about 46.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 61% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Carl Junction’s households have a median income of $69,400, with a poverty rate of just 8.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just under 22 minutes, fostering a close-knit and economically stable community.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$69,400
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,300
Income Male:
$43,100
Income Female:
$36,800
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$960
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Carl Junction, MO?
Carl Junction boasts strong public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and access to higher education is convenient with Missouri Southern State University just seven miles away. The community values education, and a high percentage of adults have completed high school or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
Carl Junction High School
Street:
806 W Bulldog Lane
Phone:
417-649-7081
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Carl Junction Intermediate School
Street:
206 S Roney St
Phone:
417-649-5760
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1

Colleges
Name:
Missouri Southern State University
City:
Joplin
State:
MO
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,400
Name:
Crowder College
City:
Neosho
State:
MO
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Local healthcare is robust, with access to major hospitals in nearby Joplin and a solid physician presence at 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Over 90% of the population has health insurance coverage, ensuring residents have reliable medical care options.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Freeman Hospital West
Address:
1102 W 32nd St, Joplin, MO 64804
Phone:
(417) 347-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Hospital Joplin
Address:
100 Mercy Way, Joplin, MO 64804
Phone:
(417) 556-2300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carl Junction, MO?
The housing market in Carl Junction is stable, with a median home price of $182,000 and most homes owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated by 4.1% in the past year, and the rental vacancy rate stands at a manageable 7.1%, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$182,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$960
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Missouri drivers in Carl Junction are served by the Missouri Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle & Driver Licensing division, located in Jefferson City. Residents can access DMV services online or by phone for licensing, registration, and related needs.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle & Driver Licensing
Address:
301 W High St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone:
573-526-3669
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.