RANK #21 / 1001 NAT · #1 / 22 MO · POP 60,118
1YR FORECAST: +1.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
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.
Newton County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +4.4% runs below the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 9.0x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Newton County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties · counties where safety is improving.
| 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 1001 counties.
Newton County ranks #21 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 98/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +8.1% and a median household income of $66,301 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Newton County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $190,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.35, with rents averaging $817/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Newton County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.1% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +8.1% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +4.4% over the past 12 months.
In significant numbers — 6.12% of Newton County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.