MISSOURI: Rural Towns With High Children's Poverty Rates

[@daviddecelles8714]

To those whose chronic complaint is that there are no people seen in your videos, I spotted five pedestrians. It is more than reasonable to suspect that the federally generated financial statistics bear little or no relevance to determining "quality of life" when imposed upon people living in such small towns. The kids may not have any expensive gadget toys but have large back and front yards, low air and noise pollution and probably a lot less parental stress to "succeed." Their 'happiness quotient' may be a lot higher than kids living in cramped but clinically spotless apartments in Manhattan whose parents' income is 30X as much as theirs.

[@katydid2877]

100% true

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

You're right, David. I think the video showed exactly that. People are able to live own a lot less in towns like these. Additionally, they're clean and well kept, for the most part.

[@jeffklenovic4386]

Let's not glamorize rural poverty. There are major problems with drugs, domestic violence and teenage pregnancy.

[@daviddecelles8714]

Those problems may not be from poverty at all; but from a widespread moral disintegration in this country.

[@tinamenard5320]

Being from one of these rural towns in MO, I can tell you they (kids) do not have the programs some cities do because the people running the towns are small minded and do NOT want change nor do they know how to go about it for their towns. Corruption in small gov is like all gov. The drugs are MORE rampant in these rural towns. I've lived all over the u.s. and believe me when I say there is absolutely nothing for these kids in these towns. It is why I left at a young age. Brain stimulation for kids is lacking.

[@amazonhippie7826]

I’m about 15 minutes west of Washburn. I live in a 12x25 shed house. I’m poor, but my kid has everything he could want and we never worry about food. And I’m not on welfare. We just don’t need a ton of money to live around here. I was raised 15 minutes away in Bentonville where everyone works at corporate Walmart and thinks you need endless amounts of money. My dad was high up in Walmart and wore a suit every day and made tons of money. He never taught me how to do anything or did anything with me. I work for a small company, taught myself how to work on anything and work with any material, I teach my son how to do all kinds of stuff, and I spend more time with him every month than my dad spent with me all my life. These poverty rates don’t really tell you anything about the people. Growing up, my poorer friends’ dads did all kinds of stuff with us and were fun to be around.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Great comment. I think what the video shows is that poverty in one area is very different than in a different place like Washburn, which doesn’t look like a place of poverty at all. I say this as someone who has toured the inner city slums of Baltimore, Detroit, New Orleans, St Louis and Memphis. Those places look poverty stricken. Washburn looks nothing like them.

[@polarodriguez2924]

💕💕💕

[@Coverly573]

I’m so glad that someone came out and spoke about this. Kudos to you @Amazonhippie what some of these folks fail to realize is that we are survivors and we don’t need a whole lot of money to survive and most importantly we’re HAPPY.

[@kevinstrong8265]

Well sure, kids love being poor.

[@amazonhippie7826]

@@kevinstrong8265 My son gets everything he needs and everything he wants. Within reason, of course. He has a wonderful life. And most importantly, he has loving parents. I didn’t have that growing up with my wealthy parents. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@ginajust-me2445]

7 years ago, I moved here from a huge city in the southwest.. I bought a place at the lake ( Table Rock Lake) there is a path in my back yard that takes me there..I paid 30k for 2 lots and a mobile.. That mobile is finally coming down and putting 2 tiny places on it..here in southern Missouri you can fish, hunt and live without the stress... I've got bees and a huge garden and I must say..there is no keeping up with the Jones in these parts..I am truly happy to be here.

[@mieaab]

Looking forward to travel to Missouri after 40years

[@ginajust-me2445]

@@mieaab you'll be happy you did.. Enjoy Branson if you can.

[@jerrywayne3467]

Gina that’s a beautiful area

[@reneek7721]

I live in Iowa 75 feet from the Missouri border you're right you can't beat the country. I paid $20.000 for a 3 bdrm 2 acre lot with 3 sheds. House is coming down, I'm going off grid in a small house. Lovin it.

[@reneek7721]

@Brian H: We are very laidback.

[@originalbluebuddha]

One thing I've noticed about these little burgs in SW MO is that while the houses may not be super nice, they're fully owned and not many people are carrying a mortgage. Makes a huge difference when you're considering that median family income.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Makes sense.

[@likeablecloud2454]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip also usually most of the people can get by with a part time job. The 260 a week is pretty normal for part time jobs. But since they raised minimum wage those stats are off by around 30 to 40 dollars. Last year minimum wage was 8 dollars.

[@MA-mh1vs]

Even the rental properties are cheap around here except the new construction. There is also a fairly large amount of income based housing available especially compared to the population. Property values are crazy low too, not as good as they were but still way lower than most areas. I moved here 4yrs ago because of the low property values, I bought a 3bdr home with garage, carport and shed for $36,000 on a 10yr mortgage and moved straight into it. I could not touch a home with a roof literally falling in for under $70,000 in NWA, absolutely insane!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

@@MA-mh1vs That's amazing!

