McDonald County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Missouri, USA. It was established in 1849 and is named after Alexander McDonald, a local politician. The county seat is Pineville, which is also the largest town in the area. McDonald County is known for its natural beauty, including the Ozark Mountains and several lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities. The county covers an area of approximately 540 square miles and has a population of around 23,000 residents. It is part of the Joplin, MO metropolitan area and features a mix of rural and small-town communities. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.