Joplin, MO vs Salem, MA
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
Salem
68.6
#1307 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (4.2 vs 15.4). Salem leads in walk score (70 vs 35). Joplin leads in average commute (17.3 min vs 30.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Joplin, MO | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.8 (#415) | 68.6 (#1307) |
| Population | 53,095 | 44,744 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $204,902 | $614,321 |
| Median Household Income | $50,996 | $79,196 |
| Average Commute | 17.3 min | 30.6 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 70 |
| Crime Level | 15.4 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 135 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+46.8 | D+20.3 |
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+
68.6 Score
Salem, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$614,321
Population
44,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
70
Northeast
View Salem, MA →