[@BologneseJones]

Im with you . I'd rather live in a modest paid for house than being home less

[@russelldavis4938]

I used to teach in Washburn about 20 years ago. Students from there and Seligman attended the school I worked in. As you say , poverty is definitely relative. Average rent back then was less than $300 a month. If you brought home $1,000 a month, you could have about anything you wanted. Those making a teacher's salary were considered the most affluent in the area. As a result, the students had great respect for teachers and dreamed they could make that much as they got older. I don't remember having any rich kids in the entire high school so they all considered themselves as equals.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting. Makes sense.

[@soflodoug]

Sounds like people are jealous of other people. Why would someones household income make any difference to other people?

[@MAA77723]

@@soflodoug Go to sleep Doug.

[@kerrynight3271]

@@soflodoug That's seriously a new concept for you? That kids notice which kids' parents have a car and can take them on vacations?

[@donaldschmitt4677]

Im tired of theses "foreigners" coming to this state n tellin us " WE ARE POOR".....

[@bradforddillman7671]

Really enjoy your small-town videos. I appreciate you showing us places most of us would never see.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for watching, Bradford!

[@Oldman5261]

If I had a choice between living in high poverty in a small town vs. living in high poverty in a big city I would choose the small town any day. I also prefer small town values. Merry Christmas Lord Spoda and stay warm in this cold weather.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Totally agree, Lawrence. Thank you!

[@darrenchilds8980]

You be stuck being in poverty in a small town

[@shanecurphey1011]

Love your commentary. I so love small towns. I grew up in a town of about 100 in Iowa. A low income wage usually means the mom stays home with the kids. In my opinion is the best scenario. People can always make money later. I had such an amazing child hood because of my mom sacrificing her career to raise us. My dad drove a truck for the county with no college education, then was a custodian for a while, to a mantanance supervisor until he retired. Not tons of money, but responsible. I wish more family's would do this. Kids are so worth the one income life. We didn't have a lot of money but we had so much more than money could buy like most kids get to have. Thanks for posting. Love seeing all those turn of the century to 40s houses most of all. I love those small ones too with unique architectural designs.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Great comment, Shane. Thank you. :)

[@denisesmith2745]

You see the beauty as I do. There’s beauty in everything and glad you see it, too. You get it that we’re looking at people’s lives, their homes and towns . I love “our” trips and appreciate your caring and the details you give us. Thank you for doing the driving for us. I adore you, Nicole and your daughter whom we got to meet not that long ago. Prayers for safe travels and a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year! Love from Ft Worth

[@jerrycummings2821]

DITTO!!

[@RamblesBrambles]

These videos are a beautiful and essential record of life in a progressive first world country, we see clearly that there is a fine line between wealth and poverty.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you, Denise! :)

[@shaunarchangel3872]

I currently now live in Neosho , Missouri which is part of south west Missouri also . I previously lived in NWA ,which i still work in . With that being said most of south west Missouri , is rural . While coming out of the gas station one morning in Goodman , a gentleman was telling me that a manufacturing plant was moving to the area . Also Cassville is a predominately farming community . There is a big trout park called roaring river state park about 7 miles or so that's pretty interesting .

[@dennybushman2689]

I was truly surprised how in Missouri towns , how awesome those buildings are so well kept from the 1800 hundreds . I can picture wagons , stage coaches and me riding into town on my horse to cash in my gold and getting a room , bath and a steak dinner with whiskey

[@charlespatterson4630]

I am 58 years old. I was raised west of Washburn on a farm, graduated from Southwest high school, and have lived in Exeter for over 30 years. The statistics you quoted may be factually correct but they do not depict an accurate picture of how things really are. I will not disagree that poverty is an issue and I’m sorry to say that there probably are a few kids who may not have the best of everything. I’m sure there are a few who do not have enough to eat everyday and that breaks my heart. But it truely isn’t as bad as the stats show. Any of the stats for that matter. For each town in this video it seems that only the worst streets and neighborhoods were shown. There are far more very nice homes in this area than the older ones you included. You only showed abandoned or failing businesses when in fact each town has a few successful, profitable places of business. You said there were only 2 or 3 streets in Exeter and that is far from accurate. Take a look at a street map or satellite view and you can give a more accurate description. You said nothing about the schools in the communities. Cassville schools are some of the best of the best. The school at Washburn provides a great curriculum and is currently getting a state of the art sports complex constructed on campus. It will be the newest and one of the nicest in the area. The schools at Exeter and Wheaton are much smaller but still provide our children with an education that will help them succeed in tomorrow’s world. There is so much more to our little corner of the state than you presented. I would be more than willing and be honored to give you a tour of our towns, our homes and our lives in these great places we love. Sincerely, and with respect, Charles Patterson, Exeter, Mo. **** I failed to mention that Exeter is also home to one the largest, most visited corn maze/ seasonal attractions in the entire United States. Exeter Corn Maze***

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I agree, which is why I said poverty is relative. I think the video showed that, although by government standards it's poverty level, the towns aren't actually in that kind of shape at all. The towns all looked pretty nice, to be honest.

