Let the numbers do the talking.
Joplin, MO vs Saint Louis, MO
Joplin, MO vs Saint Louis, MO: What the data shows
Joplin, MO is in Joplin, MO while Saint Louis, MO is in Saint Louis, MO — both in the same state. On home prices, Joplin, MO is the more affordable option at $160,000 median — $83,000 less than Saint Louis, MO's $243,000. WYLT rates Joplin, MO as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Saint Louis, MO as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Joplin, MO has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Saint Louis, MO has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Joplin, MO has Low flood risk and Saint Louis, MO has Low flood risk.
Saint Louis, MO is the more walkable neighborhood. Joplin, MO scores 3/100 (car-dependent) versus Saint Louis, MO's 29/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Saint Louis, MO has the higher school rating — Joplin, MO rates N/A and Saint Louis, MO rates 6.6/10.
| Category | Joplin, MO | Saint Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $160K ✓ Lower price | $243K |
| Median Rent | $873 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $52K | $69K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low | Low |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 | 29/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 22/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 54/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 179 min | 7 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | N/A | 6.6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Retirees seeking low cost of livingRemote workers who need quietFamilies wanting inexpensive homes | First‑time home buyers looking for low costRenters who value a short commuteFamilies needing decent schools |
Bottom line
For someone seeking a low cost of living and a rural lifestyle, Joplin might be a better fit. For those who prioritize proximity to amenities and safety, but still want a somewhat affordable home, Saint Louis might be the way to go, given its more reasonable commute and decent schools. However, both neighborhoods come with trade-offs that may not suit everyone's needs.
Share this comparison