Tornado’s Damage to the Economy
- Actual cost: $2,800,000,000
- Cost adjusted to 2019 dollars: $3,201,634,880
Overall, 1,000 injuries and 158 deaths occurred. The Joplin tornado damage was significant — an estimated 6,954 homes were demolished, and 875 homes received either minor or major damage. Various businesses, apartment complexes and public buildings throughout the city were destroyed or damaged, including churches, schools, fire stations, convenience stores and big-box retailers.
The city’s child care businesses also suffered a devastating blow: 19 centers were destroyed, and eight others sustained significant damage, which left thousands of families without child care.
