Editing Branson, Missouri

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Branson, Missouri
| official_name            = 
| settlement_type          = [[City]]
| nickname                 = Live Entertainment Capital of the World<ref>{{cite news|title=60 Minutes Branson|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qac5fPGgemY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/qac5fPGgemY| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|agency=60 Minutes|publisher=Youtube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilcox|first1=Lauren|title=Big Time in Tune Town|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/21/AR2007032101502.html|agency=Washington Post|newspaper=Washington Post|date=March 25, 2007}}</ref>

<!-- Images -->
| image_skyline            = UserKTrimble AP Branson Mo NW Oct 2009.jpg
| image_caption            = Aerial view from northwest
| image_flag               = File:Branson MO Flag.png
| image_seal               = 
<!-- Maps -->
| image_map                = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=300|frame-height=200|frame-align=center|zoom=4|type=point|title=Branson|marker=city|type2=shape|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080}}
| map_caption              = Interactive map of Branson
| coordinates              = {{Coord|36|39|55|N|93|13|57|W|region:US-MO_type:city(13,000)_source:GNIS|display=inline,title}}<ref name=gnis/>
| coordinates_footnotes    = 
| subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name         = United States
| subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Missouri]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Missouri|Counties]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Taney County, Missouri|Taney]], [[Stone County, Missouri|Stone]]

<!-- Government -->
| government_type          = 
| leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name              = Larry Milton<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bransonmo.gov/538/Larry-Milton---Mayor|title = Larry Milton - Mayor &#124; Branson, MO - Official Website}}</ref>
| established_title        = Founded
| established_date         = 1882
| established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date2        = April 1, 1912
| named_for                = Reuben Branson<!-- Area -->
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=August 28, 2022}}</ref>
| area_total_sq_mi         = 21.50
| area_land_sq_mi          = 21.35
| area_water_sq_mi         = 0.15
| area_total_km2           = 55.69
| area_land_km2            = 55.29
| area_water_km2           = 0.40
| unit_pref                = Imperial
| elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft             = 965
| elevation_m              = 
<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of         = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_est           = 
| pop_est_as_of            = 
| population_footnotes     = 
| population_total         = 12638
| population_density_km2   = 228.59
| population_density_sq_mi = 592.05
| population_urban         = 14,359

<!-- General information -->
| timezone                 = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset               = −6
| timezone_DST             = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST           = −5
| postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code              = 65615–65616
| area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
| area_code                = [[Area code 417|417]]
| blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info               = 29-07966<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
| blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info              = 2394242<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2394242}}</ref>
| website                  = [https://www.bransonmo.gov/ cityofbranson.gov]
| footnotes                = 
}}
[[File:Moon River Theatre, Branson, MO IMG 1682.JPG|thumb|The Moon River Theatre, founded by [[Andy Williams]], is one of Branson's many theaters hosting live music and entertainment.]]

'''Branson''' is a city in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Missouri]]. Most of the city is situated in [[Taney County, Missouri|Taney County]], with a small portion in the west extending into [[Stone County, Missouri|Stone County]]. Branson is in the [[Ozarks|Ozark Mountains]]. The community was named after Reuben Branson, [[postmaster]] and operator of a [[general store]] in the area in the 1880s.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/periodicals/wrv/v1/n2/W61b.htm |title=The Branson Story |access-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213205544/http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/periodicals/wrv/v1/n2/W61b.htm |archive-date=13 December 2010 }}</ref> The population was 12,638 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], and its population constitutes nearly one fourth of the Taney County population.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2907966|access-date=2021-12-02|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Branson has long been a popular destination for vacationers from Missouri and around the country. The collection of entertainment theaters along [[Missouri Route 76|76 Country Boulevard]] (and to a lesser extent along [[Missouri Route 248|Shepherd of the Hills Expressway]]), including [[Dolly Parton's Stampede]], has increased Branson's popularity as a tourist destination. Branson is the site of the [[Branson Cross]], the largest cross monument in North America.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coming to the Branson Cross |url=https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-life/coming-to-the-branson-cross |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=www.farmprogress.com |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
In 1882, Reuben Branson (born 1853<ref>{{cite web | url=https://accessgenealogy.com/missouri/biography-of-reuben-s-branson.htm | title=Biography of Reuben S. Branson – Access Genealogy | date=July 6, 2012 }}</ref>) opened a general store and post office in the area.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xcxWsmxRzVEC&pg=PA26 | title=Missouri Roadsides: The Traveler's Companion | publisher=University of Missouri Press | author=Earngey, Bill | year=1995 | pages=26| isbn=9780826210210 }}</ref> Branson was formally incorporated on April 1, 1912, and construction of the [[Powersite Dam]] nearby on the [[White River (Mississippi River)|White River]] which would form [[Lake Taneycomo]] was completed.