[@gailhoward8553]

Plus, let me add Cassville has a great Walmart Supercenter, Orchelin or Tractor Supply, and many other nice things.

[@owenswabi]

That’s a great idea for a video!

[@bar-branch4946]

You are my area of cassville...your appraisal of the are was not terrible but what you don't know is that most folks here are hard working folks and stay out of debt. For the most part we make sure there's food on the table. Statistics can be misleading

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I don't disagree and I think the video showed exactly that.

[@misskurtcobain1488]

​@@JoeandNicsRoadTripdont forget Missouri is a mix of southern poverty and Midwestern niceness

[@trailahead]

I used to live in Mount Vernon from 2004-2007. I think the population back then was around 4k. There I met the most wonderful people I've ever met in my entire life. It was culture shock at first since I moved there from southern California. I was hoping you would have ended up there since you were close. I often think about what it would be like to move back to that area again.

[@MA-mh1vs]

I live in Washburn, crazy you drove all around my house and never caught it on camera LOL. Got my neighbors house though, so no doubt you saw my house. I bought a home for $36,000 4 yrs ago and love how quiet this town is, not much of anything goes on around here.

[@feliciawhitehill670]

That house in Seligman where he says "I'm gunna turn around here" is the house I grew up in. It's a 1 bedroom house. My mom slept in the living room amd me and my brother shared the bedroom.

[@tomr5021]

Thank you. I live in Seligman MO I live on 42 acres in the south west corner of Berry county. So I very rarely get into town You should go through there in the summer when everything is green and beautiful You should stop and talk to the people everybody in these towns are very nice friendly

[@davey8914]

I'm from England. Yeah, I can see that it's not the most prosperous of towns. However, to have a property with as great an internal square footage as many of these dwellings have, and to have such big gardens (or yards as you guys call them) is a DREAM in the UK. One of those bungalows - with that amount of real estate - in the UK - BIG bucks! But of course I appreciate that these are rural or semi-rural locations, where career opportunities may be limited. Thank you for sharing your travels with us.

[@kerrynight3271]

I was honestly thinking about you Brits while I was watching this since I've read where others made the same comment you made.

[@davey8914]

@@kerrynight3271 Kerry, there is something to be said for breathing space. In the UK there is a significant housing shortage. And 68m people on a small island. Cosy, yes! Escape to the country.....uhhhmm.... 🤔 I'm thinking about the metrics of poverty - how is it truly defined? Have a salary of GBP 100k in London or USD 30k in Washburn....? Give me Washburn, please.

[@lornavann7439]

So your video just popped up on my KZbin and I watched it. I must admit, I have watched other travel shows and for some reason, this one spoke to me. So now I am going back to the beginning to watch them all. So happy to get to travel with you and your lovely wife! Keep going and going and going!!! God bless!!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you, Lorna! I'm glad you're coming along for the ride.

[@michele698]

Now I really miss Missouri! I started in 2000, in West Plains, my house was 2bdm 1 ba for 250 per month! Then Cabool, then MTN Grove, and so in. 14 years! It was a beautiful place to live

[@judithrichardson986]

I live in Seligman,work at the only grocery store. You forgot Mark Twain national forest, and Roaring river. For a small town we are popping when warm weather hits.

[@TEXASLOYAL]

I don’t know what I enjoy better, watching your videos, or reading the comments from the locals who live in or around the towns you film

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

LOL, heard that. :)

[@nikkihaase6014]

I've lived in Wheaton,MO since 2006. I went to grades 1 - 12 at the Wheaton School. I graduated in 2018. I personally enjoy living in Wheaton. I grew up playing outside in the fresh air. Yes, there are cars on Main Street because there are several businesses on Main Street. There's also more than a couple streets in Wheaton. Wheaton also has a few churches throughout the town.

[@kellyvernon6074]

My hometown is Houston Mo , my parents live in a very small town Raymondville.

[@kwhit6537]

We live in Marshfield Missouri, if you check on railroad and Mineing in Southwestern Missouri, it explains the decline of most of the small towns from Joplin in the southwest toward Springfield mo.

[@ytubepuppy]

Yep, from Joplin on east is pretty sad.

[@stashwaxroller1740]

Seligman's greatest enterprise is a liquor store on the state line (Arkansas counties are dry) You should have visited Pioneer. Unincorperated town but has White Mule distillery since you collect hooch.

[@jamesharding1778]

Wheaton looks like a very nice town. I'll have to check out the area. I seen a couple of houses that look good for remodeling. That gas station was what caught my eye. Thanks for the video. Very informative. God Bless You.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the kind words, James!

[@Giles29]

I grew up in a little Missouri town not unlike these, maybe even smaller. You don't really notice that you're "poor" - often you can hunt or grow your food or you know someone who does. The worst thing is that there really isn't that much for kids to do when they are not doing their chores.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

You could see that. Interesting.

