Branson
RANK #627 / 996 NAT · #15 / 22 MO · POP 56,202
1YR FORECAST: -1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +21%
Taney County, Missouri, is widely recognized for Branson, a major entertainment hub often called the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World," boasting more theater seats than Broadway. Located in southwestern Missouri, nestled within the Ozark Mountains, the county offers a blend of natural beauty and attractions. Commuting within the county is facilitated by a four-lane highway, and the area is within a day's drive of a significant portion of the U.S. population. The community feel ranges from the bustling atmosphere of Branson to the quieter, rural charm of towns like Forsyth, the county seat, and Hollister. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Hiking trails are abundant in areas like the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area and Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area.
Life in Taney County offers a balance of natural amenities and modern conveniences, appealing to families, retirees, and remote workers. The public schools in Taney County are highly rated, with several outperforming state averages. The economy is largely driven by tourism, with Branson's attractions, including live shows, theme parks like Silver Dollar City, and numerous golf courses, drawing millions of visitors annually. Beyond tourism, the region sees economic development in areas like healthcare and manufacturing, supported by a workforce drawn from a wide area and educational institutions such as Ozarks Technical Community College and the College of the Ozarks.
Well below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.4x — home prices are low 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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Broadband Connectivity Expansion
White River (contracted)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Upgraded Water and Wastewater Facilities
Taney County
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Branson Hills Parkway Commercial Development
N/A
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Branson Commerce Park & Meadows Business Park Developments
N/A
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various Solar Installers
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 36/100, Taney County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $54,467 combined with job growth of +1.3% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Taney County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $175,100 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $873/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Taney County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.6% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.3% clip. Home values shifted -1.2% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.39% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Taney County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.