In 1894, William Henry Lynch bought [[Marvel Cave|Marble Cave]] (renamed "Marvel Cave") and began charging visitors to tour it. Hugo and Mary Herschend leased the cave for 99 years in 1950 and began hosting [[square dance]]s in it. The [[Herschend Family Entertainment|Herschend Family]] modernized the cave with electricity and concrete staircases, and in 1960 the Herschends opened [[Silver Dollar City]], a re-creation of a frontier town that featured five shops, a church, and a log cabin, with actors that played out the feud between [[Hatfield–McCoy feud|the Hatfields and the McCoys]].

===Growth as a cultural attraction===
[[Harold Bell Wright]] published his novel about the Ozarks, ''[[The Shepherd of the Hills (novel)|The Shepherd of the Hills]]'', in 1907. The novel became an international best seller, making Wright the first millionaire author and established Branson and Southwest Missouri as a tourist destination. The Old Mill Theater began its first outdoor production based on the novel in 1960. The show, known as ''The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama'', continued in its 61st season for 2021. The historic farm is also the home of Inspiration Tower, the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park as well as numerous other shows and attractions.

The Harold Bell Wright Museum is located within The World's Largest Toy Museum complex. Mayor of Branson for 12 years and entrepreneur [[James Mason Owen|Jim Owen]] built the first theater in 1934 on Commercial Street, originally called "The Hillbilly Theater", which began to attract people from far and wide to tour the area. 1959 saw the completion of Table Rock Dam on the White River, which created [[Table Rock Lake]]. In 1959, the Mabe Brothers started a band that, in 1961, would become the first music show in Branson. Taking their name from the parts they played in the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, they became known as the Baldknobber Hillbilly Jamboree.

In 1962, [[Paul Henning]], inspired by a [[Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scout]] camping trip to the Ozarks, created ''[[The Beverly Hillbillies]]'', which ran as a CBS television [[sitcom]] until 1971. Henning later donated {{convert|1534|acre|km2}} for the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area near Branson. He also donated the modified 1921 [[Oldsmobile]] truck used as the vehicle in the series to the [[College of the Ozarks]], where it is on display in the [[Ralph Foster Museum]].

The Presley family became the first to move their show (Presleys' Country Jubilee) to [[Missouri Route 76|Highway 76]] in 1967, followed a year later by the Baldknobbers. Eventually Branson would have more than 50 theaters, most of them located on Highway 76.

Also in 1983, the 7,500-seat Swiss Villa Amphitheatre opened in [[Lampe, Missouri|Lampe]], southwest of Branson. The outdoor amphitheater brought in acts like [[Def Leppard]], [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]], [[REO Speedwagon]], [[Steppenwolf (band)|Steppenwolf]], and [[Ozzy Osbourne]]. Closing in the early 2000s, it reopened in 2010 as the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater. Closing suddenly in 2013, it went unused until relaunching live music events in 2021.

In 1987, [[Boxcar Willie]] became the first internationally known entertainer to purchase a theater in Branson and have a permanent performance schedule there.

In 1989, [[Shoji Tabuchi]] opened his first theater in Branson (converting the Ozarks Auto Museum on West 76 Highway into a theater). He then built a new theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in 1990, while [[Mel Tillis]] moved into Shoji's old theater. In 1990-1991 several nationally known stars such as [[Jim Stafford]], [[Ray Stevens]], [[Mickey Gilley]], and [[Moe Bandy]] opened their own theaters. Along with these national stars, many home-grown shows also had theaters. The Lowe Family featured their show and hosted nationally known stars like [[Conway Twitty]], [[Loretta Lynn]], [[Vern Gosdin]], [[Waylon Jennings]], and others. 76 Music Hall (now known as the Grand Country Music Hall) became the first theater to have three different shows a day performing in different time slots. In 1991, local producer and entertainer Bob Nichols opened the first morning show and the following year, [[Buck Trent]] became the first nationally known star to star in a morning show.

