Joplin is located in southwest Missouri in the "four states" region encompassing Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. At the edge of the Ozark Mountain region, Joplin has a current population of 49,024. The daytime population swells to 270,000 while the population within a 40-mile radius of Joplin is 400,000, making it Missouri’s fourth largest metropolitan area. Joplin combines the beauty and hospitality of country living with the convenience and commerce of city vitality.

Joplin was devastated by an EF5 tornado which touched down at 5:41pm on May 22, 2011. The massive tornado cut a path of destruction 3/4 to a mile wide and nearly 7 miles long within the city limits. The overall storm path was estimated by the National Weather Service at nearly 14 miles in length.

Nearly 8000 structures were estimated to be impacted by the tornado. Many homes, along with churches, schools, businesses and one hospital, were completely destroyed in the wake of the tornado. The "Miracle of the Human Spirit" is alive and well in Joplin. City officials said Wednesday that as of December 23 rebuilding permits have been approved for more than 50% of residents and 197 commercial businesses.

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Joplin residents’ spirits remain resilient during this trying time in the city’s history. The Joplin tornado was one of the deadliest and most destructive in U.S. history. Just 8 months later, it can clearly be seen that Joplin's citizens, neighboring communities, & an army of volunteers aren't sitting idle waiting for things to improve. Progress is being made daily and Joplin will rise from the rubble