[@maryannanderson2213]

I grew up in a small town in East Tennessee and we were a family of eight kids. We were extremely poor (no indoor plumbing, no running water, no air conditioning, heat was a potbellied stove and the room with the stove in it was warm but the rest of the house was cold) but we ate well because we put out HUGE gardens and mom canned everything she could get her hands on because it had to last all winter. As you said about your town, there was nothing for us to do and I don't mean for recreation, I mean there were no jobs so of the eight children, every one of us had to leave in order to get a job. I ended up in Nashville, three sisters in Ohio, one brother in Kentucky, one in Georgia, one in Florida and one in Indiana so we were scattered to the four winds but that's where we had to go to get jobs. I'm sure if we had stayed there we would have fallen into the poverty category but to us doing that was not an option. I probably should say we would have REMAINED in poverty because clearly my family was raised in poverty. We just all knew we didn't have to stay in poverty. I totally understand why people would want to stay in their hometown and be close to the things and the people they love but I do not understand why they would want it so much that they would be willing to subject themselves and their children to living in poverty in order to do so.

[@prettypalomino8528]

I live a few miles from Cassville, Missouri on a small farm. I wish you had been here in early December to see the wonderful Christmas parades in all the local, small towns. We love our parades here and many people attend. We know how to have good, old-fashioned fun. For the most part, folks are friendly and kind here. Thank you for covering our small towns in your video. ❤️🏘

[@velcrobroadcasting]

You missed a great parade

[@jerseystotler3615]

I live in SW Missouri now moved here from a city in upstate Illinois!! I have never been happier!!!

[@nicoleprice8828]

This is where I grew up and this video is heartbreaking for me. The grocery store and Burger Bar used to be my father’s before he passed. Also, you’re not pronouncing it right, but no one ever does. It was named for the the man that established the town and there is also a Seligman in Arizona (I believe) by him. This town used to be just a quiet county/farming type community but has been in a decline for the last 20 years, really fast the last 5 or so. Most of the old timers are gone and there’s a terribly large amount of drug abuse and manufacturing in the area. When Dad passed he was still giving “credit” to people and neighbors who needed groceries. People just stripped his store down when he couldn’t take care of it, if it wasn’t nailed down it was gone (well some nailed down too) and some squatters in a rental of his started cutting the home for firewood. Just terribly sad.

[@charlespatterson4630]

Glad to see a comment from a local. I was raised west of Washburn and now live in Exeter for the last 35 years. To bad these videos don’t depict the towns the way we knew them

[@kerrynight3271]

Thank you for the firsthand account. I had left a couple of comments about the drug problem in this area and I'm not happy you confirmed my statements, but I guess I'm relieved you didn't come along and say I didn't know what I was talking about. A place can look peaceful and lovely, but if people are supporting themselves selling drugs and the high school kids are taking them, it doesn't really matter what the place looks like. I'm so sorry. I wish you well.

[@Howard.Watkins]

I used to work for your dad at the grocery store. Norm was a great guy. He made a huge positive impact on my life.

[@katiewest3415]

Just a question ... where were you and your family to not help him ? Honestly I understand he probably got in debt from people not paying their credit but for it to get as bad as you explain where was his family? Or further more the town people that he helped many times over ?

[@katiewest3415]

@@Howard.Watkins I'm so glad he had such an impact on your life but where were you and many others whoms lives he touched when he needed help ?

[@CaptainHowdy1969]

Howdy Spoda...well you know how much I appreciate and love these kinds of videos and as I've said many times over...it's easy to visit a bigger well known city and contribute to its economy but don't overlook visiting the small unknown towns that are tucked away from the interstates etc...these towns are quaint little enclaves that possess character and charm that the bigger cities can't compare to...they have enough history and sights to make em' a good weekend look-see getaway and most of all...they're cheap...they offer an affordable option for folks to explore and the best thing about visiting towns like these is that every dollar you spend in em' supports the local economy and that's the most important thing to remember when visiting poor towns like these...

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Perfectly said, Russell.

[@semosurvivalist]

Missouri has a lot of small towns like this as I live in one. You can stand in a gas station for an hour and figure out the problem. Parents come in there with kids if the kid asks for anything they get screamed at while the parent buys beer and rolling papers. Methamphetamines have taken over Missouri small towns in a large way also. There is a high poverty level but it's mainly because people refuse to work.

[@tinamenard5320]

That and there is very little work in these small towns..

[@semosurvivalist]

@@tinamenard5320 the good thing about small towns in Missouri such as mine where the population is 340 there relatively close to towns with populations of 30-40 thousand people wear jobs are plentiful. Every town that I know around us for a hundred miles is begging for help they cannot find employees. There is a gas station 20 minutes away from me that is starting out at 17.50 per hour and can't fill positions. The amount of people that choose not to work in my area which is Southeast Missouri is insane to me. I was going from here for over 20 years and when I came home it's just a different world filled with methamphetamines children whose parents seem not to give a crap about them and lazy people who don't want to work. It used to be such a great small town where there was a homecoming once a year people barbecued kids played in the city park...... Now if you see somebody riding a bicycle through town it's because they're on drugs and living in a shed in somebody's backyard behind the house that doesn't even have electricity. Now there are good people in these small towns that have lived here forever don't give me wrong. There are people in the small towns that the husband and wife both work jobs but they don't make anything and they are poor that's okay too. However if you don't do drugs and can pass a drug test there's no reason to work for less than $18 an hour in my area! There's a factory down the road that is starting out at $22 an hour begging for help and it's an easy job. I know Missouri very well and there's a lot of jobs and I know our current issues and they're only getting worse.

