Average Rent in Joplin, MO↑ Rents rising 12.2% YoY🔺 Most expensive in MO

Joplin, MO has rental prices ranging from $830/month to $1,411/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $835/month — 40% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,146/year, spending $835/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Joplin Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,036/month, Joplin ranks #1 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Missouri — pricier than 69% of all US cities in our data.

The Joplin Rental Market

The Joplin, MO area has a population of about 202,258 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Joplin, MO have risen by $113/month (12.2%) over the past year, from $923 to $1,036. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Joplin, MO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,400. The local median household income of $60,146 exceeds that threshold by $26,746, making Joplin relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Joplin, MO is $205,909, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 16.6. With a break-even horizon of approximately 17 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Joplin's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Silver Creek ($275,157 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Joplin, MO Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Joplin?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Joplin

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.