Moving to Springfield Guide 2025 : Demographics, Cost of living, Job, Taxes

Is moving to Springfield right for you?

Springfield is the capital of Illinois and the second-largest city in the state. As the home of former president Abraham Lincoln, Springfield is constantly attracting tourists from far and near.

If you’d like to live in a city with a suburban atmosphere, shorter commuting time, affordable homes, low cost of living with rich and diverse culture, moving to Springfield, IL is perfect for you.

Public schools in Springfield, IL are rated above average and the city is home to several top-rated universities and colleges. The city’s warm summer and cold winters make it suitable for many individuals and families.

If all that sounds like what you’ll like to be a part of, we’ve curated key data about Springfield to help you make the right moving decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Springfield IL is right for you.

Springfield Quick Facts

Why Springfield

Springfield Pros & Cons

Springfield Neighborhoods

Springfield Cost of Living

Springfield House Market

Springfield Taxes

Springfield Things to Do

Springfield Safety

Springfield Schools

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Quick Facts to know before moving to Springfield, IL

Learn some facts about Springfield, IL before moving to the city to help you decide if it's the right place for you.

Springfield’s average one-way commute time is 17.6 minutes
Springfield’s cost of living is lower than the U.S. average
About 66.6% of Springfield residents are renters
About 3.6% of Springfield’s residents work from home
Average annual pay for hourly jobs in Springfield is $66,939
Average hourly pay in Springfield is $32.18 an hour
The combined sales tax rate for Springfield, Illinois is 9.75%

What’s the population of Springfield IL?

Springfield is home to 113,010 people and the city spread across over 67 miles. Springfield has a population density of 1,854 people per square mile. Since you’re considering moving to Springfield, IL, here’s a simple breakdown of the city’s population:

Springfield is the sixth-largest in Illinois
Springfield is the 266th largest city in the U.S.
Springfield is declining rate of -0.54% annually
Springfield’s population has decreased by -2.79% after the last census
52.6% of Springfield’s population are female
47.4% of Springfield’s population are male

How is the weather like in Springfield, IL?

If the weather is on the list of things you’d like to consider before moving to Springfield, IL, we’ve collated key data about the city’s weather to give you an idea of what to expect.

Springfield’s rain averages 38 inches a year
Springfield’s snow averages 18 inches a year
Springfield’s summer high in July is around 85 degrees
Springfield’s winter low in January is 18 degrees

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How fast can you commute in Springfield, IL?

Springfield’s average one-way commute time is 17.6 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. Moving to Springfield means you’ll spend less time on the road commuting. That means less stress and a longer lifespan.

About 81.9% of Springfield’s residents drive their own car alone
Up to 7.9% of Springfield’s residents’ carpool with others
About 3.6% of Springfield’s residents work from home
Around 2.3% of Springfield’s residents take mass transit

Top 10 Reasons To Move To Springfield, IL

Every year, lots of people move to Springfield, IL for several reasons. To help you figure out why moving to Springfield can be such a great idea, we’ve listed key reasons why people are relocating to the city:

Affordable homes
Low cost of living
Access to top-quality education
Shorter commuting time
Enjoy remarkable nightlife downtown
Go camping with friends and loved ones
Enjoy cruising off into the sunset anytime you want
Lots of bars, restaurants, and parks
Top-quality public schools
Springfield is a city of rich and diverse culture

Pros & Cons of Living in Springfield, IL

One of the easiest ways to figure out if moving to Springfield, Illinois is right for you or not is to consider the pros and cons of living in the city.

That will make it easier for you to weigh your options carefully before making up your mind about moving to Springfield, IL:

The pros

Springfield, IL has a low cost of living
Shorter commuting time
Access to quality healthcare
Affordable top-quality education
Springfield is a historic city
Presence of large employers like Wells Fargo, AT&T, and Blue Cross
Springfield livability score is above average
Easy and quick access to St. Louis and Chicago
Growing brewery scene and tons of restaurants
Springfield is suitable for raising a family

The cons

Tornado weather is a problem in Springfield, IL
You’ll have to put up with high taxes in Springfield, IL
Springfield, IL has a high crime rate
Public transportations aren’t so impressive here
Only a few available jobs despite the large employers
Little advancement in careers
People seem to know each other in Springfield
The population growth in Springfield is declining
Springfield can only boast of limited options for entertainment

10 Best Neighborhoods in Springfield, IL

If you’re moving to Springfield from out of Illinois, choosing the right neighborhood may seem tricky.

We’ve made a list of the ten best places to live in Springfield, IL to help you streamline your house-hunting efforts:.

Woodside / Toronto
Curran
Wabash Ave / Archer Elevator Rd
Bradfordton
S Koke Mill Rd / Wabash Ave
Churchill Rd / Oxford Rd
U of Illinois at Springfield / Toronto Rd
Wabash Ave / W White Oaks Dr
N Dirksen Pky / Mayden
W Washington St / S Durkin Dr

How is the housing market in Springfield, IL

One of the key things that makes living in Springfield so appealing to many families is the high home affordability rate. Whether you’re interested in buying or renting a home after moving to Springfield, IL, the cost is lower than the national average.

