Cost of Living in Joplin, MO
Population 52,218 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Joplin lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $160,000 — 48% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Missouri.
Geographically, Joplin is about 65 miles west of Springfield, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Springfield's $165,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Joplin
The median home value in Joplin is $159,700 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $889/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,154/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Joplin has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Joplin, MO?
Joplin has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Joplin, MO?
The median gross rent in Joplin is $889 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Joplin?
The median home value in Joplin is $159,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Joplin?
The median household income in Joplin is $51,154 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Joplin, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Joplin is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Joplin, MO affordable?
Yes, Joplin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
Joplin at a Glance
- Population
- 52,218
- Median Income
- $51,154
- Home Value
- $159,700
- Median Rent
- $889/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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