RANK #87 / 996 · POP 53,726 · MO
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.0%
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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| 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 has a Boom Town Index score of 91/100, ranking #87 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.2% and a median household income of $62,541, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Pulaski County is $177,400 with median rent at $1,032/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3525, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.2%. Home values changed +5.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.19% of Pulaski County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.