Living in Joplin, Missouri
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Joplin · Census data 2020–2024
Joplin has 52,593 residents with a median age of 38.5. The median household income is $52,097 (26% lower than the Missouri median), the median home value is $168,300, the median rent is $962/month.
Joplin at a glance
- Population
- 52,593
- Median age
- 38.5State: 39
- Median household income
- $52,097State: $70,702
- Median home value
- $168,300State: $230,300
- Median rent
- $962/moState: $1,033
- Homeowners
- 53.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 26.7%
- Average commute
- 18 min
Is Joplin a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 27% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 26% lower than the Missouri median; unemployment of 5.3%; a poverty rate of 16.9%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Joplin
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Joplin the median home value is $168,300, 49% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $962 per month, which is 29% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,196 a month in housing costs.
Joplin median household income
The median household income in Joplin is $52,097 and the income per person is $32,024. 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line (Missouri: 12.6%).
Housing in Joplin: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 25,398
- Owner-occupied
- 53.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 46.6%
- Vacant
- 10.6%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1985
- Average household size
- 2.24
Joplin demographics
- Population
- 52,593
- Median age
- 38.5
- Under 18
- 20.9%
- 65 and older
- 19.4%
- Households
- 22,710
- Foreign-born
- 3.9%
- Veterans
- 8.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Joplin ›
Education in Joplin
26.7% of adults 25 and older in Joplin have a bachelor's degree or higher (Missouri: 32.4%), and 8.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Joplin
- Unemployment rate
- 5.3%State: 4%
- Average commute
- 18 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 10%
- Drive alone
- 77.1%
- Public transit
- 0.3%
- Walk to work
- 2.9%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.6%
Joplin vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin | 52,593 | $52,097 | $168,300 | $962 |
| Duquesne | 2,257 | $54,135 | $184,200 | $862 |
| Shoal Creek Drive | 485 | $99,583 | $136,300 | — |
| Leawood | 512 | $97,813 | $251,900 | — |
| Grand Falls Plaza | 168 | $59,583 | $250,000 | $1,563 |
| Saginaw | 332 | $58,269 | $173,100 | $1,097 |
| Redings Mill | 107 | $72,500 | $165,600 | $688 |
| Shoal Creek Estates | 218 | $81,250 | $445,500 | — |
| Airport Drive | 941 | $69,063 | $251,100 | $909 |
More for people moving to Joplin
Joplin ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Joplin: FAQ
What is the median household income in Joplin, MO?
The median household income in Joplin is $52,097, 26% lower than the Missouri median of $70,702 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Joplin?
The median home value in Joplin is $168,300, compared with $230,300 in Missouri.
How much is rent in Joplin?
The median gross rent in Joplin is $962 per month, about 29% of household income.
Is Joplin, MO a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 27% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes. Minuses: median household income 26% lower than the Missouri median; unemployment of 5.3%; a poverty rate of 16.9%.
What is the median age in Joplin?
The median age in Joplin is 38.5 years (Missouri: 39).
How long is the commute in Joplin?
The average commute to work in Joplin is 18 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Joplin?
The unemployment rate in Joplin is 5.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Joplin?
26.7% of adults in Joplin have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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