Joplin, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
52,593
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,097/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,398
1.7% year-over-year change

Joplin population

How many people live in Joplin

Joplin is home to 52,593 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Joplin locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
52,593
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
25,421
Female
51.7%
27,172
Value Percent YoY change
Male 25,421 48.3% -1.2%
Female 27,172 51.7% 2.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Joplin is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 14.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
14.1%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,171 17.4% -1.6%
15 to 24 7,420 14.1% -2.1%
25 to 44 14,044 26.7% 2.0%
45 to 64 11,763 22.4% 0.1%
Over 65 10,195 19.4% 4.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Joplin, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.8% of locals are Caucasian, 3.1% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.8% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 50,102 95.3% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,350 2.6% 2.6%
Non-citizens 1,141 2.2% -1.3%
Racial breakdown
White
82.8%
Black or African American
3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
8.9%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 43,559 82.8%
Black or African American 1,622 3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 430 0.8%
Asian 1,183 2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 232 0.4%
Two or more races 4,670 8.9%
Other 897 1.7%

Households in Joplin

A peek inside Joplin households

Joplin has 22,710 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.2% are families, while the remaining 44.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
22,710
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
10,172
Family households
12,538
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,172 44.8% 4.0%
Family households 12,538 55.2% 1.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Joplin

The housing landscape of Joplin

Joplin's housing consists of 25,398 units, with 70.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,398
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,982 70.8%
1 unit, attached 621 2.4%
2 units 1,597 6.3%
3 or 4 units 888 3.5%
5 to 9 units 1,072 4.2%
10 to 19 units 816 3.2%
20 to 49 units 937 3.7%
50 or more units 1,054 4.2%
Mobile home 431 1.7%
Homes built since 2020
237
121.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Joplin

In Joplin, the median construction year is 1985. About 14.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,752 14.8% 1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,213 4.8% -3.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,344 9.2% -2.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,089 8.2% 0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,364 9.3% 3.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,973 7.8% -6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,356 13.2% -6.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,108 12.2% 1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,962 19.5% 12.4%
Built in 2020 or later 237 0.9% 121.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Joplin occupancy rates

Out of the 22,710 occupied housing units in Joplin, 53.4% are owner-occupied, while 46.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
22,710
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,582
Owner occupied
12,128
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,582 46.6% 8.2%
Owner occupied 12,128 53.4% -2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
10.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Joplin housing costs

Housing costs in Joplin come to a median of $945 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $962.

Median housing costs per month
$945/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Joplin
$962/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Joplin

Joplin education at a glance

About 39.9% of the population in Joplin went to high school, while 27.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 16.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 770 1.8% -3.3%
High school diploma 16,600 39.9% 0.5%
College diploma 11,353 27.3% -0.6%
Associate degree 2,837 6.8% 6.6%
Bachelor's degree 7,041 16.9% 4.8%
Graduate degree 3,019 7.2% -2.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Joplin

How much people earn in Joplin

The average annual household income in Joplin was $73,566 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,097, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Joplin
$73,566/year
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Joplin
$52,097/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Joplin income by age

In Joplin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,878. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,098 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,625, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,671 in earnings. Overall, 83.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,625 10.2%
25 - 44 $61,878 6.7%
45 - 64 $52,098 -9.7%
Over 65 $43,671 0.6%
Above poverty level
41,669
Below poverty level
8,499
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 41,669 83.1% 2.0%
Below poverty level 8,499 16.9% -5.0%

Average renter income in Joplin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Joplin, their median household income was $33,755 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,755
Rent-to-income ratio
34.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Joplin

Workforce and job types in Joplin

The job market in Joplin is powered by 24,610 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 67.7% are employed by private companies, and 11.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
24,610
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
18,911
Blue collar
5,699
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,911 76.8% -1.3%
Blue collar 5,699 23.2% 1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
67.7%
Governmental workers
11.8%
Not for profit companies
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,836 7.5% 2.2%
Private companies 16,666 67.7% -2.1%
Governmental workers 2,896 11.8% 13.7%
Not for profit companies 3,212 13% -5.5%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
-9.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Joplin stands at 5.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Joplin

How people get around in Joplin

Commuting methods vary: 85.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 20,606 85.6% -3.0%
Taxicab 48 0.2% 100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 58 0.2% 132.0%
Motorcycle 15 0.1% 150.0%
Bicycle 73 0.3% 143.3%
Walk 692 2.9% 25.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Joplin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
64801 36,287 15,696 $52,620 $73,731
64804 37,016 15,154 $62,574 $89,509

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FAQs about Joplin demographics 

What is the total population of Joplin?

Joplin has a total population of 52,593 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Joplin?

The gender ratio in Joplin is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (25,421 residents)
  • 51.7% females (27,172 residents)

What is the median age in Joplin?

The median age in Joplin is 38.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Joplin?

The age distribution in Joplin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (9,171 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.1% (7,420 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (14,044 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (11,763 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (10,195 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Joplin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Joplin is as follows:
  • White: 82.8% (43,559 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.1% (1,622 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (430 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (1,183 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (232 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.9% (4,670 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (897 residents)

What percentage of the population in Joplin are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Joplin.

How many housing units are there in Joplin?

There are 25,398 housing units in Joplin, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Joplin and what is the average household size?

Joplin has a total of 22,710 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Joplin?

Joplin has a median household income of $52,097, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Joplin?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Joplin, with a workforce of 24,610 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.8% (18,911 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.2% (5,699 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (1,836 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.7% (16,666 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.8% (2,896 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13% (3,212 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025