[@atube3364]

​@@semosurvivalist can you write down the name of these gas station or factory. I hardy heard of any paying that much , here in SW. It would be helpful. Much love. Thanks

[@semosurvivalist]

@@atube3364 WW Wood I believe is the highest start out. They were starting over $20. Several in the Bluff are hiring. I know a guy who was just hired as a carpenter helper for $17 an hour. I had two farmers call me last week in Qulin seeking immediate help. There's work all over down here.

[@toushiblouemoua2750]

A cool fact I heard about Wheaton... and this came from a school employee. He stated that the town was thinking about shutting down the school in the early 2000s due to continuous poor grades. But that time was also when us Hmong people started moving to the area for chicken farms. If it weren't for the Hmong students, they would've shut the school down and sent the students elsewhere.

[@dwainmuncy8719]

Please try to check out Carthage, Mo and Joplin, Mo. You can pull up so much interesting information about them. Carthage will blow your mind when you see some of the most beautiful homes and town square you will ever set your eyes on. Joplin was almost removed from the map when a huge tornado came through a few years ago so there is a very stark difference between the new and old parts of town. Thank you for sharing my neck of the woods. I love the Ozarks.

[@HazardousChaos1]

Both boring places 😴 🙄 I freaking live here... Nothing to see.

[@shakejunt3894]

@@HazardousChaos1 i have lived in joplin my entire life and it’s truly what you make of it! i’ve had the privilege of visiting some cool big cities and i always prefer it here- manageable traffic, everyone’s friendly, there’s alot of stuff to do if you look in the right places

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I absolutely will be visiting both those cities.

[@annamiller5307]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip For Carthage an interesting tour is of the Precious Moments (Famous porcelain dolls) chapel and other Precious Moments buildings. Joplin is just a different place since the tornado. Reminds me of Pattonsburg Mo since the flood of 93 moved the town.

[@gulayguthre9939]

I think many people watch your show because it's so soothing and relaxing to watch this I really enjoy it

[@GoodGuy-wq4md]

Here's a contrast for you. I live in affordable housing in Portland Oregon where my neighbors were so noisy, and loud on Christmas Day that I went to their door to ask them to tone it down. They threatened to kill me. The Police said there was nothing they could do. I'm nearing retirement, and I'm looking to move back to where I grew up in Illinois/Missouri. That is exactly why I'm watching this. It takes me back home for a while.

[@humbertoamorimjr]

Thank you! You are making a great job showing us this small cities.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Humberto!

[@jonathonhansen6005]

Merry Christmas Lord Spoda and Nicole. Thank you for sharing your explorations and adventures!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Jonathon. Merry Christmas to you as well!!

[@danielyates8578]

I lived 5 to 10 mins west of Washburn growing up, jane/Powell mo, i try to explain to people I lived in one of the poorest part of the country, thanks for showing this, you can make a great living off of 16 an hr, but with walmart home office people grow into sw mo, it isn't going great,

[@yeahnah7220]

Enjoyable videos mate. Similar story here in Australia but obviously on a much smaller scale. Dying industries, younger generation leave for university and obviously there's little to no opportunity in their chosen field and never return, new highway by-passes that basically kill off what was left remaining. Of course there's some that have literally transformed themselves and are now thriving thanks to some innovation, entrepreneurship and change. Beautiful old buildings renovated into craft beer brewery's, quality cafes, skilled artisans, markets, destination restaurants, bed and breakfasts, quality boutique shops, wine estate's, wedding hotspots, music/arts festivals that draw thousands, hot springs etc etc. It has to be appealing with a clear purpose to appeal to those day trippers, weekenders, wedding parties bla bla bla. The town's and villages are beautiful, meticulously maintained, the main street retain their original charm and architecture, not a $ store or similar outlet in sight. The main drags are thriving on weekends. It's a credit to all involved. Not all of these towns need to die a slow, depressing death. I hope some of the towns I've seen on your video's can transform themselves because the architectural charm and history is too valuable to be left to rot and lost forever.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting. Thank you for the great comment.

[@mammiec.douglas3465]

I loved the little towns....Pascola, used to be population of 208....13 miles from Kennett, Mo. Where Sheryl Crow's from...

[@SweetGypsyRose]

Lived in rural Macomb yrs ago it's still the same all that is there is a broom closet post office next to a railroad track job rates are bad in southern Mo. there's no commerce factories jus a few convienant stores over miles away!

[@newborn986]

Seymour by it. I knew Gleason

[@madd8ns]

These percentages and numbers need a major work over with inflation rising. It won't be long before most of these small towns are at much higher poverty percentiles.

