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Springfield, MO

Frequently asked questions

Springfield, MO

Springfield is the third most populous city in the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. The city's population was 169,176 at the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Springfield metropolitan area, which had an estimated population of 487,061 in 2022 and includes the counties of Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk, and Webster, The city sits on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozarks, which ranges from nearly-level to rolling hills. Springfield is the second-largest urban area in the Ozarks.

Springfield's nicknames include "Queen City of the Ozarks" and "The Birthplace of Route 66". The city has been called the "Buckle of the Bible Belt" due to its association with evangelical Christianity. The city is the headquarters for Bass Pro Shops and the adjoining Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium. It is also home to O'Reilly Auto Parts, which began as a family business with 13 employees in 1957. Springfield is close to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and is along the national historic Trail of Tears. In 2020, Springfield's largest ethnicities were 87.6% White, 4% Black, and 5% two or more races, placing it among the least diverse cities in the United States. The city is a regional center of medical care, with the two largest hospitals, CoxHealth and Mercy, being the largest employers in the city. Springfield hosts several universities and colleges, including Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University. Springfield is an important regional center for distribution, logistics, and manufacturing.

The origin of the city's name is unclear, but the most common view is that it was named by migrants from Springfield, Massachusetts. One account is that James Wilson, who lived in the new settlement, offered free whiskey to anyone who would vote for the name Springfield, after his hometown in Massachusetts.

Springfield Express editor J. G. Newbill said in the November 11, 1881, issue: "It has been stated that this city got its name from the fact of a spring and field being nearby just west of town. But such is not the correct version. When the authorized persons met and adopted the title of the 'Future Great' of the Southwest, several of the earliest settlers had handed in their favorite names, among whom was Kindred Rose, who presented the winning name in honor of his hometown, Springfield, Tennessee." In 1883, historian R. I. Holcombe wrote: "The town took its name from the circumstance of there being a spring under the hill, on the creek, while on top of the hill, where the principal portion of the town lay, there was a field."

Springfield is on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozarks region of southwest Missouri. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 82.31 square miles (213.2 square kilometers), of which 81.72 square miles (211.7 square kilometers) is land and 0.59 square miles (1.5 square kilometers) (0.7%) is water.

The city of Springfield is mainly flat with rolling hills and cliffs surrounding its south, east, and north sections. Springfield is on the Springfield Plateau, which reaches from Northwest Arkansas to Central Missouri. Most of the plateau is characterized by forests, pastures, and shrub-scrub habitats. Many streams and tributaries, such as the James River, Galloway Creek, and Jordan Creek, flow within or near the city. Nearby lakes include Table Rock Lake, Stockton Lake, McDaniel Lake, Fellows Lake, Lake Springfield, and Pomme de Terre Lake. Springfield is near the population center of the United States, about 80 miles (130 km) to the east.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, offering its residents a range of facilities and programs to support a healthy lifestyle. The Springfield-Greene County Park Board manages numerous parks and recreational areas, including Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield are prominent healthcare providers, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services. A Touch of Heaven Massage offers a holistic approach to health while Body Kneads Massage Therapy provides therapeutic massages for relaxation and pain relief. At Acacia Spa, you can indulge in a variety of spa treatments. My Sage Studio and S.W.E.T. Hot Yoga and Fitness specialize in yoga classes that cater to all skill levels, focusing on mindfulness and physical well-being.

Top sites in Springfield, MO are Discovery Center of Springfield, Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Dickerson Park Zoo, and Route 66 Car Museum.

Population: 170,596 (2024). ZIP codes: 65801-65810, 65814, 65817, 65890, 65897-65899. Area code: 417. Elevation: 1,286 ft (392 m). Area: 83.70 sq mi (216.78 km2).

FAQs

Why is Springfield, MO so famous?

Springfield is the second-largest urban area in the Ozarks. Springfield's nicknames include "Queen City of the Ozarks" and "The Birthplace of Route 66". The city has been called the "Buckle of the Bible Belt" due to its association with evangelical Christianity. The city is the headquarters for Bass Pro Shops and the adjoining Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium. It is also home to O'Reilly Auto Parts, which began as a family business with 13 employees in 1957.

Is Springfield, Missouri a nice place to live?

Springfield, Missouri is a wonderful city for families to live in. With its friendly community, affordable cost of living, and excellent education options, it offers a high quality of life for residents. The city provides numerous family-friendly attractions and activities. Springfield boasts an exceptional school system with both public and private schools. The city is home to several award-winning schools that prioritize the education and well-being of its students.

Is Springfield, MO expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Springfield, MO is 8% lower than the state average and 15% lower than the national average. Springfield, MO housing is 27% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 20% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 11% less in Springfield, MO than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 11% less. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 5% less here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 11% cheaper in Springfield, MO.

Sources

City of Springfield

Wikipedia

Rentals

Rent Cafe

Discovery Center of Springfield 

Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium 

Dickerson Park Zoo 

Route 66 Car Museum

Springfield-Greene County Park Board

CoxHealth

Mercy Hospital Springfield

A Touch of Heaven Massage 

Body Kneads Massage Therapy

Acacia Spa

My Sage Studio

S.W.E.T. Hot Yoga and Fitness

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.