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Joplin vs Purcell

Joplin, Missouri versus Purcell, Missouri: a factual, side-by-side comparison of cost of living, housing, safety, schools, and climate. Greener figures rank better among US places.

Overall livability

Joplin

Mixed · objective livability45/100

Purcell

Mixed · objective livability49/100

Purcell edges out Joplin on overall objective livability (49 vs 45 of 100), though each leads on different factors below.

Factor-by-factor comparison

FactorJoplinPurcell
Affordability
Median Household Income$51k$36k
Cost of Living$46k$46k
Home Value$147k$81k
Monthly Rent$873$920
Monthly Owner Costs$12k$118
Property Tax Rate0.73%0.74%
Income Tax4.80%4.80%
Sales Tax8.39%8.39%
Estimated total tax burden9.66%9.23%
Unemployment4.9%5.1%
Weather
Winter Temp (Jan)35°F35°F
Summer Temp (Jul)80°F79°F
Annual Precipitation45.6 in45.6 in
Annual Snowfall7.8 in7.8 in
Sunny Days256 days256 days
Summer Humidity68°F68°F
Comfortable Days71 days71 days
Safety & Wellbeing
Natural Disaster Risk70.173.8
Air Quality44 AQI46 AQI
School Quality43.928.8
Violent Crime2520/100k0/100k
Property Crime6130/100k0/100k
Community
Population51,848414
Median Age36.437.5
Racial Diversity0.270.35
Male/Female Ratio0.980.86
Political LeaningR+47R+47
White (%)82.4%78.5%
Black (%)2.7%0.0%
Hispanic (%)7.2%13.5%
Asian (%)1.8%0.0%
Other / Multiracial (%)5.9%8.0%
Getting Around
Commute Time17 min
Walkability10.4/207.7/20
Airport Distance98 mi108 mi
Lifestyle & Connectivity
Broadband Access87.9%80.6%
Amenities Nearby18.3248.31
Park & Nature AccessGoodModerate

Each figure is colored by how it ranks among all US places: green is strong, amber average, red weaker. Neutral factors (population, demographics, target-style climate) show their percentile without a better/worse claim.

Frequently asked questions

Is Joplin or Purcell more affordable?
Purcell has the lower cost of living: its index is $46k, compared with Joplin's $46k and Purcell's $46k. Median rent is $873 in Joplin versus $920 in Purcell.
Is Joplin or Purcell safer?
Purcell has the lower violent crime rate. Joplin reports 2520/100k and Purcell reports 0/100k (violent crimes per 100,000 residents).
Are homes cheaper in Joplin or Purcell?
The median home value is $147k in Joplin and $81k in Purcell, so homes are more affordable in Purcell.
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