The increasing number of theaters and other attractions opening in Branson drew the attention of ''[[60 Minutes]]'', which aired an episode about Branson on December 8, 1991, and called it the "live music capital of the entire universe".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.explorebranson.com/about/branson-history#1990| title=History of the Branson Entertainment Phenomenon| access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref>

[[Andy Williams]] built his theater in Branson, opening on May 1, 1992, calling it the Moon River Theatre. The [[Glen Campbell]] Goodtime Theatre opened in 1994, starring Glen along with his "Goodtime Band", daughter Debbie Campbell, the Matthew Dickens Dancers, and comedian ventriloquist [[Jim Barber (ventriloquist)|Jim Barber]]. Also headlining their own theaters were [[Tony Orlando]] (Yellow Ribbon Theater) and [[Bobby Vinton]] (Blue Velvet Theater). In 1998, the Acrobats of China arrived in Branson, making them one of the first international shows to call Branson home. They opened their theatre, the New Shanghai Theatre, in 2005. In 2006, [[Dick Clark]]'s American Bandstand Theatre opened and is the most recent new theater to be built on Route 76. Branson has continued to add theaters (the most recent being the Sight & Sound Theatres) and shows; it refers to itself as "the live music show capital of the world".<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.explorebranson.com/about/branson-history#1980| title=History of the Branson Entertainment Phenomenon| access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref>

=== 2012 tornado ===
<!--This is a recent event, please make sure all statements are supported by references or they will be removed-->
Just after 1 a.m. on February 29, 2012, the city of Branson sustained damage from an EF-2 tornado in the [[2012 Leap Day tornado outbreak]]. At least 37 injuries were reported, most being cuts and bruises, with the most serious injury being an 80-year-old woman with a head injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/306926/3/One-dead-13-injured-by-possible-tornado-in-Branson-Buffalo-|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615221529/http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/306926/3/One-dead-13-injured-by-possible-tornado-in-Branson-Buffalo-|archive-date=2013-06-15|title=Leap Day Storm: At least three dead, several injured after tornadoes strike Ozarks; Branson hit hard|access-date=2013-06-14}}</ref><ref name="Washington post">{{cite news|title=Powerful storms sweep Midwest, damaging Branson theater district and killing at least 9|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/injuries-significant-damage-reported-after-possible-tornadoes-move-through-southwest-missouri/2012/02/29/gIQAfnumhR_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306205515/http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/injuries-significant-damage-reported-after-possible-tornadoes-move-through-southwest-missouri/2012/02/29/gIQAfnumhR_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop|archive-date=6 March 2012|access-date=29 February 2012 | url-status=dead}}</ref> Most of the tourist attractions and businesses were undamaged and remained open after the storm, although at least 11 buildings suffered more than $3 million in total damage. As of November 2012, most of the damage was repaired.<ref name=ky3>{{cite web|title=Tornado injures at least 33 in Branson, causes major damage |url=http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-tornado-injures-at-least-32-in-branson-causes-major-damage-20120229,0,7255701.story |access-date=29 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302185343/http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-tornado-injures-at-least-32-in-branson-causes-major-damage-20120229%2C0%2C7255701.story |archive-date=2 March 2012 }}</ref> Mary Jane Rice, a spokeswoman for Branson Area Chamber of Commerce, told the AP that February is generally a slow time for business and most of the damage would be cleaned up in the next few days.<ref name=USAtoday>{{cite news|title=Tornado tears through country music town of Branson, Mo.|url=http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2012/02/tornado-roughs-up-country-music-town-of-branson-mo--/637175/1|access-date=29 February 2012 | work=USA Today|date=29 February 2012}}</ref> The tornado followed a {{convert|22|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} path from [[Kimberling City, Missouri]], across [[Table Rock Lake]] and along the entertainment strip [[Missouri Route 76]] (now 76 Country Boulevard) before hitting the downtown area where it blew out or cracked windows in 219 of the hotel rooms in the 12-story/295 room Hilton Branson Convention Center. The tornado extensively damaged three of Branson's 50-plus theatres&nbsp;— (Americana Theater, Branson Variety Theater and [[Dick Clark]]'s American Bandstand Theater) and there was damage to portions of Branson Landing on [[Lake Taneycomo]] and the Veterans Memorial Museum. Vehicles at the [[Ride the Ducks]] water/land attraction were flipped over, but officials said they were not damaged enough to be put out of service.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ashley |url=http://travelguide.reservebranson.com/2012/02/branson-takes-hit-from-major-storm-many.html |title=Branson, Missouri Travel Guide: Branson Takes Hit from Major Storm; Many Businesses Unaffected |publisher=Travelguide.reservebranson.com |date=2011-12-30 |access-date=2012-02-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526022325/http://travelguide.reservebranson.com/2012/02/branson-takes-hit-from-major-storm-many.html |archive-date=2012-05-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120229/NEWS01/302290050/Tornadoes-Branson-Buffalo-ozarks |title=Nixon touring storm-damaged areas by Branson, Cassville &#124; Springfield News-Leader |publisher=News-Leader.com |access-date=2012-02-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302224238/http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120229/NEWS01/302290050/Tornadoes-Branson-Buffalo-ozarks |archive-date=2012-03-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=610802 |title=EF-2 Tornado Confirmed; Debris Cleanup Begins in Stone, Taney Counties |publisher=Ozarksfirst.com |access-date=2012-02-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302183126/http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=610802 |archive-date=2012-03-02 }}</ref>

