RANK #295 / 1001 NAT · #12 / 22 MO · POP 56,529
1YR FORECAST: -1.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +32%
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.
Taney County's data profile doesn't fit any single market profile cleanly — its housing, labor, and demographic signals pull in different directions (home prices -0.2% YoY, population +0.3%, wages +4.0%). About 414 U.S. counties show this kind of mixed-signal pattern.
See all 414 Idiosyncratic Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.9x — 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: 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 1001 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 70/100, Taney County sits in the upper half of all 1001 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $56,497 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in MO.
Housing in Taney County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $218,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $926/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Taney County are both close to flat — population +0.3% YoY and jobs +0.1%. Home values shifted -0.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.97% 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.