Cullen
RANK #71 / 996 NAT · #5 / 22 MO · POP 53,726
1YR FORECAST: +5.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +37%
Pulaski County, Missouri, distinguishes itself with a unique blend of military heritage and Ozark natural beauty, intersected by the historic Route 66. Waynesville, the county seat, offers a glimpse into the past with its 1903 Courthouse Museum and the Old Stagecoach Stop, the county's oldest building, which once served as a Civil War hospital. The county is centrally located along Interstate 44, roughly two hours west of St. Louis and one hour east of Springfield, Missouri, making it accessible while maintaining a distinct community feel. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore 39,000 acres of Mark Twain National Forest, float the Gasconade and Big Piney Rivers, or fish for smallmouth bass and trout in various waterways. Roubidoux Spring in Laughlin Park is a notable spot for cave diving and a local swimming area, also recognized as a Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Cherokee Campsite.
Life in Pulaski County is shaped significantly by Fort Leonard Wood, a major U.S. Army training installation that borders St. Robert and Waynesville. This military presence contributes to a diverse population, including many military families and retirees drawn to the area's lower cost of living and scenic environment. The economy is largely influenced by the fort, which trains over 80,000 military and civilians annually and houses the U.S. Army Engineer, Chemical, and Military Police schools. Beyond the military, the county's position along Route 66 supports a tourism sector with unique roadside attractions and local businesses. Public schools in the Waynesville R-VI School District, which serves Fort Leonard Wood, St. Robert, and most of Waynesville, are above average. Commute options within the county include local bus services.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
AVAIO Digital Leo Data Center (Pulaski County, AR)
AVAIO Digital Partners
|
$6,000M | Under Construction |
|
Mammoth Solar Farm
Doral Renewables LLC
|
$4,500M | Planned |
|
Google 'Project Boar' Data Center (Pulaski County, AR)
Google
|
$1,000M | Planned |
|
Liberty Elementary School
Waynesville R-VI School District, Wright Construction Services
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Fort Leonard Wood Airport Terminal Expansion
Fort Leonard Wood
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Pulaski County ranks #71 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 93/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $62,541 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Pulaski County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $177,400, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.35 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,032/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Pulaski County are both close to flat — population +0.5% YoY and jobs -0.2%. Home values shifted +5.8% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.19% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Pulaski County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.8% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Pulaski County is now valued at $177,400. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.