Joplin, MO-Pittsburg, KS
This old zinc mining and Route 66 town until recently had the lowest living and housing costs in the country. Reaching its heyday in the early 20th century, the city and area had a long period of decline. Led by some diversified manufacturing, including bedding manufacturer Leggett & Platt, and some trucking industries favoring the central U.S. location, the economy is improving. Top employers are Freeman Health System and Con-way Truckload. The area does serve as a regional center for health care and education, with the small Missouri Southern state university. Pittsburg was also the most heavily unionized city in Kansas at the beginning of the 20th century. In addition to some coal mining, the economic base of the City now rests on industry. The city has a rich cultural heritage from many Southern and Eastern European mine workers who settled in and around Pittsburg and Southeastern Kansas. It is situated in a once productive coal field. It now relies heavily on education and government-related employment.
DMA Rank: 151
Median HH Income: $35,277
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