Joplin, MO vs Lake Charles, LA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Joplin
75.8
#415 nationally
Lake Charles
76.2
#371 nationally
Joplin leads in crime level (15.4 vs 16.8). Lake Charles leads in median household income ($54,761 vs $50,996). Joplin leads in cost of living index (88 vs 94).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Joplin, MO | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.8 (#415) | 76.2 (#371) |
| Population | 53,095 | 79,633 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $204,902 | $206,355 |
| Median Household Income | $50,996 | $54,761 |
| Average Commute | 17.3 min | 18 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 15.4 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+46.8 | R+39.6 |
C
75.8 Score
Joplin, MO
Missouri community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$204,902
Population
53,095
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Midwest
View Joplin, MO →
C
76.2 Score
Lake Charles, LA
Louisiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$206,355
Population
79,633
Crime
High
Walk Score
37
Southeast
View Lake Charles, LA →
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