== Entertainment and performing arts ==
Branson is famous for its numerous entertainment theaters, which host residency shows in music, dance, magic, and other performing arts.

==Attractions and events==
[[File:Hollywood Wax Museum - Branson MO.jpg|alt=|thumb|Hollywood Wax Museum - Branson MO]]  [[File:Titanic-Museum in Branson Missouri USA.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Titanic Museum (Branson, Missouri)|Titanic Museum]]. ]]

Branson's local attractions include Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Beyond The Lens!, [[Hollywood Wax Museum Branson]], [[WonderWorks (museum)|Wonderworks]], [[Silver Dollar City]], [[White Water Branson|White Water]], Ripley's Super Fun Zone, [[Mount Pleasant Winery]], [[Dolly Parton's Stampede]], helicopter rides, ziplines, cave tours, go-karts, mini golf, and more. [[Ripley’s Odditorium|Ripley's Odditorium]] is housed in a building that has been made to look as if it is cracked wide open by an earthquake or other disaster, while the [[Titanic Museum (Branson, Missouri)|Titanic Museum]] is a half-scale replica of the famous ship and iceberg.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Attractions & Museums in Branson|url=https://www.explorebranson.com/attractions-museums-branson|access-date=2021-12-05|website=Explore Branson|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Shopping in Branson, Missouri - Dick's 5 & 10 (46641614685).jpg|alt=|thumb|Dick's 5 & 10, a gift and souvenir shop]]
Branson Landing opened in the summer of 2006<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-02 |title=Branson landing drives development |url=https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/branson-landing-drives-development/article_551bf08b-8d85-5630-9918-5770eeac58f6.html |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=Joplin Globe |language=en}}</ref> on the [[Lake Taneycomo]] waterfront in downtown Branson. The lakefront project includes retail space with [[Bass Pro Shops]] and [[Belk]] as anchors in an outdoor shopping mall of stores and restaurants. It also features a scenic boardwalk along the lakefront with the Branson Landing Fountains at the heart of the property as well as a [[Hilton Hotel]]. Branson Landing has been known to host summer concerts and other special events throughout the year. The convention center, situated between Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson, opened September 7, 2007. The [[Branson Scenic Railway]] is located in the old depot, across from Branson Landing.

