It’s clear why the Springfield, MO population has continued to rise over the years—the city offers a balanced and enriching living experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.
As Springfield continues to grow, it becomes an even more vibrant place to live, with new job opportunities, rising living standards, a wealth of cultural experiences and a growing sense of community. Whether you’re a young professional seeking to further your career or a couple looking for the best place to settle down and raise a family, Springfield has something to offer you.
Let’s explore why our Springfield, MO population growth is not just a trend but a sign of a bright future for anyone ready to call this place home.
Vibrant and Affordable Place to Raise a Family
The city of Springfield offers the ideal environment for raising a family. With good schools, low living costs, decreasing crime rates and a variety of family-friendly activities, your family’s wellbeing and quality of life will flourish.
The cost of living in Springfield is approximately 15.5% lower than the national average. Thanks to the lower costs of living and stable market trends, Springfield offers affordable housing. The average price of a single-family home is significantly lower than the national median. Here, you can raise your family in a nice neighborhood without breaking the bank.
More than 24,500 students attend Springfield Public Schools (SPS). With a graduation rate of 95% and over 65% of teachers holding advanced degrees, the Springfield public education system is committed to quality. Springfield has invested over $220 million to improve its education facilities and offers a variety of Choice Programs to enrich the educational experience available to its students.
“All work and no play” is certainly never said in Springfield. There’s no lack of fun, family-friendly activities and places to visit in the area. From interactive science experiences at the Discovery Center to aquarium adventures at Wonders of Wildlife, quality family time and educational activities are never hard to find.
Safety is another important factor parents consider when searching for the best place to raise their family, and rightfully so. According to the Springfield Police Department, the city saw a 9.5% decrease in overall crime from 2022 to 2023, and a 0.1% increase from 2023 to 2024. Police and local leaders are committed to the city’s safety and are putting in hard work to see these rates drop.
Opportunities to Further Your Career
Springfield boasts a thriving economy and a diverse job market, making it an attractive destination for aspiring professionals. Over the last decade, Springfield’s economy has seen growth in gross metro product with a 32% increase. In fact, it’s ranked 126th among metros in the United States.
Home to top colleges like Missouri State University and Drury University, Springfield is a hub for education in Missouri, offering a variety of accredited programs in science, business, technical and medical areas of study. With nearly 42,000 college students enrolled in university, Springfield is a leading city for higher education. No matter your interests or educational goals, the universities in Springfield have a program to fit your needs.
With opportunities in expansive industries like healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing and business, the city offers exciting career paths for individuals of all backgrounds and interests. To make transportation more convenient for professionals, the City Utilities of Springfield (CUS) offers many convenient public transportation options, including bus routes and paratransit. It’s no wonder that the Springfield, MO population is ever-growing!
Minority-owned, veteran-owned and woman-owned businesses are thriving in the Springfield landscape, proving that there are endless ways for people to find success in the city. In an economy and culture where diversity shines, you are sure to find abundant opportunities to further your career.
The Ideal Retirement Spot
Over 15% of Springfield’s population is 65 and older. That’s because Springfield is one of the best places to retire. Whether you choose to live slow and relaxed or exciting and rejuvenating, Springfield has something for everyone looking for a place to spend their golden years.
Springfield is home to many historical and cultural attractions, health and fitness centers and parks and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a relaxing walk in the park, a fun day at the museum with your grandkids or an active day of sports, Springfield has no shortage of locations and attractions to choose from, including:
- History Museum on the Square
- Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
- Ozarks Regional YMCA
Not to mention that Springfield offers retirees access to top-tier healthcare with a wide range of medical services to support seniors’ health as they age. The city is home to two major healthcare providers, CoxHealth and Mercy. These healthcare systems employ over 30,000 of Springfield’s healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive care across multiple specialties. With approximately 17% of the city’s total workforce in healthcare, retirees can rest easy knowing that they’re well taken care of.
Learn More With Our Free Relocation Guide
Springfield’s rising population signals a thriving city with growing opportunities for people from all walks of life. As the city grows, newcomers can look forward to a more dynamic economy, a welcoming community and a city that is continuously evolving to meet the needs of its residents. The city of Springfield is an endless horizon of possibilities.
Now that you know why the population in Springfield, MO continues to grow, it’s time to grab your free relocation guide and start planning your move to our wonderful city! Download your FREE relocation guide here.