VermontPop. 4,237Towns
Is Springfield a Good Place to Live? Springfield, Vermont: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Springfield ranks #396 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #64 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($147,200, #23 of 231) and low rents ($818/mo, #27 of 231), and trails on low household income ($46,760, #224 of 234) and high poverty (18.7%, #196 of 234).
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).
No crime figure is shown for Springfield: its police agency covers a much larger area. See Is Springfield safe?
What is the cost of living in Springfield?
Springfield's cost of living index is 96.4, 4% below the US level of 100 and #511 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $818/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $248,661, 38% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
| Measure | Springfield | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 96.4#511 of 1,308 | 98 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $248,661#242 of 1,187 | $399,053 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $147,200#79 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $818/mo#34 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21%#567 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont 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 Lebanon, NH-VT metro.
Vermont housing market →Is Springfield safe?
Springfield Police Department serves 9,019 people across a larger area than Springfield (population 4,237), so its rate is not a Springfield rate and we don't rank Springfield on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Springfield?
The median household in Springfield earns $46,760, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 43% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.7% (US 4.3%). 18.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Springfield | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $46,760#1267 of 1,312 | $82,730 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 2.7%#47 of 1,058 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 18.7%#1068 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont 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 37.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 18% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1211 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 18%#1211 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 49% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 14 students per teacher and spend $26,961 per pupil. 32.5% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14#282 of 1,188 | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $26,961#35 of 1,188 | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 32.5%#573 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.8%#349 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 1,194 students are enrolled in Springfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Springfield?
The average commute in Springfield is 23 minutes (Vermont 23.9); 0.1% of workers take transit and 5.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Springfield scores 14.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67°F and winters 23.4°F, with 40.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Springfield | VermontVT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 23.9 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 6.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 70.5% | 67.9% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 1.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.8% | 5.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.5% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.8% | 16% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.9#46 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Vermont 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 | 29.8 | 11.2 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 33.1 | 12.8 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 41.9 | 21.2 | 3 |
| Apr | 55.7 | 31.9 | 3.4 |
| May | 68.1 | 43 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 76.3 | 52.1 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 81.4 | 57.2 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 79.7 | 55.4 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 71.8 | 47.8 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 58.7 | 36.7 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 46.3 | 27.7 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 35 | 18.4 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Springfield Hartness State Airport.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 23.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 40.3 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Springfield Hartness State Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Springfield?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Springfield's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Windsor County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Springfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#612 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Windsor County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Windsor County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 78% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 68% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0049% | 66% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.002% | 42% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0018% | 21% 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 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #64 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 4,237.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, VTPop. 4,237 | #396 | 60.2 | $46,760 | $818/mo | county/metro | 23 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| Buffalo, WYPop. 4,572 | #595 | 56.8 | $62,629 | $1,019/mo | 106 | 12.9 min |
| Pascoag, RIPop. 4,410 | #422 | 59.7 | $121,369 | $1,319/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Grafton, NDPop. 4,102 | #704 | 54.9 | $62,679 | $733/mo | 200 | 15.6 min |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #93 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data | 12.1 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 Vermont?
Springfield ranks #12 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 60.2 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 43% below the Vermont median. Homes are 38% below the typical Vermont home.
| City | Rank in VT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury, VTPop. 7,220 | #1 | 76.4 | $86,250 | $1,201/mo | 54 |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #2 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #3 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #4 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 |
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #5 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 |
| Winooski, VTPop. 8,293 | #6 | 69.2 | $79,522 | $1,643/mo | 272 |
| Milton, VTPop. 3,555 | #7 | 67.5 | $77,550 | $1,471/mo | county/metro |
| White River Junction, VTPop. 3,364 | #8 | 65.5 | $77,168 | $1,222/mo | no data |
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #9 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 |
| Brattleboro, VTPop. 7,657 | #10 | 62.6 | $52,734 | $1,113/mo | county/metro |
| St. Johnsbury, VTPop. 5,859 | #11 | 61.3 | $53,711 | $912/mo | 203 |
| Springfield, VTPop. 4,237 | #12 | 60.2 | $46,760 | $818/mo | county/metro |
| Northfield, VTPop. 3,766 | #13 | 59.9 | $60,789 | $997/mo | county/metro |
| Rutland, VTPop. 15,712 | #14 | 57.9 | $57,675 | $995/mo | 464 |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #15 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro |
| Wilder, VTPop. 3,087 | #16 | 55.6 | $75,143 | $1,142/mo | no data |
| St. Albans, VTPop. 6,954 | #17 | 53.1 | $57,980 | $1,150/mo | 735 |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #18 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 |
| Bellows Falls, VTPop. 2,891 | #19 | 52.2 | $56,086 | $1,038/mo | 110 |
| Newport, VTPop. 4,394 | #20 | 51.8 | $54,646 | $850/mo | 395 |
All 20 Vermont cities we track, by overall score. Vermont statewide: median income $82,730, violent crime 214.4 per 100,000.
How is Springfield's score calculated?
Springfield scores 60.2 out of 100, #396 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Vermont'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 · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Springfield. Similar-size median 41.9.
48.1 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Springfield. Similar-size median 56.5.
55.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 16% 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 62.6.
86.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Springfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
83.7 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Springfield. Similar-size median 50.8.
26.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Springfield. Similar-size median 48.3.
44.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Springfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
73.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
55.8 - SafetyNot scored
Springfield's police agency covers a much larger area, so its rate is not a Springfield rate.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Springfield.
— - 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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, VT a good place to live?
Springfield ranks #396 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #64 of 234 towns and #12 of 20 in Vermont. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($147,200, #23 of 231) and low rents ($818/mo, #27 of 231), and trails on low household income ($46,760, #224 of 234) and high poverty (18.7%, #196 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Springfield?
Springfield's cost of living index is 96.4, 4% below the US level of 100 and #511 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $818/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $248,661, 38% below the typical Vermont home ($399,053).
Is Springfield safe?
Springfield Police Department serves 9,019 people across a larger area than Springfield (population 4,237), so its rate is not a Springfield rate and we don't rank Springfield on safety. Vermont as a whole records 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Springfield?
The median household in Springfield earns $46,760, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 43% below Vermont ($82,730). Unemployment is 2.7% (US 4.3%). 18.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Springfield?
Median rent in Springfield is $818/mo (Census), #34 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 21% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Springfield?
The typical home value in Springfield is $248,661, up 2.8% in a year, against $399,053 for Vermont and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $147,200.
How are the public schools in Springfield?
There is no city graduation rate for Springfield; its public schools have 14 students per teacher and spend $26,961 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Springfield?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.9 minutes across Vermont. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Springfield?
Springfield averages 45.5°F over the year, 67°F in summer and 23.4°F in winter, with 40.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Springfield walkable?
Springfield scores 14.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #46 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 Windsor County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
Who lives in Springfield?
Springfield has 4,237 residents. The median resident of Springfield is 37.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 18% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1211 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Springfield compare with the rest of Vermont?
Springfield ranks #12 of the 20 Vermont cities we track, with a score of 60.2 against Vermont's statewide 74. Its households earn 43% below the Vermont median. Homes are 38% below the typical Vermont home.
What cities are similar in size to Springfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Springfield's population of 4,237 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), Chena Ridge, AK (#186 overall), and Buffalo, WY (#595 overall). Springfield is #396.