Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Joplin, MO
Considering a move to Joplin, MO? With a population of 51,762, Joplin combines affordable living (median home price: $158,000; average rent: $850) with short commutes (16 minutes on average) and a friendly Midwestern vibe. The city offers quality healthcare options, diverse educational choices, and a sunny climate with 65% of days seeing sunshine. While property crime rates are higher than average, many residents enjoy the welcoming community and low cost of living that make Joplin a practical choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Joplin, MO
Demographics - Joplin, MO
Joplin is home to around 51,762 residents, with a median age of 36.3 and a population density of 1,500 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (83.1%), but there is a modest mix of other ethnic groups and about 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting a mild degree of diversity.
Population:
51,762
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.3
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
83.1%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
11.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Joplin, MO?
Joplin offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $158,000 and average monthly rent at $850. The overall cost of living index is 80.3, well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-minded individuals or families.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
1.5%
|
High:
5.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.3
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
56.8
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
81.6
Health Care:
92.7
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Joplin, MO a safe place to live?
Property crime rates in Joplin are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 21 chance of being affected, while violent crime is less common with a 1 in 180 chance. Residents should be mindful of safety, particularly regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
556
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,775
Crime Index:
5,331
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 180
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 21
Weather
What is the weather like in Joplin, MO year-round?
Joplin experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and mild winters with lows around 25°F. The city enjoys 65% sunny days annually and receives about 45.5 inches of rainfall each year, offering a balance of sunshine and precipitation.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Typical households in Joplin have a median income of $48,200, with a poverty rate of 19.3%. The city is known for short average commutes of just over 16 minutes, and most residents drive rather than use public transit.
Median Income:
$27,600
Household Income:
$48,200
Family Income:
$60,700
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$41,600
Income Female:
$33,800
Poverty Rate:
19.3%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Joplin, MO?
Joplin offers a variety of educational opportunities, including public schools like Joplin High School and South Middle School, as well as private options such as Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School. Higher education is available locally through Missouri Southern State University and Crowder College, making the city a practical choice for families and students alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Joplin High School
Street:
2104 Indiana Ave
Phone:
417-625-5230
Students:
2,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
South Middle School
Street:
900 E 50th St
Phone:
417-625-5250
Students:
820
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School
Street:
3401 Newman Rd
Phone:
417-781-5124
Students:
350

Colleges
Name:
Missouri Southern State University
City:
Joplin
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,600
Name:
Crowder College (Joplin Campus)
City:
Joplin
State:
MO
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Joplin provides solid healthcare access, highlighted by major hospitals like Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are widely available for locals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Freeman Health System
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) 556-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.6%
Health Care Index:
66.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Joplin, MO?
The housing market in Joplin is accessible, with a median home price of $158,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $830. Over half of residents own their homes, and the market has seen moderate appreciation, making it appealing for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Joplin residents can access DMV services through the Missouri Department of Revenue located at 5302 Hearnes Blvd. The local office provides standard vehicle registration and licensing services, with additional information available on the Missouri DMV website.
State:
Missouri
Department:
Missouri Department of Revenue
Address:
5302 Hearnes Blvd, Joplin, MO 64804
Phone:
1-573-526-3669
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.