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Joplin, MO

Frequently asked questions

Joplin, MO

Joplin is a city in Jasper and Newton counties in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Missouri. The bulk of the city is in Jasper County, while the southern portion is in Newton County. Joplin is the largest city located within both Jasper and Newton Counties – even though it is not the county seat of either county (Carthage is the seat of Jasper County while Neosho is the seat of Newton County). 

With a population of 51,762 as of the 2020 census, Joplin is the 13th most populous city in the state. The city covers an area of 35.69 square miles (92.41 km2) on the outer edge of the Ozark Mountains. Joplin is the main hub of the three-county Joplin-Miami, Missouri-Oklahoma Metro area, which is home to 210,077 people making it the 5th largest metropolitan area in Missouri. In May 2011, a violent EF5 tornado killed more than 150 people and destroyed one-third of the city.

Joplin is the center of what is regionally known as the Four State Area: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas. Joplin is located north of I-44, its passage to the west into Oklahoma. In recent years, the residential development of Joplin has spread north to Webb City. The historic now-decommissioned U.S. Route 66 passes through Joplin, as 7th Street. The city is drained by Joplin, Turkey, Silver, and Shoal creeks.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.68 square miles (92.41 km2), of which 35.56 square miles (92.10 km2) is land and 0.12 square miles (0.31 km2) is water.

Lead was discovered in the Joplin Creek Valley before the Civil War, but only after the war did significant development take place. By 1871, numerous mining camps sprang up in the valley and resident John C. Cox filed a plan for a city on the east side of the valley. Cox named his village Joplin City after the spring and creek nearby, which had been named for the Reverend Harris G. Joplin, who settled upon its banks circa 1840.

Carthage resident Patrick Murphy filed a plan for a city on the opposite side of the valley and named it Murphysburg. As the nearest sheriff was in Carthage, frontier lawlessness abounded in Joplin. The historic period was referred to as the "Reign of Terror". The cities eventually merged into Union City, but when the merger was found illegal, the cities split. Murphy suggested that a combined city be named Joplin. The cities merged again on March 23, 1873, this time permanently, as the City of Joplin.

The city had three hospitals at one time. Oak Hill Hospital, which was located at 34th & Indiana. Joplin General Hospital was founded by Dr. Kilbane and was later moved and renamed Oak Hill Hospital. Freeman Hospital merged with Oak Hill Hospital to become the Freeman-Oak Hill Hospital Health System. The city has two major hospitals now, which serve the Four States region, Freeman-Oak Hill Hospital Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin, the latter replacing St. John's Regional Medical Center which was destroyed in the May 22, 2011, tornado. Freeman Hospital East, the former Oak Hill Hospital, and Landmark Hospital serve more specialized community health needs. The city's park system has nearly 1,000 acres (400 ha) and includes a golf course, three swimming pools, 15 miles (24 km) of walking/biking trails, the world's largest remaining globally unique Chert Glades and the Shoal Creek Nature Center located in Wildcat Park. A waterfall, Grand Falls, the highest continuously flowing in the state, is on Shoal Creek on the southern end of the city.

Joplin places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, offering numerous resources and facilities to support the well-being of its residents. Joplin has well-established medical facilities, including Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services. The Joplin Family YMCA is a hub for fitness and community activities, providing a variety of exercise classes, sports, and wellness programs. For those seeking chiropractic care, Dunlap Chiropractic provides services to promote spinal health and overall well-being. Additionally, La Boussole Medical Spa and Wellness Center offers holistic wellness services such as acupuncture and spa treatments to rejuvenate the mind and body. For individuals interested in active living, Joplin's extensive park system, including Cunningham Park and Mercy Park, provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise. Furthermore, Club 1201 offers fitness classes and facilities for those looking to stay active and maintain their physical health.

Top sites in Joplin, MO are Joplin History & Mineral Museum, Northpark Mall, and Grand Falls.

Population: 53,095 (2023). ZIP codes: 64801–64804. Area code(s): 417. Elevation: 1,004 feet (306 m). Area: 38.21 sq mi (98.96 km2).

FAQs

What is Joplin, MO famous for?

Trolley and rail lines made Joplin the hub of southwest Missouri. As the center of the "Tri-state district", it soon became the lead- and zinc-mining capital of the world. As a result of extensive surface and deep mining, Joplin is dotted with open-pit mines and mineshafts. 

What is the crime rate in Joplin, MO?

With a crime rate of 66 per one thousand residents, Joplin has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 15. Within Missouri, more than 97% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Joplin.

Is Joplin, MO a good place to live?

Joplin is in Jasper County. Living in Joplin offers residents a sparse suburban feel; most residents own their homes. In Joplin, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Joplin and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Joplin are above average.

Sources

City of Joplin

Wikipedia

Neighborhood Scout

Niche

Joplin History & Mineral Museum

Northpark Mall

Grand Falls

Freeman Health System

Mercy Hospital Joplin

Joplin Family YMCA

Dunlap Chiropractic

La Boussole Medical Spa and Wellness Center

Cunningham Park

Mercy Park

Club 1201

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.