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Springfield, IL

Frequently asked questions

Springfield, IL

Springfield is the capital city of the U.S. state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County. The city's population was 114,394 at the 2020 census, which makes it the state's seventh most-populous city, the second largest outside of the Chicago metropolitan area (after Rockford), and the largest in central Illinois. Approximately 208,000 residents live in the Springfield metropolitan area.

Springfield was settled by European-Americans in the late 1810s, around the time Illinois became a state. The most famous historic resident was Abraham Lincoln, who lived in Springfield from 1837 until 1861 when he went to the White House as President of the United States. Major tourist attractions include multiple sites connected with Lincoln including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Home, Old State Capitol, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, and the Lincoln Tomb. Largely on the efforts of Lincoln and other area lawmakers, as well as its central location, Springfield was made the state capital in 1839.

Springfield lies in a valley and plain near the Sangamon River. Lake Springfield, a large reservoir owned by the municipal City Water, Light & Power company (CWLP), provides city residents with recreation and drinking water. Weather is fairly typical for middle-latitude locations, with four distinct seasons.

The city has a mayor-council form of government and governs the Capital Township. The government of the state of Illinois is based in Springfield. State government institutions include the Illinois General Assembly, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the Office of the Governor of Illinois. There are three public and three private high schools in Springfield. Public schools in Springfield are operated by District No. 186. Springfield's economy is dominated by government jobs, plus the related firms that deal with the state and county governments justice system, and health care and medicine.

Located within the central section of Illinois, Springfield is 80 miles (130 km) northeast of St. Louis. The Champaign/Urbana area is to the east, Peoria is to the north, and Bloomington–Normal is to the northeast. Decatur is 40 miles (64 km) due east.

The city is at an elevation of 558 feet (170 m) above sea level. According to the 2010 census, Springfield has a total area of 65.764 square miles (170.33 km²), of which 59.48 square miles (154.05 km²) (or 90.44%) is land and 6.284 square miles (16.28 km²) (or 9.56%) is water. The city is located in the Lower Illinois River Basin, in a large area known as Till Plain. Sangamon County, and the city of Springfield, are in the Springfield Plain subsection of Till Plain. The Plain is underlain by glacial till that was deposited by a large continental ice sheet that repeatedly covered the area during the Illinoian Stage.

Health and wellness are essential aspects of life in Springfield, with numerous healthcare facilities contributing to the well-being of residents and visitors. One notable institution is Memorial Health, which provides comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Springfield Park District offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include FitClub, Anytime Fitness, and Snap Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Springfield, such as the Springfield Horseshoe Trail and TRAIL. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Springfield, IL are Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Dana Thomas House.

Population: 112,544 (2023). ZIP code: 62704. Area code: 217. Elevation: 600 ft (183 m). Area: 67.49 sq mi (174.79 km²).

FAQs

What is so special about Springfield, IL?

The most famous historic resident was Abraham Lincoln, who lived in Springfield from 1837 until 1861 when he went to the White House as President of the United States. Major tourist attractions include multiple sites connected with Lincoln including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Home, Old State Capitol, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, and the Lincoln Tomb. Largely on the efforts of Lincoln and other area lawmakers, as well as its central location, Springfield was made the state capital in 1839.

Is Springfield, IL a good place to live?

Springfield is in Sangamon County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Springfield offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Springfield, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Springfield and residents tend to have moderate political views.

What is the poverty rate in Springfield, IL?

In 2022, the median household income of Springfield households was $62,419. Springfield households made slightly more than Effingham households ($62,358) and Varna households ($62,344). However, 11.8% of Springfield families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Springfield

Memorial Health

Springfield Park District 

FitClub

Anytime Fitness 

Snap Fitness

Springfield Horseshoe Trail

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Dana Thomas House

Niche

Illinois Demographics

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