Due to Branson being known for family-oriented tourism, casino gambling is frowned upon and it does not exist in this area. However, Branson's neighboring cities do offer those types of entertainments for those who enjoy gambling.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Coulter |first1=Ronald L. |last2=Hermans |first2=Charles M. |last3=Parker |first3=R. Stephen |title=Religiosity and generational effects on gambling: Support for and opposition to introducing casino gambling in a non-gambling tourist entertainment environment |journal=Journal of Business Research |date=1 September 2013 |volume=66 |issue=9 |pages=1682–1688 |doi=10.1016/j.jbusres.2012.12.015}}</ref>

Finally, Branson's ferris wheel, moved from [[Chicago]]'s [[Navy Pier]] in 2016, provides a scenic view of the [[Ozarks]] from 150 feet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitmo.com/things-to-do/the-branson-ferris-wheel|title=The Branson Ferris Wheel|date=n.d.|website=Missouri &ndash; VisitMO.com}}</ref>

==Geography==
Branson is located at {{coord|36|38|16|N|93|15|18|W|type:city_region:US-MO}} (36.637706, -93.254965).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> The White River/[[Lake Taneycomo]] forms a bend on the east and southern side of the city.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|20.80|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|20.63|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.17|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2012-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=2012-01-25 }}</ref>

===Climate===
Branson has a [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cfa'') with characteristics of a [[continental climate]]. The [[hardiness zone]] is 7a.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/system/files/MO300_HS.png |year=2023 |title=Missouri Plant Hardiness Zone Map |website=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>
{{Weather box 
|location = Branson, Missouri (1991−2020 normals)
|single line = Y
|Jan high F = 43.2
|Feb high F = 49.2
|Mar high F = 58.4
|Apr high F = 67.6
|May high F = 75.1
|Jun high F = 83.9
|Jul high F = 88.1
|Aug high F = 88.0
|Sep high F = 80.2
|Oct high F = 69.6
|Nov high F = 57.6
|Dec high F = 47.1
|year high F= 67.3

|Jan mean F = 34.9
|Feb mean F = 39.4
|Mar mean F = 48.0
|Apr mean F = 57.2
|May mean F = 65.5
|Jun mean F = 73.9
|Jul mean F = 78.4
|Aug mean F = 77.6
|Sep mean F = 69.8
|Oct mean F = 59.1
|Nov mean F = 47.6
|Dec mean F = 38.7
|year mean F =

|Jan low F =  26.6
|Feb low F =  29.6
|Mar low F =  37.6
|Apr low F =  46.8
|May low F =  56.0
|Jun low F =  63.9
|Jul low F =  68.7
|Aug low F =  67.1
|Sep low F =  59.3
|Oct low F =  48.7
|Nov low F =  37.7
|Dec low F =  30.3
|year low F=  47.7
|Jan record high F =  80
|Feb record high F =  87
|Mar record high F =  90
|Apr record high F =  96
|May record high F =  99
|Jun record high F = 105
|Jul record high F = 116
|Aug record high F = 108
|Sep record high F = 106
|Oct record high F =  96
|Nov record high F =  90
|Dec record high F =  81
|year record high F= 116
|Jan record low F = −15
|Feb record low F =  −19
|Mar record low F =  0
|Apr record low F =  19
|May record low F =  29
|Jun record low F =  40
|Jul record low F =  48
|Aug record low F =  40
|Sep record low F =  30
|Oct record low F =  22
|Nov record low F =  6
|Dec record low F = −12
|year record low F= −19
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 2.81
|Feb precipitation inch = 2.91
|Mar precipitation inch = 4.29
|Apr precipitation inch = 4.77
|May precipitation inch = 5.54
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.87
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.12
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.15
|Sep precipitation inch = 5.08
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.86
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.93
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.00
|year precipitation inch= 48.33
|Jan snow inch = 2.9
|Feb snow inch = 2.6
|Mar snow inch = 1.2
|Apr snow inch =  0.0
|May snow inch =  0.0
|Jun snow inch =  0.0
|Jul snow inch =  0.0
|Aug snow inch =  0.0
|Sep snow inch =  0.0
|Oct snow inch =  0.0
|Nov snow inch =  0.0
|Dec snow inch = 1.7
|year snow inch= 8.4
|source 1 = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/missouri/branson|title=Climate i Branson, Missouri|website=www.bestplaces.net|access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref>
|source 2 = <ref name= NOAA>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/us-climate-normals/#dataset=normals-monthly&timeframe=30&location=MO&station=USC00230887|title=NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]|access-date=2022-03-28}}</ref>
}}

== Demographics ==
{{US Census population
|align=
|1920= 598
|1930= 958
|1940= 1011
|1950= 1314
|1960= 1887
|1970= 2175
|1980= 2550
|1990= 3706
|2000= 6050
|2010= 10520
|2020= 12638
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
}}

The Branson [[Branson micropolitan area|Micropolitan Statistical Area]] encompasses and is coterminous with [[Taney County, Missouri|Taney]] county.

