Branson Area Investment Reports

Why Branson?

As one of Missouri's fastest growing counties, Stone County's secret is out. More and more people are discovering its beautiful Ozark Mountain surroundings, neighborly small towns and laid-back lifestyle. Southern Stone County's communities including Indian Point and Branson West offer access to beautiful Table Rock Lake. Many people discover the area when they vacation in this captivating They come to the area to enjoy Table Rock Lake and its proximity to one of America's most popular family tourism destinations, Branson. Many visitors come back to stay. They buy or build their dream home, raise their families and continue their careers, or they retire in this recreation-rich environment. Maybe your dream home is a cabin perched on the side perched on the side of a hill, a mansion with a boat dock at water's edge, or if you'd prefer a luxurious condominium overlooking the 14th green, you can find that home in Stone County. Each of the four seasons in the Ozarks brings its own color palette to the countryside. Generally mild winters make the Stone County area a mecca for people who want to escape the harsh northern climate.

Since the 2000 census, a growing market has developed for upscale homes valued at more than one million dollars. Homes ranging up to 12,000 square feet and high-tech features such as computer-operated sound, lighting and safety systems have been built. The single biggest draw for "upscale" home buyers is Table Rock Lake. Table Rock attracted the world's attention with dozens of celebrity entertainers. Since then, expensive homes have become an important part of the real estate industry. Of 15 recently sold properties valued at $500,000 or more, two-thirds of them were waterfront properties. Potential buyers are often working professionals and retirees. They are looking for lots of square footage and amenities. Some have families. They buy or build a large house as a second home. Some of them have multiple homes. They want these homes in areas where there are plenty of activities, a pleasant climate and a central location. Homes on or near Table Rock Lake, golf course homes and proximity to Branson's entertainment and activities are the leading attractions for upscale buyers. They prefer locations that are not too remote - within about 30 minutes of Branson.

Jobs are plentiful in Stone County's tourism industry. Almost half of Stone County's work force (46%) is employed within Stone County. The area's largest employer, Silver Dollar City, offers seasonal positions to people of all ages at the famous theme park and related businesses. Construction-related employment is also plentiful to keep pace with the rapid construction of homes. Several businesses considered "light" industry are located with the county's boundaries, and other environmentally compatible industries are invited in the ongoing process of economic development.

The increase in population and personal income is evident by the changes that can be seen as you drive through Stone County. New retail stores, commercial, manufacturing and tourism related industries continue to be established and increase the economic well-being of Stone County. The four-laning of Hwy 13 and the development of an alternate route from north Hwy 13 to the southern part of Hwy 13 (from Branson West toward Kimberling City) will be a big boost in the attraction of new industries in the area.

Senior living continues to be the second level of growth in Stone County. Seniors who vacationed in Stone County and Table Rock Lake during their younger years have come back to stay and enjoy the quality of life this area has to offer them. Seniors have found that living in Stone County and Table Rock Lake area provide then with affordable living, temperate climate, safe and friendly environment, natural scenery and relaxed lifestyle. Many seniors have found that not only may they enjoy retirement, they also have numerous part-time employment opportunities that will keep them busy during the tourism season. Many of the tourism will keep them busy during the tourism season, which related industries fond favor in hiring seniors due their work ethic. At the same time, seniors working in Stone County tourism industries have found that they enjoy this type of work and many visitors are greeted with a friendly smile and heart-felt welcome.

A great attraction to potential residents is Stone County's rural atmosphere and its proximity to the amenities found in much larger towns. Stone County offers all the expected services and conveniences for residents as well as many thousands of visitors each year. Less than an hour away is Springfield, Missouri's third largest city. Springfield's educational and cultural features balance the essential services it offers such as transportation modes, major hospitals and thriving retail and manufacturing industries. The modest cost of living, good schools, effective law enforcement, convenient access to health care, active volunteer opportunities, plenty of civic and religious organizations, and unlimited recreational features appeal to families and retirees who consider Stone County as their next home.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Much of Stone County's economic growth is related to its continued emergence as a recreational tourism area, a residential area which attracts retirees and "second home" residents, and, increasingly, as a bedroom community for both the Branson area and Springfield area workforces. The emergence of Branson as a national tourism destination during the 1990s has played an important role in Stone County's economy over the last decade.

Stone County has experienced a steady population growth since 1970. Stone County's population in 1970 was about the same as it was in 1900. However, in 1990, the County's population doubled over its 1970 level. According to Census 2000, between 1990 and 2000, Stone County's population further increased by 50 percent, making Stone the third fastest growing county in Missouri. This trend of rapid population growth is expected to continue through 2010 at an annual growth rate of 2.5 percent.

The population growth continues to produce various construction-related jobs, as well as attracts additional businesses that provide a variety of jobs and services. There have been tremendous improvements in the availability of health services and new businesses over the past ten years.

Almost half of Stone County's work force (46 percent) is employed within Stone County. The remaining 54 percent commute an average of 30 minutes to their jobs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The tourism industry employs up to 63 percent of the workforce, while the remaining 37 percent work force is made up by retail (13.9%), manufacturing (9%), health care/social assistance (7.5%) and education (6.6%).

Stone County sees a significant rise in employment during the summer months of June through October. This seasonal employment delivers a thrust to the local economy to meet the demands of summer vacationers.

The Office of Social & Economic Data Analysis reports that from 1992 to 2002, the number of people working in Stone County grew almost 56 percent, from 8,911 job holders in 1992 to 13,880 workers in 2002. This growth rate closely parallels the U.S. Census Bureau figures for population growth at 50 percent from 1990 to 2000.

Personal income of Stone County residents also follows the population growth with a 51 percent change from 1992 to 2002. Collectively, personal income grew from $460 million to $696 million, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

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