[@HazardousChaos1]

Come further SW... Goodman & Granby area

[@barblenzen2198]

A very Merry Christmas too you Nicole and your family, god bless you for your great videos and safe travels

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Barb! Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@emjackson2289]

Happiness is one thing, but the issue is this: America needs workers and kids that don't achieve their potential create a national problem.

[@DanishViking]

What I enjoy about watching your videos, is that no matter how poor the people of a city is, you always find something positive to say about their city 😊

[@suzanne296]

Because of your channel next year going to Alabama in May. Enjoying your channel and today's town seeing.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool! 😀

[@JOHN-ht6zc]

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE BEAUTIFUL VIDEOS,I FEEL LIKE IM ON ALL THESE SITES WITH U,,AND MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄⛄⛄⛄⛄

[@jen2o]

After Wheaton there is a town called Stella and also Fairview. They are also good ones to visit.

[@Sammydx1]

I wish i had the time to invest in a channel like yours. I find small towns so fascinating. One of my favorite things to do when I worked for the BNSF was when the train stopped I got off and we went exploring. Now. I couldn't travel far from the engine. But I always tried to find a local burger joint. South Illinois has some great ones.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I do love a good burger joint. :)

[@darrenenders6802]

That's a beautiful town you got there at least people are happy they get to go to downtown and hang out together kids play together during the summer and having a good time I wish I could visit Missouri anytime in the future

[@johaines2214]

I look forward to your videos. Thank you and Merry Christmas

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Jo!!

[@subrosa7mm]

Funny you said until it snows. We all just got snow early today. Now it’s just bitter cold.

[@frankadams2401]

Lord: I enjoy watching your videos. Merry Christmas ans a Happy New!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Frank!

[@angiestorey62]

Love your videos! You should check out Webb City, Carterville and Oronogo while you're in the area!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I will be! :)

[@ritchyspolishing5471]

Hello Lord Spoda , Mery Christmas and the best for you two !

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you as well!!

[@Howard.Watkins]

I grew up dirt poor in Seligman. Graduated from Southwest high school, joined the military and left. I would have a hard time moving back and living a small town life

[@bthomson]

Merry Christmas Nicole and Lord! You have made our year a treat! 🍡🍦🍧🍩🍭🍰. Thank you!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Road Runner. Merry Christmas to you as well! :)

[@allenshaffer4638]

These sw Missouri and se Kansas videos your driving around in my backyard. Cool to see you going to all these places I’ve been. If your ever in the area again I could get ya a videos worth a towns within 60 miles of here.

[@godschildyes]

I agree with you about that last town. I think the people there are living just fine. These old town that you've show in this video look pretty peacful and humble. Thank you for the variety you always provide from video to video!

[@Joseph-sv2hk]

Please check out Kirksville MO and it's surrounding communities. Interesting history and A LOT of poverty!. I can tell you of places where you might say "omg, how the heck do people live here". Kirksville, Macon, La Plata, Novinger, Gifford, Yarrow.....

[@StephenSchuster_WA5G]

This is an interesting part of the country. The Ozarks are a beautiful resort area and places like Branson and Eureka Springs provide places for people to relax and recharge. There is a Civil War Battleground at Pea Ridge, AR on your way to Bentonville. I visited NW Arkansas in 2018. It is tough to make a living in the tourism business. I drove the "pig trail" (Highway 23) from Ozark to Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs has many characteristics that may interest your audience. like a hotel built in the 1890s that has been declared haunted! Thanks again for sharing your journeys with us. As a fellow traveler, I find them intriguing.

[@short-hand4312]

I have been waiting for your Missouri videos. thinking about selling my Florida mini-farm and moving to SW Missouri.

[@susanbrown2085]

Aside from the cold (wind chill is around -25F right now, but not the normal for Dec.) You would probably love living here. The people are friendly and welcoming to new comers. The lakes and streams are great, and the outdoor scenes are amazing. Come check it out!

[@mh-fu2bm]

I've lived in Purdy just 5 miles from Wheaton. Growing up there was always a struggle. Lived with my grandparents a lot. Most of our food came from the small farm we lived on. Purdy has a really interesting history. Winslow station is what it was called early on. Then changed to gangly for a while. This name was a prank on a Obnoxious Member of the society Named fly. It was named purdy after a surveyor from the military came in To survey the town. They seem to have a lot of respect for him And name the town after him. Also you seem to miss so much. It would be nice to see the courthouses On the square. like in cassville. Also the small towns their schools are so important.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the comment. I will be doing Purdy and some of the other towns in that area soon. I'll remember your comments about the town when I'm there.

[@trishamullinix4235]

Me too

[@adawg2015]

That part of Southwest Missouri Exeter Cassville Washburn Seligman and Wheaton in Barry County, MO there’s 2 interstates in Neighboring Newton Lawrence McDonald Countes in MO and Benton County in AR I-44 in Lawrence and Newton Counties in MO and I-49 in Newton McDonald Counties in MO and Benton County AR. I-44 would be 20-30 miles from the part of Barry County you went to and same to I-49. Depends on where you get on.

