In a recent ranking by financial experts, Joplin, Missouri has been named the best small town in the state to start a business in 2024. WalletHub’s list placed Joplin at 216th overall, making it the highest-ranking small town in Missouri.
The rankings were determined by comparing the business-friendliness of over 1,300 small-sized cities across 18 key metrics, including the growth rate of small businesses, investor access, and labor costs. Joplin stood out among other Missouri towns, with Gladstone coming in as the next closest at 283rd on the list.
However, the overall ranking for Missouri is not as promising, with Joplin being the best small town to start a business in the state but still ranking relatively low on the list. States like Florida, Utah, Idaho, and North Carolina dominate the top of the list, raising the question of how Missouri can get more small towns in the top 50.
Despite the challenges, Joplin’s recognition as the best small town in Missouri to start a business is a positive sign for the town’s entrepreneurial spirit. As the business landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other small towns in Missouri rise to the challenge and improve their rankings in the future.