Neosho
RANK #5 / 996 NAT · #1 / 22 MO · POP 59,019
1YR FORECAST: +6.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +47%
Newton County, Missouri, is often recognized for Neosho, its county seat, known as "The Flower Box City" due to a beautification effort that began in the 1950s. This southwestern Missouri county is part of the Joplin metropolitan area, situated near the borders of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Commuting to Joplin is common for many residents. The community offers a blend of small-town charm and access to natural scenery, with numerous rivers and creeks like Shoal Creek and Capps Creek providing opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and hiking.
Life in Newton County is characterized by a conservative, family-oriented atmosphere where most residents own their homes. The economy is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors contributing to job opportunities. Recent economic developments include the expansion of local businesses and community development projects, such as the revitalization of downtown Neosho. Public transportation options, including demand-response services, are available for in-county and some long-distance travel. The county's public schools are generally considered above average, with districts like Neosho School District and Seneca R-VII School District serving local families.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Smarter Newton County Broadband Project
Newton County Commissioners
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Natural Gas Distribution System Expansion
Spire Missouri, Inc.
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Newton County ranks #5 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 100/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $60,313 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Newton County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $162,900, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.37 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $781/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Newton County's population is growing — up +0.7% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.3%). Home values shifted +2.2% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.55% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Newton County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.