Joplin, MO Census Data
The 12th largest city in Missouri by population · 13 cities ranked
Joplin is the 12th largest city in Missouri by population and ranks 12th of 13 for median household income. With 52,218 residents, its poverty rate of 17.9% ranks among the higher rates in Missouri. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
52,218
49.3% male · 50.7% female
Median Age
37.5
1.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$51,154
$27,384 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
26.4%
8.6% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.1%
Poverty Rate
17.9%
5.5% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.5%
Broadband Access
94.8%
5.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$159,700
Median rent: $889 · 56% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
Labor force participation: 58.7%
Per Capita Income
$31,246
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
8.1%
Disability rate: 19.9%
How Joplin Compares to Other Missouri Cities
Rankings among all 13 Missouri cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 12th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 12th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 9th of 13 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 10th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 11th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Joplin, MO Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Joplin, MO?
The population of Joplin, MO is 52,218 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.5 years.
What is the median household income in Joplin?
The median household income in Joplin, MO is $51,154, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $31,246.
What is the poverty rate in Joplin?
The poverty rate in Joplin, MO is 17.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Joplin residents have a college degree?
26.4% of adults (25+) in Joplin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Joplin?
The median home value in Joplin, MO is $159,700. Median rent is $889 per month, with 56% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Joplin?
Joplin's population is 83.8% White, 2.9% Black, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Joplin rank among Missouri cities?
Joplin is the 12th largest city in Missouri by population, the 12th highest for median household income, the 9th lowest for poverty rate, the 10th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 13 ranked Missouri cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Joplin?
The unemployment rate in Joplin, MO is 5.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 58.7%. Per capita income is $31,246.
Cities Similar to Joplin
Other Missouri cities with comparable population and income levels.