[@shaunarchangel3872]

exactly .

[@dl9563]

If you would, please consider visit Rolla, MO. I went to college there and I’d appreciate to revisit through your video. Thanks!

[@morgantaylor3790]

I grew up in Buffalo/Fair Grove Mo, currently live in Conway Mo. VERY small town with mostly farmers, I truly wouldn't want to live anywhere else. You'll find the nicest people out here🥰

[@dobermanfreak2a112]

I was in Conway last night for an archery tournament and I’ll tell you the genetic diversity is lacking terribly. I’m talking it was like the hills have eyes or wrong turn.

[@jamisonnichols2950]

@@dobermanfreak2a112 say what u want these small town we live in is way better than big towns

[@nsanejane7713]

That’s crazy I’ve lived in Missouri my entire life (Kansas City, MO) & never knew this. I’ve been to Springfield a few times & STL but we (black ppl) tend to stay away from those rural towns especially Clinton 😅

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

07:40 you can see the electric meter pulled on the far right side of the house...

[@Fayefaye90]

If you ever come close to the top of Alabama. Come check out Tuscumbia, Leighton and Florence. They're all about a 15-25 minute drive between each other. Super rich in history, Helen Kellers homeplace is in Tuscumbia, Percy Sledge was born and raised in Leighton, and Florence has alot of cool things to see, indian mounds, and we have a pair of lions you can go see for free(college mascot)... there's even a man that is buried under a busy road (he has a historical plaque). Leighton and Tuscumbia both have super old downtown buildings and a few historical sites. Also another little town between Leighton and Tuscumbia is Muscle Shoals which has a famous recording studio and is mentioned in the song Sweet Home Alabama.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I'll do that Faye. I'm heading towards Alabama pretty soon. :)

[@mr1pearl]

We'll have to send an extra prayer out to those in what is clearly poverty stricken towns 🙏 May our economy turn around for the less fortunate and soon ! Thanks for the reminder !

[@daviddecelles8714]

Pray for them, surely; but do not suppose them unhappy merely because federal economic numbers imposed upon them conclude that they're impoverished and that standard subsumes all others. Bet you the kids there are happier than middle and upper class kids in large cities.

[@kerrynight3271]

@@daviddecelles8714 They might have been happier before drugs took over in many of these little towns.

[@buttah4943]

@@kerrynight3271 yup and the poverty is what drives the drug use. This is not a big city vs small town issue as @ david decelles is alluding to. It's a nationwide issue.

[@connieprettyman6131]

I have not read all the comments, but there is a really large speedway just outside of Wheaton, owned and ran by Lucas Oil. It has several venues for different types of racing, pulling, etc. Draws pretty large crowds.

[@cynthiamallinak4513]

I live in SW Mo. not high income areas but lots of wonderful people.

[@cherylcampbell7495]

I was hoping you would of gone to Shelbina. Also the old old cemetery’s . Missouri has cattle ranches and it would be interesting to know what people do for employment. All that beautiful land and I didn’t see gardens or green houses. Nothing to be self sufficient. Maybe someone needs to teach and train people. Amazing. I would love to own some property to have chickens and a garden.

[@LordoftheOzarks]

Im from these parts. My family was one of the first to settle around Fairview/Stella, just west of Wheaton. A lot of decline is because mining and the railroad stopped coming through, so the only opportunities are in Springfield, Mo or Fayetteville, Arkansas. So the kids move away and when the old folks are gone, nobody comes back. The only folks around are mostly farmers, loggers, and a few who happen to have factory jobs close to home. No, folks dont have a bunch of money, but it is a very safe, cheap, and clean place to raise a family. Of course, there are not so great spots just like anywhere else. The people here are friendly and the beauty of the Ozarks is unmatched. We believe in private property and much like Appalachia, finding yourself trespassing on the wrong property could be bad news. We love to chat, but also enjoy our peace and quiet and outsiders are looked at suspiciously until folks get to know you.

[@jamesbasaldua100]

Another great video on your adventures sir. Take care and be safe.

[@whitneyfarrer66]

I’ve lived in Seligman most of my life. We have 2 banks, a dollar general, 3 gas stations, a harps, car wash and laundry, two parks, we have Mark Twain National Forrest -Roaring river which is very popular. We aren’t a big town but we have a lot of farm land which is popular in this part of Missouri. We can make a quick trip to Nwa or up the road to cassville for shopping and medical. Small town but it’s home and more and more people from Nwa are coming into these areas for lower cost of living. Outside of “city limits” is a lot of land and nice houses

[@WWS78363]

I had family who lived near Goodman, in Seneca, and Noel. Next time you're in that area of Missouri, you ought to visit those cities.

[@RothHill]

You do a very good job with the films thanks .very educated to me

[@JOMO_EDC]

I’ve lived in SW Missouri my whole life. I had never heard Seligman Mo. I travel the 4-states when working so it’s very few places I haven’t been around here. Don’t know if you’re still in the area but if you are stay safe. Weather sure cooled off!

