Home Value
$50,500
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
288/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.7%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Branson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population44
Median Age58.4 yrs
Density176/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans37.0%
Economy
Per Capita$18,934
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$739M
Housing
Home Value$50,500
Ownership90.6%
Zillow$226,739
Housing Units65
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent288/100K
Property4,358/100K
Health
Obesity29.7%
Smoking11.6%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,288 ft (1,917 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 35%
Broadband32.0%
Libraries4
Is Branson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Branson receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Branson faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Branson is $50,500, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Branson is below the national average at 288 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,358 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Branson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches, including 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Branson has a population of 44 with a density of 176 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 58.4 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (70.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 37.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 51.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 70.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.4yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
Per capita income is $18,934 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $892, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 512 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. 12.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $18,934 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $892 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,834 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 512 |
| County GDP | $739M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,533 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |
The median home value in Branson is $50,500, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,739, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 65 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $1,533 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $50,500 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,739 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.4% |
| Housing Units | 65 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,533 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.04% |
In Branson, 29.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 24.6% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 20.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.9% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,430. The dentist ratio is 1:3,051. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Branson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.7% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.6% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,430 |
| Dentists | 1:3,051 |
| Mental Health | 1:227 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,766/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Branson has a violent crime rate of 288 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,358 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Branson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Branson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 288.2/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,358.3/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Branson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 6,288 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,288 ft (1,917 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 176/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0155°N, 103.8838°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Otero County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Colorado Regional (LAA) 98 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
332 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 28, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
6 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M5.3 |
73 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M5.0 |
85 km |
| Aug 22, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Starkville, Colorado |
M4.7 |
60 km |
| Sep 5, 2001 |
0 km SE of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.5 |
67 km |
| Mar 22, 2004 |
30 km S of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
88 km |
| Jan 3, 2007 |
8 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.4 |
90 km |
| Aug 1, 2004 |
31 km S of Stonewall Gap, Colorado |
M4.3 |
110 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
6 km NNE of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.3 |
78 km |
| Aug 10, 2005 |
20 km SSW of Segundo, Colorado |
M4.1 |
84 km |
| Jun 19, 2023 |
Colorado |
M4.1 |
62 km |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
32 km NNE of Cimarron, New Mexico |
M4.1 |
88 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
7 km S of Valdez, Colorado |
M4.0 |
72 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
20 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M4.0 |
77 km |
| Feb 6, 2016 |
Colorado |
M4.0 |
96 km |
| Aug 26, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Weston, Colorado |
M4.0 |
93 km |
| Sep 4, 2001 |
2 km W of Cokedale, Colorado |
M4.0 |
69 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
7 km WSW of Weston, Colorado |
M3.9 |
93 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
18 km SSW of Weston, CO |
M3.9 |
94 km |
| Sep 16, 2011 |
26 km S of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
78 km |
| Mar 10, 2023 |
5 km N of Sequndo, Colorado |
M3.9 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
104 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 13 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1978 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1961 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2003 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1998 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 1997 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1983 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1979 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1977 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1977 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1965 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRIDGER (46,612 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BRIDGER |
46,612 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
BEAR SPRINGS CALLIE MARIE |
36,863 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
TRACK |
28,893 |
47 km |
| 2018 |
STATELINE |
28,533 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
SPRING |
24,044 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
RABBIT EAR |
21,569 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
GLADSTONE |
16,794 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
SHELL COMPLEX |
14,158 |
70 km |
| 2020 |
CHERRY CANYON |
11,823 |
61 km |
| 1996 |
FARLEY |
10,456 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
CANYON |
10,233 |
72 km |
| 2013 |
EAST PEAK |
10,082 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
CALLIE MARIE |
9,393 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
FURNISH |
8,862 |
63 km |
| 1996 |
RABBIT |
8,457 |
78 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
8,454 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
FERGUSON |
8,226 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
JAMES AND JOHN |
7,190 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
UNION |
7,051 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
WINDY |
6,882 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Branson has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 31°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 15.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.7") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Branson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $549 |
| Preschool | $496 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $396 |
| Toddler | $388 |
| Preschool | $388 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Branson
What is the population of Branson?
Branson has a population of 44 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 176 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Branson expensive to live in?
Branson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $50,500 (82% below the U.S. median).
Is Branson safe?
Branson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 288 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,358 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Branson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Branson?
Branson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches, with 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Branson?
The job market in Branson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $892. There are 512 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Branson?
The median home value in Branson is $50,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,739. The homeownership rate is 90.6%. The average annual property tax is $1,533.
How are the schools in Branson?
Schools in Branson score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.9% of adults in Branson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Branson?
The obesity rate in Branson is 29.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 20.4% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,430.
What are the demographics of Branson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Branson is 70.5% White. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 37.0% of the population are military veterans. 51.7% of residents have a disability. 70.0% have health insurance coverage.