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Branson city, Missouri – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Branson city, Missouri|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US2907966&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|website=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Branson city, Missouri |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2907966&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Branson city, Missouri |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2907966&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|5,569
|8,956
|style='background: #ffffe6; |9,832
|92.05%
|85.13%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |77.80%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|45
|184
|style='background: #ffffe6; |306
|0.74%
|1.75%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2.42%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|51
|80
|style='background: #ffffe6; |88
|0.84%
|0.76%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.70%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|43
|154
|style='background: #ffffe6; |338
|0.71%
|1.46%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2.67%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]] alone (NH)
|2
|13
|style='background: #ffffe6; |8
|0.03%
|0.12%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.06%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
|5
|147
|style='background: #ffffe6; |45
|0.08%
|0.13%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.36%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|77
|191
|style='background: #ffffe6; |674
|1.27%
|1.82%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |5.33%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|258
|928
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,347
|4.26%
|8.82%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |10.66%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''6,050'''
|'''10,520'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''12,638'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov| access-date=2023-12-17 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> counted 12,638 people, 4,857 households, and 2,809 families in Branson. The population density was {{convert|591.9|/mi2|/km2}}. There were 8,347 housing units at an average density of {{convert|391.0|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup was 80.57% (10,182) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]], 2.46% (311) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black or African-American]], 0.9% (114) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 2.68% (339) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.09% (12) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 4.69% (593) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 8.6% (1,087) from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 12.9% (1,489) of the population.

Of the 4,857 households, 22.5% had children under the age of 18; 42.4% were married couples living together; 38.9% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 33.1% consisted of individuals and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.9.

19.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 73.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 70.6 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov|access-date=2023-12-17|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> estimates show that the median household income was $44,184 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,551) and the median family income was $50,216 (+/- $10,990). Males had a median income of $23,413 (+/- $3,429) versus $22,091 (+/- $3,304) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $22,771 (+/- $2,713). Approximately, 15.9% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 40.2% of those under the age of 18 and 10.3% of those ages 65 or over.

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-07-08}}</ref> of 2010, there were 10,520 people, 4,688 households, and 2,695 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|509.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 8,599 housing units at an average density of {{convert|416.8|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 89.0% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.0% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.9% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.5% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3.9% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.6% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 8.8% of the population.

There were 4,688 households, of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.5% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.77.

The median age in the city was 41.2 years. 18.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 6,050 people, 2,701 households, and 1,661 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|374.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 3,366 housing units at an average density of {{convert|208.1|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.50% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.84% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.86% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.71% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.47% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.59% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 4.26% of the population.

There were 2,701 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,997, and the median income for a family was $43,145. Males had a median income of $31,769 versus $21,223 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $20,461. 12.1% of the population and 9.7% of families were below the [[poverty line]]. 15.6% of those under the age of 18 and 17.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

==Education==
Branson R-IV School District operates four elementary schools, Branson Jr. High School and [[Branson High School]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url=https://www.greatschools.org/missouri/branson/branson-r_iv-school-district/schools/ | title=Branson R-Iv School District | publisher=Greatschools | access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> The town has a lending library, the Taneyhills Community Library.<ref name=":0" />

==Notable people==
{{Div col|small=no}}
*[[Boxcar Willie]], country music singer
*[[Kim Boyce]], gospel singer
*[[John Burkhalter]], businessman
*[[Janet Dailey]], author
*[[Barbara Fairchild]], country and gospel singer
*[[Jack Hamilton (baseball)|Jack Hamilton]], baseball player
*[[Hughes Family]], family music group
*[[Dino Kartsonakis]], pianist
*[[Duane Laflin]], award-winning magician
*[[The Lennon Sisters]], singers
*[[Tony Orlando]], popular music singer
*[[The Petersens]], bluegrass family band
*[[Raeanne Presley]], mayor 2007-2015
*[[Yakov Smirnoff]], Ukrainian comedian
*[[Jim Stafford]], comedian, singer, guitarist
*[[Ray Stevens]], country/pop singer, comedian
*[[Shoji Tabuchi]], country music fiddler and singer
*[[Andy Williams]], popular music singer
*[[Barry Williams (actor)|Barry Williams]], singer and actor

{{Div col end}}

==Media==
* ''[[Branson Tri-Lakes News]]'' – A twice-weekly newspaper that traces its origins back more than 100 years to the oldest publications in the Branson area.

