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 — $132,600 less than Saint Louis, MO's $292,600. 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 34/100 (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 | $293K |
| Median Rent | $873 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $52K | $69K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 | 34/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 32/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 44/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 179 min | 9 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 | young professionalscommutersstudents |
Bottom line
For someone seeking a quiet, low-cost rural lifestyle, Joplin might be worth considering - particularly for retirees, remote workers, or families on a tight budget. However, for most others, Saint Louis is likely a better option - offering a more balanced blend of affordability, amenities, and commute time for young professionals, commuters, and small families. Ultimately, Joplin's limitations make it a harder sell for families seeking schools and a wider range of local services.
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