Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Joplin, MO
The median monthly rent in Joplin, MO is $1,230, translating to $14,760 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.56% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Joplin spend approximately 31% of the local median household income ($48,140) on rent. This exceeds the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting rent growth may face resistance — but it also means a large portion of the population finds buying even more out of reach, supporting rental demand.
The vacancy rate in Joplin is 6%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 0.5% annually provides stable demand.
Joplin's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 14.9x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,230/mo, a single-family rental in Joplin generates approximately $14,760 in gross annual income. After accounting for 6% vacancy ($886 lost), property taxes of $2,750, insurance (~$880), and maintenance (~$880), the estimated NOI is $9,364 per year, or $780/mo.
Joplin vs Missouri state average and national average across key investment metrics. Joplin outperforms both benchmarks on cap rate.