RANK #7 / 996 · POP 59,019 · MO
PROJECTED GROWTH: +5.0%
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.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| 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 996 counties.
Newton County has a Boom Town Index score of 99/100, ranking #7 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $60,313, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Newton County is $162,900 with median rent at $781/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3702, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed +2.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.55% of Newton County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.