Springfield, MO, known as "The Queen City of the Ozarks," is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. Located in southwestern Missouri, Springfield is approximately 220 miles southwest of St. Louis and 160 miles southeast of Kansas City. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its beautiful parks, educational institutions, and thriving arts scene.
Springfield's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and the expansive Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics.
The cultural scene in Springfield is dynamic, with attractions like the Springfield Art Museum, the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, and the historic Gillioz Theatre. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Springfield Jazz Festival and the Ozark Empire Fair, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a cornerstone of the Springfield community, with institutions like Missouri State University and Drury University providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools serve a diverse student population, making Springfield an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield, ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care and supports a strong job market.
Living in Springfield combines the benefits of urban amenities with the charm of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and bike lanes, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Springfield offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Springfield, Missouri is a medium-sized city with a population of 173,433 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Springfield is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. The median age of all Springfield residents is 33, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Springfield is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Springfield will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Springfield, Missouri. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Springfield and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Missouri and national averages.
Springfield has a livability score of 74 out of 100 and is ranked #60 in Missouri and #4,106 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Springfield has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Unfortunately for Springfield, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F) and employment (F).
If you're living in Springfield, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Springfield an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Springfield are: Dickerson Park Zoo, Nathanael Greene Park/Close Memorial, and Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Springfield market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Springfield real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Springfield. The median home price for Springfield homes is $216,310, which is 13.3% lower than the Missouri average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Springfield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 11.8% higher than the Missouri average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Springfield | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.1% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.2% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.4% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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