MissouriPop. 169,954Mid-size cities
Is Springfield a Good Place to Live? Springfield, Missouri: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Springfield ranks #1159 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #217 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($964/mo, #6 of 256) and low living costs (88.6, #9 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,233 per 100,000, #230 of 235) and low household income ($49,311, #247 of 256).
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 88.6, 11% below the US level of 100 and #153 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $964/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $245,882, 8% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
| Measure | Springfield | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 88.6#153 of 1,308 | 90.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $245,882#232 of 1,187 | $267,879 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,200/mo#99 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $177,700#161 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $964/mo#170 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.5%#831 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). Missouri 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, MO metro.
Missouri housing market →Is Springfield safe?
Springfield recorded 1,233 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.8 times the US rate of 328 and 2.9 times Missouri's 418. That ranks #1062 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #230 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Springfield Police Department. Property crime runs 3,871 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Springfield | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,233#1062 of 1,085 | 418 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,871#1036 of 1,085 | 1,644 | 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). Missouri 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 $49,311, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Springfield | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $49,311#1239 of 1,312 | $71,589 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 18.4%#1054 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +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). Missouri 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 33.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #736 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.9% 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 | 33.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 31.4%#736 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 43.9% | 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?
Springfield's 53 public schools graduate 90.7% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $13,491 spent per pupil. 37.7% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Springfield | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 90.7%#342 of 1,063 | 89.8% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,491#764 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.7%#989 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10%#656 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). Missouri is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 23,912 students are enrolled in Springfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Springfield?
The average commute in Springfield is 17.6 minutes (Missouri 24); 0.8% of workers take transit and 10.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Springfield scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 35.4°F, with 46.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Springfield | MissouriMO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 17.6 min#173 of 1,312 | 24 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.4%#89 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.4% | 74.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.1% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.4% | 11.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.7#895 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). Missouri 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 | 43.4 | 22.5 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 48.2 | 26.2 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 57.9 | 34.9 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 67.4 | 44.2 | 5.2 |
| May | 75.3 | 55.9 | 6.1 |
| Jun | 84 | 63.8 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 88.2 | 68 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 88 | 66.5 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 80.8 | 58.2 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 69.2 | 46.3 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 57 | 35.3 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 45.7 | 26.5 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Springfield Wbo.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 56.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 76.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 35.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 46.5 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 Wbo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Springfield?
Greene County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Greene County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#253 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 Greene County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Greene County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0084% | 92% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0015% | 87% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.01% | 79% of counties |
| Hail | 0.004% | 65% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.002% | 50% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0089% | 50% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 19% 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 #217 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 169,954.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #1159 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 | 17.6 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #41 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #890 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 | 22 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 min |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #528 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 | 30.4 min |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #418 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 | 19.5 min |
| Lancaster, CAPop. 169,169 | #1267 | 40.6 | $81,511 | $1,764/mo | 767 | 30.8 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 Missouri?
Springfield ranks #19 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 46.4 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 31% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 2.9 times the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Missouri home.
| City | Rank in MO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #1 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #2 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #3 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #4 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #5 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #6 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 |
| University City, MOPop. 34,685 | #7 | 63.2 | $80,694 | $1,319/mo | 319 |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #8 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 |
| Oakville, MOPop. 35,333 | #9 | 61.4 | $106,362 | $1,091/mo | no data |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #10 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #11 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #12 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #13 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #14 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #15 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #16 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #17 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #18 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #19 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #20 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 |
All 20 Missouri cities we track, by overall score. Missouri statewide: median income $71,589, violent crime 417.8 per 100,000.
How is Springfield's score calculated?
Springfield scores 46.4 out of 100, #1159 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Missouri'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.
42.1 - 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.
15.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Springfield. Similar-size median 53.8.
44.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Springfield's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
62.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Springfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
85.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Springfield. Similar-size median 51.2.
27.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Springfield. Similar-size median 42.1.
39.5 - 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.
52.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Springfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
66.8 - 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, MO a good place to live?
Springfield ranks #1159 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #217 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 20 in Missouri. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($964/mo, #6 of 256) and low living costs (88.6, #9 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,233 per 100,000, #230 of 235) and low household income ($49,311, #247 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Springfield?
Springfield's cost of living index is 88.6, 11% below the US level of 100 and #153 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $964/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $245,882, 8% below the typical Missouri home ($267,879).
What is the crime rate in Springfield?
Springfield recorded 1,233 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.8 times the US rate of 328 and 2.9 times Missouri's 418. That ranks #1062 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #230 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Springfield Police Department. Property crime runs 3,871 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Springfield?
The median household in Springfield earns $49,311, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Missouri ($71,589). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Springfield?
Median rent in Springfield is $964/mo (Census), #170 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,200/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Springfield?
The typical home value in Springfield is $245,882, up 2.9% in a year, against $267,879 for Missouri and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $177,700.
How are the public schools in Springfield?
Springfield's 53 public schools graduate 90.7% of students in four years (Missouri 89.8%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $13,491 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Springfield?
The average commute is 17.6 minutes, #173 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24 minutes across Missouri. 2.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Springfield?
Springfield averages 56.4°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 35.4°F in winter, with 46.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Springfield walkable?
Springfield scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Greene County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Springfield?
Greene County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Springfield?
Springfield has 169,954 residents. The median resident of Springfield is 33.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #736 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Springfield compare with the rest of Missouri?
Springfield ranks #19 of the 20 Missouri cities we track, with a score of 46.4 against Missouri's statewide 51. Its households earn 31% below the Missouri median. Violent crime is 2.9 times the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Missouri home.
What cities are similar in size to Springfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Springfield's population of 169,954 are Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), Aurora, IL (#376 overall), Cary, NC (#41 overall), Salem, OR (#890 overall), and Clarksville, TN (#791 overall). Springfield is #1159.