Understand
Joplin is the "hub" of the southwest corner of Missouri, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma. The population of Joplin proper is 45,504, but, with several "suburbs" around Joplin, the population of the Joplin metro area is near 100,000.
Officially, the "Joplin metropolitan area" (the 4th largest in Missouri)is Jasper and Newton Counties in Missouri. However, given its location at the confluence of three states, it is quite common for many people in Kansas and Oklahoma (as well as other parts of southwest Missouri) to frequent Joplin, for work and pleasure.
Other cities and towns that comprise the Joplin area include:
Joplin is approximately 40 miles north of the Arkansas state line. Thus, the Joplin area is commonly referred to as the "Four-State Area".
Get in
By plane
US Airways took over in 2006 as the single carrier serving Joplin Regional Airport. Flights to and from Kansas City and Dallas are available through US Airways at Joplin Regional
By car
By bus
Get around
The "main business drag" of Joplin is Range Line Road (aka, "Business 71"). The heaviest concentration of commerce and business is located along Range Line Road (along with the heaviest concentration of traffic). Other "business drags" include 7th Street, Main Street, and 32nd Street.
See
Learn
Work
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Several national hotel chains have locations in Joplin. There are also several private "mom and pop" hotels in Joplin. Practically every hotel is located around the junction of I-44 and Range Line Road (Exit 8).
Stay safe
Most crime that occurs in the Joplin area is of the "petty" nature. The biggest crime problems in the area recently have been gas-station drive-offs (due to recent spikes in gas prices) and conveinence store robberies. Violent crime is quite rare, but does occur on occasion. The "rough side of town" for Joplin is generally considered west of Main Street. Like most any place, most of the more serious crime happens in the middle of the night. Typical "common...