== Healthcare ==
Branson is served by the 165 bed full-service hospital and emergency department [[CoxHealth|Cox Regional Medical Center]] and the [[Mercy (healthcare organization)|Mercy Health System]] multi-specialty clinic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.branson.com/skaggs-regional-medical-center-means-quality-medical-care-for-branson-visitors-and-residents-alike/|title=Skaggs Regional Medical Center means quality medical care for Branson visitors and residents alike - Branson, MO|website=www.branson.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/new-clinic-in-branson-opening-to-patients-soon/1565178786|title=New Clinic in Branson Opening to Patients Soon|last=Finello|first=Beth|date=2018-10-31|work=OZARKSFIRST|access-date=2018-11-02|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Mercy-Branson-Multispecialty-Clinic--499053111.html|title=Mercy Branson multi-specialty Clinic ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Halloween|last=Morton|first=Christine|access-date=2018-11-02|language=en}}</ref>

==Transportation==

===Highways===
[[U.S. Route 65 in Missouri|U.S. Route 65]] runs north and south, connecting Branson to [[Springfield, Missouri|Springfield]] to the north, and [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]] to the south. [[Missouri Route 76]] ran through Branson. In 2020, Route 76 was rerouted onto the existing Ozark Mountain Highroad replacing [[Missouri Route 465|Route 465]]. The old alignment now forms 76 Country Boulevard.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}

===Air===
Branson is served primarily by [[Branson Airport]], the closest commercial airport, which opened in May 2009. It is the largest privately owned commercial airport in the United States. Over the years, the airport has had on-again off-again service from carriers such as [[AirTran Airways|AirTran]], [[Sun Country Airlines|Sun Country]], and [[Frontier Airlines|Frontier]].

The two closest commercial airports to Branson with more extensive airline service are the [[Springfield-Branson National Airport]] (SGF) located in [[Springfield, Missouri]], which is about 50 miles from Branson, and [[Northwest Arkansas National Airport]] (XNA), in [[Bentonville, Arkansas]], which is about 100 miles from Branson. Between these two airports, service is offered to cities such as [[Chicago]], [[Dallas]], [[Houston]], [[Atlanta]], and [[Denver]] which allows connections to other cities.

[[M. Graham Clark Field]] in Branson is a [[general aviation]] airport, which serves mainly single engine aircraft.

===Rail===
Branson is served by the [[Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad|Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad]] (MNA), owned by shortline holding company [[Genesee & Wyoming]]. The MNA is an important link between [[Kansas City, Missouri]], and [[Newport, Arkansas]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad MNA #508 |url=http://www.up.com/up/customers/shortline/profiles_l-p/mna/index.htm |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=www.up.com |language=en}}</ref> The [[Branson Scenic Railway]] operates round-trip sightseeing trains out of Branson through a lease agreement with the MNA.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Branson Scenic Railway History |url=https://www.bransontrain.com/branson_scenic_railway_history.cfm |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=www.bransontrain.com}}</ref> The trackage used was constructed in the 1900s by the [[St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway|St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern]] Railway, later absorbed by the [[Missouri Pacific Railroad|Missouri Pacific]].

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|auto=1}}
* [https://www.bransonmo.gov/ City of Branson]
* [https://www.bransonchamber.com/ Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://www.branson.com/ Branson Tourism Center]
* [https://www.explorebranson.com/ Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau]
*{{wikivoyage inline|Branson}}
* [https://dl.mospace.umsystem.edu/mu/islandora/object/mu%3A138722 Sanborn Maps Collection]  in [[University of Missouri]]

{{Stone County, Missouri}}
{{Taney County, Missouri}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Branson, Missouri| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Missouri]]
[[Category:Cities in Stone County, Missouri]]
[[Category:Cities in Taney County, Missouri]]
[[Category:1882 establishments in Missouri]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1882]]