City Report · MO

Branson

Pop. 12,817·47th most expensive in Missouri·Branson rents have dropped 7.9%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,377/mo
Year-over-Year
-7.9%
Month-over-Month
+1.4%
vs US Median
-$585
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Branson · $1,377
More affordable than 83% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
86/100
Great value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 18% below what Branson's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,377/mo
Expected by trend
$1,680/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Branson's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$790
1 BR
$800
2 BR
$1,050
3 BR
$1,350
4 BR+
$1,690
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,050/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,377 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$16,524/yr
At $1,377/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 7.9% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-7.9% YoY, +1.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Branson, MO is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 27.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
12,817
Median income
$51,978
Median age
39.3
Renters
51.7%
Age distribution
20.7%
25.5%
15.5%
13.4%
24.9%
Under 1820.7%
18–3425.5%
35–5415.5%
55–6413.4%
65+24.9%
Gender
45.2%
54.8%
Male45.2%
Female54.8%
Race & ethnicity
81%
White81%
Black5.4%
Hispanic6.8%
Asian2.9%
Other3.9%
Education (25+)
30.8%
32.6%
27.6%
No HS diploma9%
HS diploma30.8%
Some college32.6%
Bachelor's+27.6%
Housing tenure
48.3%
51.7%
Owner48.3%
Renter51.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Branson, MO has changed in 5 years

Income
$45,669 → $51,978
up 13.8%
Population
12,579 → 12,817
up 1.9%
Renter share
53.4% → 51.7%
-1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
21.9% → 27.6%
+5.7 pts

On the earnings side, the typical household in Branson, MO now reports about $51,978, up from $45,669 in 2021. Census counts show Branson, MO adding about 238 residents over the five-year window, up 1.9% on net. The renter share has eased from 53.4% to 51.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 21.9% to 27.6% across the same window.

Community

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View Branson rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Branson on your salary?

At $1,377/mo, how Branson rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Branson rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Branson. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Branson

About renting in Branson, MO

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Branson is $1,377/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $790/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,050/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $800/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,350/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($51,978/yr), Branson ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 7.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Branson an affordable city for renters?

Branson is considered moderate for renters. At $1,377/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($51,978/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Branson slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Branson?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,377/mo in Branson. The local median household income is $51,978/yr, meaning the typical Branson household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Branson?

Rent in Branson has decreased 7.9% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Branson rent compare to other cities in Missouri?

Branson is middle-of-the-pack for Missouri for rent, ranking #47 out of 79 tracked cities at $1,377/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Branson?

Springfield is nearby and more affordable at $1,222/mo, which is $155 less than Branson.

What percentage of Branson residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 51.7% of Branson households are renters, while 48.3% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Branson has a strong rental market.

How does Branson rent compare to the national average?

Branson's median rent of $1,377/mo is $585 (30%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Missouri, it ranks #47 out of 79 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $1,377/mo, rent takes ~32% of Branson's median household income ($51,978/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Branson 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–4.7%
Run the Branson affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Branson, MO

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