IllinoisPop. 113,330Mid-size cities
Is Springfield a Good Place to Live? Springfield, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Springfield ranks #940 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #173 of 256 mid-size cities and #26 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($975/mo, #9 of 256) and short commutes (17.4 min, #10 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (895 per 100,000, #221 of 235).
Springfield by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Springfield's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Springfield?
Springfield's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $975/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $172,189, 42% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Springfield | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.7#361 of 1,308 | 100 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $172,189#69 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,159/mo#79 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $162,100#111 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $975/mo#183 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 17.7%#213 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Springfield housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Springfield is in the Springfield, IL metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Springfield safe?
Springfield recorded 895 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 3.6 times Illinois's 251. That ranks #1032 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #221 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Springfield Police Department. Property crime runs 4,212 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Springfield | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 895#1032 of 1,085 | 251 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 4,212#1058 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Springfield?
The median household in Springfield earns $66,064, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Springfield | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $66,064#903 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 16.8%#968 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Springfield?
The median resident of Springfield is 41 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #573 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 41 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 36.3%#573 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 64.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Springfield's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Springfield; its public schools have 13.4 students per teacher and spend $21,554 per pupil. 41.1% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $21,554#141 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 41.1%#1168 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.2%#400 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 12,920 students are enrolled in Springfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Springfield?
The average commute in Springfield is 17.4 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 1.3% of workers take transit and 14.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Springfield scores 12.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #444 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.1°F and winters 30.4°F, with 40.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Springfield | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 17.4 min#161 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.7% | 66% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.5% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.3#444 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35.8 | 18.6 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 41.1 | 21.6 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 52.3 | 30.7 | 3 |
| Apr | 64.5 | 41.1 | 4.1 |
| May | 73.5 | 53 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 82.7 | 62.6 | 5 |
| Jul | 85.5 | 65.9 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 83.9 | 63.7 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 77.9 | 55.5 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 66.3 | 43.7 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 52.7 | 32.8 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 41.3 | 23.8 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Springfield #2.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 52.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 74.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 30.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 40.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Springfield #2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Springfield?
Sangamon County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sangamon County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#437 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Sangamon County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sangamon County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.018% | 83% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.014% | 82% of counties |
| Hail | 0.005% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0013% | 38% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 36% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Springfield compare with similar-size cities?
Springfield is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #173 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 113,330.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #940 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 | 17.4 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 min |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #336 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 | 27.1 min |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #1047 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 | 18.9 min |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #1291 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 | 20.3 min |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #988 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 | 32.1 min |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #1201 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 | 18.9 min |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #882 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 | 26 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Springfield compare with the rest of Illinois?
Springfield ranks #26 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 51.1 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 21% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 3.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 42% below the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | … #22 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #23 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #24 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 |
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #25 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 |
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #26 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #27 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #28 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #29 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Springfield among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Springfield's score calculated?
Springfield scores 51.1 out of 100, #940 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Springfield. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Springfield's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
19.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Springfield. Similar-size median 53.8.
41.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Springfield's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
78.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Springfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
83.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Springfield. Similar-size median 51.2.
38.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Springfield. Similar-size median 42.1.
38.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Springfield. Similar-size median 50.1.
55.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Springfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
59.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
63.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Springfield's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Springfield has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Springfield
Is Springfield, IL a good place to live?
Springfield ranks #940 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #173 of 256 mid-size cities and #26 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($975/mo, #9 of 256) and short commutes (17.4 min, #10 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (895 per 100,000, #221 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Springfield?
Springfield's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $975/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $172,189, 42% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Springfield?
Springfield recorded 895 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 3.6 times Illinois's 251. That ranks #1032 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #221 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Springfield Police Department. Property crime runs 4,212 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Springfield?
The median household in Springfield earns $66,064, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Springfield?
Median rent in Springfield is $975/mo (Census), #183 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,159/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Springfield?
The typical home value in Springfield is $172,189, up 7.2% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $162,100.
How are the public schools in Springfield?
There is no city graduation rate for Springfield; its public schools have 13.4 students per teacher and spend $21,554 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Springfield?
The average commute is 17.4 minutes, #161 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Springfield?
Springfield averages 52.9°F over the year, 74.1°F in summer and 30.4°F in winter, with 40.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Springfield walkable?
Springfield scores 12.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #444 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Springfield at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sangamon County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Springfield?
Sangamon County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Springfield?
Springfield has 113,330 residents. The median resident of Springfield is 41 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #573 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Springfield compare with the rest of Illinois?
Springfield ranks #26 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 51.1 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 21% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 3.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 42% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Springfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Springfield's population of 113,330 are Provo, UT (#625 overall), Carlsbad, CA (#336 overall), Las Cruces, NM (#1047 overall), Beaumont, TX (#1291 overall), and Miami Gardens, FL (#988 overall). Springfield is #940.