local economy
As the third-largest city in Missouri, Springfield has a long standing economic growth record and regional influence. With a diversified economy and strategic location, the city serves as a key business and innovation hub for Southwest Missouri and Northern Arkansas.
Key Economic Indicators
- $29.3 billion GDP as of 2024, reflecting a 73% increase over the past decade
- 27-county regional impact spanning Missouri and Arkansas, supporting a population of over 1 million residents
- 11% metropolitan population growth over the last 10 years
Population Trends
The Springfield MSA officially crossed the 500,000 population milestone in 2025. From 2020 to 2025, it has grown more than 5% and ranked first among Missouri metros for growth.
Greene County (which includes Springfield) has grown by over 10% since 2011
Christian County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Missouri, has expanded 16%.
Leading Industries
Springfield’s economic success is driven by a strong presence in key sectors:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Employs over 48,000 individuals
- Contributes $4.4 billion to regional GDP
- Employs over 48,000 individuals
- Manufacturing
- Employs more than 18,000 individuals
- Adds $2.7 billion to the economy
Additional strengths include education, logistics, professional services, retail, and tourism
Workforce & Employment
- Unemployment rate of 4.0% as of February 2026
- Labor force participation size has grown by 9.8% over the past decade.
Access to skilled labor supported by institutions like Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College
Business Climate & Investment
- Springfield offers a business-friendly environment, competitive costs, and a centralized location for distribution and logistics
- Ongoing investment in infrastructure, commercial development, and public-private partnerships
- Regional support through the Springfield Regional Economic Partnership and other economic development organizations
As the third-largest city in Missouri, Springfield is a thriving and energetic metropolitan area that’s the perfect incubator for a wealth of industries and jobs. Grow in your career and come grow with us!
Frequently Asked Questions about Springfields Economy
Springfield has a diversified, growing economy with a $29.3 billion GDP as of 2024, reflecting 73% growth over the past decade. Learn more about Springfield’s local economy and key indicators.
Yes. Springfield’s unemployment rate was 4.0% as of February 2026, and the metro’s labor force participation size has grown by 9.8% over the past decade. Springfield also ranked No. 85 on Livability’s 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live. Browse current job openings in Springfield across all industries.
Healthcare and manufacturing are the two largest industries. Healthcare employs over 48,000 people and contributes approximately $4.4 billion to the regional GDP, while manufacturing employs more than 18,000 residents and adds $2.7 billion to the economy. Additional strong sectors include education, logistics, professional services, retail, and tourism. Learn more about Springfield’s core industries and leading employers.
Springfield’s largest employers include CoxHealth, Mercy, Bass Pro Shops, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Missouri State University, Springfield Public Schools, and Jack Henry. Manufacturing employers like SRC Holdings, Kraft Foods, 3M, and John Deere Remanufacturing also have a significant presence in the region. See the full list of top employers in Springfield.
Yes. The Springfield metropolitan area officially crossed the 500,000 population milestone in 2025, reaching an estimated 500,694 residents. The metro added 15,000 new residents between 2020 and 2023, recording a 3.08% growth rate and the largest of any metro area in Missouri over that period. Greene County has grown by over 10% since 2010, and neighboring Christian County has expanded by nearly 25%. Read more about Springfield’s population growth and what it means for newcomers.
Yes. Small businesses make up more than 95% of businesses in Springfield, and entrepreneur have access to resources like the efactory, a Missouri State University-owned business and entrepreneurship resource offering workspace, business training, mentorship and SBDC support. Learn more about entrepreneurship and business opportunities in Springfield.
Yes. Springfield offers job opportunities across healthcare, manufacturing, business, education, and professional services, with major employers like Bass Pro Shops, O’Reilly Auto Parts, CoxHealth, and Mercy. A cost of living roughly 15% below the national average means starting salaries go further here than in most comparable cities. Learn more about living in Springfield after college graduation.