New U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that the City of Joplin’s population continues to grow and has reached an all-time high five years after the devastating tornado that tore through the city.
A news release from MO Governor Jay Nixon’s office says new figures show Joplin reached a population of 51,818 in 2015, up from 51,140 in 2011 before the storm. The city first surpassed its pre-tornado population in 2014.
Nixon says, “Joplin is a shining example of what hard work, determination, faith and an indomitable spirit can accomplish.”
Nixon also announced today the launch of a new website, Joplin Rising, that provides more information, photos and video on the city’s progress in the areas of business and jobs, population and housing, schools, healthcare and mental health. Also featured on the site are the roles that Joplin residents, the faith community and volunteers from around the world played in the revitalization of the region after the tornado.
Nixon will be in Joplin this weekend to take part in the fifth anniversary observation of the storm.
