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 — $574,100 less than Saint Louis, MO's $734,100. WYLT rates Joplin, MO as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Saint Louis, MO as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
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 27/100 (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 6.5/10.
| Category | Joplin, MO | Saint Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $160K ✓ Lower price | $734K |
| Median Rent | $873 ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $52K | $116K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low | Low |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 | 27/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 10/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 44/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 179 min | 15 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 | 6.5/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Retirees seeking low cost of livingRemote workers who need quietFamilies wanting inexpensive homes | High‑earning professionalsFamilies looking for strong schoolsCommuters to downtown |
Bottom line
If you're a high-earning professional or a family prioritizing good schools and a low flood risk, Saint Louis' Benton Park might be the better choice. However, if you're on a tight budget and value a rural lifestyle, Joplin's low cost of living and quiet atmosphere could be more suitable. Ultimately, Benton Park offers a more balanced mix of good schools and commute options, making it a solid pick for the right person.
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