“Zinc City” has defined adaptation for nearly two centuries
Growing rapidly in the 1870s alongside the nation’s most productive zinc and lead mines, Webb City learned a lesson about economic diversification, a theme that continues today in its local businesses and level of entrepreneurship. The city of 13,000 became a Missouri boom town of sorts shortly after John C. Webb’s discovery of the metals on his newly purchased land. But when even more lead was discovered one state over in the early 20th century, city leaders scrambled for a Plan B while miners hit the road to Oklahoma. Local businesses were encouraged, stayed put and invested in the city. Webb City soon began producing a wider variety of goods, including explosives during World War II. “Webb City is definitely an entrepreneurial city,” says Cameron Tournear, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. “Plenty of people own businesses and know what it takes to make them thrive.”
Webb City is known as the "Zinc City".
The Kneeling Miner statue at King Jack Park pays tribute to Webb City's mining history.
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Leading industries include healthcare, retail and insurance
Webb City's biggest employers these days are involved in retail, healthcare and local government, but scores of smaller enterprises also do business here. Arriving newcomers since 2010 have driven the population up from around 11,000 to the current population. The city's red-bricked downtown serves as a base for emerging businesses, encouraged by the city's slate of tax abatements, business-incentive plans and other resources.
Downtown Webb City is lined with older brick multi story buildings.
Large retailers help support Webb City with jobs and needed supplies.
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The Mining Day Event Center is the city’s largest community center
Managed by Webb City Parks and Recreation, the new Mining Day Event Center has drawn attention and events since its opening in 2023. It stands next to the Mining Days Amphitheater with a raised stage and indoor/outdoor seating. Nearby Memorial Park is the city’s oldest park. King Jack Memorial Park is nationally known as the home of the Praying Hands Monument.
A large outdoor amphitheater adds to the options at King Jack Park.
The Praying Hands statue was created in the early 1970s in King Jack Park.
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Competitively priced homes draw buyers from both coasts
“Competitively priced new homes are a big reason newcomers from both coasts have been buying in Webb City,” says Tournear. “Our median home price is around $210,000, which is a great price for buyers who have recently sold a home for three or four times that figure. And for families who are looking for a slower pace of life, Webb City offers a supportive, faith-based community, where the biggest event on Friday night is the high school football game.”
Fixer-uppers sell from about $40,000 to $150,000. Historic cottages and Victorians can be found for less than $200,000. New homes range from $300,000 to about $430,000.
New traditional style homes line a residential street in Webb City.
Older homes in Webb City come with a long history.
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Webb City High is a top 20 high school in Missouri
Webb City R-7 School District is graded A by Niche. It serves 4,600 students across the city. Webb City High School is ranked 17th out of 560 high schools in the state by U.S. News & World Report. Crowder College, a two-year junior college, is the only institution of higher learning in Webb City and was founded in 1963.
Webb City High School is part of the Webb City public school district.
Crowder College offers Webb City residents a local college and technical education track.
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Downtown Webb City and nearby Joplin are shopping and dining hubs
Downtown Webb City welcomes visitors to blocks of murals depicting the city’s history. Tee Time Entertainment opened a driving range and entertainment park on East Broadway in 2024. HTeaO, a Texas chain of iced tea shops, opened a location in early 2025. Flat Creek Bar & Grill, a regional restaurant chain, opened a Webb City location in 2023.
Murals in downtown Webb City memorialize the city's history.
Residents in Webb City practice their golf swing and enjoy time out at Tee Time.
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Historic Route 66 bisects Webb City
Webb City is known for its location along Historic Route 66, which bisects the city at its intersection with Main Street. Car travel is the primary form of transportation, but MAPS and CARS are local transit providers. Joplin Regional Airport is 5 miles west of Webb City and is the closest commercial airport.
One of the state's largest storm shelters built as part of high school
Webb City High houses one of the largest storm shelters in the state, financed through federal grants in the wake of one of the nation's deadliest tornadoes ever, striking nearby Joplin in 2010. While not in the heart of the Midwest's Tornado Alley, severe storms are fairly common, especially in the spring and early summer. Since 2020, Webb City’s reported rates of violent and property crimes have been mostly lower than the national and state average, according to FBI data. However, periodic spikes have occurred.
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
Derek Fowler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicholas Sanders,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Webb City, MO sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Webb City, MO over the last 12 months is $205,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in a sought-after neighborhood within a top-rated school district, this stunning all-brick home was built in 2022. It offers modern living with timeless appeal. This home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, spread out over 1500 square feet of living space. Schedule your showing today!
Exciting new listing on 2.3 acres in Webb City School District!! This timeless home sitting on a beautiful, private lot has the space and versatile floor plan you're been looking for. 6 bedrooms, large kitchen with great storage, 10 ft ceilings, plenty of windows and natural light. Unique and functional layout with 3 bedrooms on the main level. Two of the rooms are in their own separate wing
This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home boasts over 2,000 square feet including an open-concept floor plan perfect for gatherings and celebrations. The inviting living area seamlessly connects with the kitchen and dining room, ensuring an elegant flow. Quartz counters and custom cabinets throughout, with a spacious walk in kitchen pantry, utility room, stainless steel appliances, cozy corner
Nestled in a sought-after neighborhood within a top-rated school district, this stunning all-brick home was built in 2022. It offers modern living with timeless appeal. This home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, spread out over 1500 square feet of living space. Schedule your showing today!
Seize the opportunity for your next business with this vacant lot facing the highway. This would make a great location for a mechanic shop or even an office building. The lot is close to the round-about in Webb City with prime exposure.
Are you in search of that ideal home situated in the most desirable neighborhood? Your search ends here at Anderson Estates in Webb City. Welcome to this breathtaking 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence, which features an open-concept design with impressive 10-foot ceilings and an abundance of natural light. The modern kitchen showcases exquisite custom cabinetry, elegant granite countertops, all
Our luxury community offers spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with the option of a 6, 9, 12, or MTM month lease. Being a resident at 17th Place comes with perks! You will have 24-hour access to the Clubhouse with free Wi-Fi, Business Center, Fitness Center, Laundry Room, Game Room, Movie Theater as well as our outdoor amenities: Sparkling Swimming Pool, Playground, Basketball Court,
Owner Agent. Duplex in central Webb City location. Boasting a clean & desirable urban design, within walking distance of Webb City Junior High and Webb City High School.
Cameron Cameron TournearKELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ELEVATE
Ellis Point Apartments is a family apartment complex located in the heart of Webb City, MO. This property lends convenient access to many amenities, including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and hospitals. The community also provides important benefits, such as MAPS bus transportation and a Senior Center. Ellis Point Apartments features balconies, playgrounds, storm shelter, a fitness
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