Branson, Missouri

Branson is a city located in Taney County, Missouri. It was named for Rueben Branson, operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s. [1] (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/north_america/branson/history.htm) As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 6,050. Originally envisioned as a center for lumber shipment, tourism began to develop in the 1930s. Today, Branson is a nationally popular tourist destination, famous for its many live music theaters, clubs and other entertainment venues, primarily involving Country Music.

Contents

1 Geography 2 Demographics 3 Entertainment and vacation destination 4 External links and references

Geography

Branson is located at 36°38'16" North, 93°15'18" West (36.637706, -93.254965)Template:GR.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 42.3 km² (16.3 mi²). 41.9 km² (16.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.98% water.

Branson is located on the shore of Lake Taneycomo and is also close to Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake. All three lakes are formed by dams along the White River.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 6,050 people, 2,701 households, and 1,661 families residing in the city. The population density is 144.4/km² (374.0/mi²). There are 3,366 housing units at an average density of 80.3/km² (208.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 94.50% White, 0.84% African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.47% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. 4.26% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

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

In the city the population is 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 are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 43 years. For every 100 females there are 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 83.2 males.

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

Entertainment and vacation destination

Branson has numerous museums, tourist attractions, over 100 shows, over 200 lodging choices, over 400 restaurants, 49 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 10 championship golf courses, dozens of festivals and events thoughout the year, nearby mountains, and wilderness areas.

Silver Dollar City, Celebration City, Dixie Stampede, White Water, Showboat Branson Belle, Branson's American Star, Stone Hill Winery, Ride The Ducks, The Tracks, and Splash Country are favorites.

Yakov Smirnoff and other stars can be enjoyed here.

Lampoon - Acerbic comedian Dennis Miller once described Branson as "Las Vegas for people without teeth". And also, presumably, without a gambling habit.

External links and references

• Branson Chamber of Commerce (http://www.explorebranson.com/)
• City of Branson (http://www.cityofbranson.org/)
• Branson (http://www.bransontourismcenter.com?branson/) General Information
• Branson (http://www.reservebranson.com/) Exhaustive Resource on Entertainment,Shows and Lodging

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