Is Springfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Springfield

Is it Safe to Live in Springfield?

Springfield, Missouri, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are a concern for residents. The likelihood of being a victim of violent crime in Springfield is one in 85, and for property crime, it’s one in 24 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city’s overall crime rate is higher than in many communities of similar size across the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When considering crime in Springfield, it is important to note that property crime, including motor vehicle theft, is particularly prevalent. Springfield has one of the higher rates of motor vehicle theft nationally, according to FBI crime data analysis (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While violent offenses are also a concern, property crimes contribute significantly to the city’s crime statistics.

Pros and Cons of Living in Springfield

Springfield offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for many. The overall cost of living in Springfield, MO, is 7.8% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Housing costs, in particular, are notably lower, with housing being 10.1% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

The job market in Springfield, MO, is supported by a diversified economy with key sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Major employers include CoxHealth and Mercy, which together employ over 20,000 people, and the United States government, the City of Springfield, and Greene County also represent significant employment opportunities (as reported by Springfield, MO). The unemployment rate in the Springfield MSA was 2.9% as of January 2026, indicating a relatively stable job market (as reported by Macrotrends).

Springfield’s climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, offering a varied weather experience throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. The average annual temperature is around 54°F (12°C), with July being the warmest month and January the coldest (as reported by Springfield Climate Chart). Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly across the year, with winter months often bringing snowfall.

However, Springfield’s crime rates present a significant drawback. The city has a higher crime rate compared to many other communities, with a violent crime rate of one in 85 and a property crime rate of one in 24 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This elevated crime rate, particularly for property crimes like motor vehicle theft, is a considerable factor for those considering a move to Springfield.

Demographics and Community

Springfield, Missouri, is a growing city with a population of approximately 171,315 as of 2026 (as reported by Springfield Population 2026). The city’s demographics show a predominantly White population, accounting for about 81.6% of residents, followed by Hispanic and individuals of two or more races (as reported by Springfield Demographics). The median age in Springfield is 33.7 years (as reported by Springfield Population 2026).

The educational landscape in Springfield, MO, presents a mixed bag, with some schools performing better than others. The Springfield City School District in Ohio has an overall rating of C-minus, with student proficiency in math at 19% and reading at 33% (as reported by Springfield City School District). However, some individual schools within the district show promise, with Snowhill Elementary School consistently outperforming district and state averages (as reported by Springfield City School District).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Springfield, Missouri, is notably more affordable than the national average, making it an appealing place for residents. The overall cost of living is 7.8% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 10.1% less expensive (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent for apartments falls within a range of $862 to $1,460, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around $911 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

For those looking to purchase a home, the median listing price in Springfield, MO, is approximately $284,900 (as reported by realtor.com®). The homeownership rate in Springfield, MO, is around 43.9% (as reported by Data USA). This affordability in housing, both for renters and buyers, contributes to Springfield’s appeal as a place to live.

Job Market and Economy

Springfield’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Major employers include CoxHealth and Mercy, employing over 20,000 individuals, and significant contributions also come from government entities like the U.S. government, City of Springfield, and Greene County (as reported by Springfield, MO). The unemployment rate for the Springfield MSA was 2.9% as of January 2026, indicating a robust job market (as reported by Macrotrends).

The city is a hub for distribution, logistics, and manufacturing, with companies like Kraft Foods, 3M, and John Deere Remanufacturing having a presence (as reported by Springfield, MO). Additionally, Springfield is home to several universities, including Missouri State University, which contributes to the skilled workforce and offers employment opportunities (as reported by Springfield, MO).

Climate and Weather

Springfield experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, offering a range of weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 88°F (as reported by Springfield Climate). Winters are cold and snowy, with January experiencing average low temperatures of 26°F (as reported by Springfield Climate).

Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly across the year, with an average annual precipitation of approximately 47.6 inches (as reported by Springfield, MO Climate Normals). The wettest month is typically May, with an average rainfall of 4.7 inches, while January is the driest, with an average of 1.5 inches of precipitation (as reported by Springfield Climate). Tornadoes are a potential risk during the spring and summer months.

Education

The Springfield City School District in Ohio serves over 7,000 students and has an overall rating of C-minus (as reported by Springfield City School District). Proficiency in math is at 19%, and in reading, it is 33% (as reported by Springfield City School District). The district’s graduation rate is 77%, showing an increase over recent years (as reported by Springfield City School District).

Despite the overall district ratings, some individual schools show higher performance. Snowhill Elementary School, for instance, consistently ranks higher than other schools in the district and outperforms district and state averages in several subject areas (as reported by Springfield City School District). Lagonda Elementary School also performs better than the district average in certain subjects and has a lower student-teacher ratio (as reported by Springfield City School District).