[@daveh143]

It’s down on the Arkansas border west of Table Rock.

[@adawg2015]

Southern Barry County.

[@sierradanecapps8216]

We drive through Seligman when we go to Eureka Springs, Arkansas

[@michaeldalton8374]

Most of these towns were agricultural once upon a time. When that died off, there really was no reason to have a town. Most things were dependent on the railroads to export goods. Businesses built up around sustaining the population. You must ask yourself if the town needs to exist at all. Most of these towns, now lacking anything in the way of income generation, do not.

[@blayneconroy3035]

Savannah, MO has a beautiful town square that’s still very lively if you’re look for more places in Missouri! Not to mention it is right above St, Joesph which also has a beautiful historic downtown. Also beautiful homes in St. Joe, look up “Hall Street Historic District.”

[@annamiller5307]

I'm from Albany/King City. I agree Mansion Hill and downtown St Joe would be great. I also mentioned in another video visiting Worth County, being the smallest county, Jesse James history, Indians in WOCO and Gentry. Savannah has some pretty houses off the square.

[@billstill1794]

I think it would be nice to live in that last quiet (and cheap-to-live-in) town!

[@derekrichard9189]

I didn’t think you were knocking poor … I just found your channel and I live in Missouri in an area like this and love it … going to watch all your videos very interesting

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks Derek, and I’m not. I grew up very poor, so I know what it’s like.

[@onemanwalking]

It’s not poverty! It’s just the way things are , there isn’t homeless people . I grew up in the area we didn’t miss what we never had . The people are good . No need to run them down. This is life!

[@foamyzvideos2617]

Yeah theres nobody sleeping outside under tarps like the entire west coast and big cities..he needs schooled on what it is people survive on.

[@billh.1940]

He overlooks the value of gardens, small live stock, hunting, fishing. The economy of rural towns is different then cities. It is ok as their is no tax on gardens.

[@deborahparrish8180]

I use to live in Gainsville Mo. It was in the 80s lived on a 75 acre farm with very nice old house remodeled loved it my rent was 125.00 a month.

[@mathewhephill8686]

Love your videos, thank you so much.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the kind words, Mathew.

[@shannonburns9876]

El Dorado springs Missouri of course thank you love your content.

[@indianaslim4971]

Just a reminder that statistics are not representing the quality of life and being below the poverty line is not so bad as long as you have food and shelter, $250 Air Jordans and a $60k car/truck are total luxuries that many have no need/desire for, many people have no desire to "keep up with the Joneses" and are possibly happier than those with manicured lawns and landscaping.

[@katydid2877]

100% correct.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I don't disagree. I think the video showed that.

[@kerrynight3271]

As long as you have food and shelter and your folks aren't using and dealing drugs. This is a bad part of the country for that. Lots of bad parts, but this is one of them.

[@davehughesfarm7983]

Take new car and shove it you know where..I drive a $375 ford gran Marquis.....

[@richardnowell9714]

The large lots may be required to allow for individual septic tank systems

[@LTHanlon]

Some of the rural towns you visit look to be wonderful places to move or retire. How welcoming are these communities to newcomers?

[@nonamecassidy6290]

We welcome you!!!

[@stevenlennaman2073]

Take your camera to Vichy, MO, in Maries County, Missouri. Downtown is like 5 buildings, and the post office is a trailer. Maries County has about 15% of the people who still need Electricity. Because the hook-up runs in the tens of thousands of dollars.

[@marvinabigby5509]

My mother's family is from.Cassville.i would love to see my aunt's Flagstone house again ty for the video

[@lindamyers3677]

I 've enjoyed watching your video ,,, the only thing you don't show us grocery store that people can shop in

[@JoJoJohnston]

Thank you Mr. Spoda.

[@henrydaubresse9652]

One thing distorting the stats is the number of retirees who live in this area and small towns southward into SW Arkansas. Many of them are retired Military (for some reason mostly Navy), and they raise the income averages of the elder group causing a distortion. Without that factor, I would speculate that the "Poverty" percentages over 65+ and 17 - would be about equal.

[@blakeh6250]

Yep retired Navy Chief in SW mo

[@kerrynight3271]

Good point.

[@Dave.C937]

Another great video mate. I love seeing the small towns you explore, plus the statistics you provide. Always nice to hear that familiar Siri voice. Once again G'day from Australia. Keep up the great content.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Greg!

[@gregstallings4209]

I wouldn't feel sorry for kids w/o money in these towns. I really enjoy y'alls ramblings. Started driving 60 yrs ago in NE Dallas. In a mile I could be out in the winter bare trees, creeks & little towns. It is basically the same terrain up into Ohio, but because of where I started these MO & ARK towns are wonderful. Stats are fine. I particularly like the food reviews at the conclusion with your honey!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Greg!!

[@allan9603]

Just east of where you are is a town my great grand parents founded, Brixey, Missouri. It's actually an "unincorporated community "