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 Missouriis 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:
Webb City
Carthage
Carl Junction
Loma Linda
Leawood
Neosho
Seneca
Duenweg
Pittsburg, KS
Galena, KS
Baxter Springs, KS
Miami, OK
Joplin is approximately 40 miles north of the Arkansas state line. Thus, the Joplin area is commonly referred to as the "Four-State Area".
