Joplin, MO

The Joplin, MO metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is located in the southwestern corner of Missouri. The MSA includes Jasper and Newton counties, and has a population of approximately 175,000 people. The MSA is home to a number of colleges and universities, including Missouri Southern State University, Ozark Christian College, and Crowder College.

The housing market in the Joplin MSA has been strong in recent years, due in part to the region's growing economy. The unemployment rate in the MSA was 4.0% in February 2019, down from 4.8% a year earlier.1 This decline in unemployment has led to more people moving into the area in search of work, which has helped to drive up demand for housing.

The median home price in the Joplin MSA was $145,000 in 2018, up 5.4% from 2017.2 This increase is higher than both the state and national averages for 2018 (5.2% and 5.1%, respectively).3 The rise in home prices is being driven by strong demand from buyers who are willing to pay more for a property that meets their needs.

Inventory levels have remained tight throughout much of 2018 and 2019 due to the strong demand from buyers combined with limited new construction activity.4 This has caused some buyers to be priced out of the market or forced to purchase a less-than-ideal property due to competition from other buyers who are also looking for homes within their budget constraints