It used to be a good place to live...
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3/28/2008
10 years ago, Joplin was a model for how a Midwestern city should be. It had very low crime, the lowest living and housing costs in the country, and good schools. It was a peaceful, quiet community where people could walk the streets without the fear of being shot, stabbed, beaten, raped, or mugged.
10 years later, Joplin is a complete mess, with more than triple the crime it used to have. Don't believe me? In 1999, Joplin had 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents (where 450 is the national average); today, it has 875 (where 700 is considered high). The reasons are unknown, but looking at the population statistics, I would have to say that population growth is to blame. Joplin is by no means a boomtown, but no doubt about it, it has attracted people from other parts of the country seeking extremely low living costs and a slow-paced, small-town lifestyle. This obviously attracts economically disadvantaged individuals and even gangs from L.A. (OK, I don't know if there are really any gangs in Joplin, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was...) One of my friends even survived a SCHOOL SHOOTING at one of the middle schools in Joplin (has anyone ever heard about that in the news?). Still, the schools retain their high quality of education, and cost of living is still low, despite a rise in home prices over the past 10 years.
Overall, I would not recommend Joplin as a place to live or raise a family. The crime rate is high and bound to get even worse over the next 10 years, and the poor job market does nothing to help. And if you want quality schools, Springfield (which is about 100 miles northeast) is a better option. The living costs are a little higher there, but at least it has low crime and a better job market.
Clint | Liberty, IL