Joplin, MO vs Laurel, MD
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
Laurel
66.4
#1547 nationally
Joplin leads in average commute (17.3 min vs 33.5 min). Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $50,996). Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 35).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Joplin, MO | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.8 (#415) | 66.4 (#1547) |
| Population | 53,095 | 29,400 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $204,902 | $478,130 |
| Median Household Income | $50,996 | $92,035 |
| Average Commute | 17.3 min | 33.5 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 15.4 | 10.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+46.8 | D+13.9 |
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 →
D
66.4 Score
Laurel, MD
Small Maryland city with local appeal
Median Home
$478,130
Population
29,400
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Northeast
View Laurel, MD →