About 33.4% of Springfield residents are renters
Up to 1.9% of home and apartments in Springfield are open to rent

Average Home Rental Prices in Springfield, IL

Renting a home is a good option if you’re moving to Springfield IL. Here’s the average cost of renting a home in Springfield:

Average cost of a studio apartment in Springfield, IL is $600
Average cost of a 1-bedroom home/apartment in Springfield is $687
Average cost of a 2-bedroom home/apartment in Springfield is $886
Average cost of a 3-bedroom home/apartment in Springfield is $1,1248
Average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Springfield is $1,199

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Median home prices in Springfield, IL

Here’s a simple breakdown of Springfield’s real estate market, compared to the state of Illinois and the United States:

Statistic	Springfield	Illinois	United States
Median Home Value	$133,400	$194,500	$217,500
Median Rent	$805	$1,010	$1,062
Median Income	$54,648	$65,886	$62,843
Home Value To Income	2.4x	3.0x	3.5x
Rent To Monthly Income	0.18x	0.18x	0.2x

How is the housing market in Springfield, IL

Median Home Prices in Springfield, IL

About 33.4% of Springfield residents are renters
Up to 1.9% of home and apartments in Springfield are open to rent

Average Home Rental Prices in Springfield, IL

Renting a home is a good option if you’re moving to Springfield IL. Here’s the average cost of renting a home in Springfield:

Average cost of a studio apartment in Springfield, IL is $600
Average cost of a 1-bedroom home/apartment in Springfield is $687
Average cost of a 2-bedroom home/apartment in Springfield is $886
Average cost of a 3-bedroom home/apartment in Springfield is $1,1248
Average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Springfield is $1,199

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Median home prices in Springfield, IL

Here’s a simple breakdown of Springfield’s real estate market, compared to the state of Illinois and the United States:

Statistic	Springfield	Illinois	United States
Median Home Value	$133,400	$194,500	$217,500
Median Rent	$805	$1,010	$1,062
Median Income	$54,648	$65,886	$62,843
Home Value To Income	2.4x	3.0x	3.5x
Rent To Monthly Income	0.18x	0.18x	0.2x

Springfield, IL Taxes

If you’re moving to Springfield from out of Illinois, you’ll most likely be interested in taxes you’ll have to pay in the city. Here’s a breakdown of the city’s taxes since you’re considering moving to Springfield:

We’ve outlined key metrics of the Empire State taxes since you’re considering moving to Beacon, New York:

The combined sales tax rate for Springfield, Illinois is 9.75%
Illinois sales tax rate is currently 6.25%
The Springfield sales tax rate is 2.5%
The County sales tax rate is 1%
The income tax rate for Springfield is 5.0%

Best Things to Do in Springfield, IL

Springfield, IL is not a boring city. Moving to Springfield, IL means you’ll get the chance to take part in several outdoor activities and visit several attractions.

Here are the best things to do in Springfield, IL:

Visit Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Tour Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House
Catch a glimpse of Old State Capitol
Tour Washington Park Botanical Garden
Explore State Capitol
Catch sight of Illinois Governor's Mansion
Explore Illinois State Museum
Visit Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
Wander through Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
Go around Air Combat Museum, Springfield, Illinois

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How Safe Is Springfield, IL?

Safety is always at the top of the list of things to consider before moving to any city.

Since you’re mulling over moving to Springfield, IL, here are key stats of the city’s crime rate:

Violent crime rate in Springfield is 52.9. The national average is 22.7
Property crime rate in Springfield is 65.4. The national average is 35.4
Property and violent crime rates in Springfield are higher than the U.S. average

Statistic	Count Raw	Springfield/ 100k People	Illinois/ 100k People	National/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K	5,969	5,218.0	2,253.4	2,476.7
Violent Crime	889	777.1	406.9	366.7
Murder	9	7.9	6.6	5.0
Robbery	208	181.8	98.4	81.6
Aggravated Assault	564	493.0	254.0	250.2
Property Crime	5,080	4,440.8	1,846.5	2,109.9
Burglary	1,039	908.3	271.7	340.5
Larceny	3,776	3,300.9	1,426.6	1,549.5
Car Theft	265	231.7	148.2	219.9

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Which are the best schools in Springfield, IL?

Springfield, IL is home to several top-rated schools across the country including universities and colleges.

Since you’re considering moving to Springfield, IL, here are the top ten universities and colleges in the city:

Public schools in Springfield, IL

Whether you have school-age kids or not, buying or renting a home in a top-rated school district area is a good idea if you’re moving to Springfield, IL.

Springfield is home to 52 schools: 15 private schools and 37 public schools. In Springfield schools, there are 1,174 students per librarian, 15 pupils per teacher, and 0 children per counselor. Springfield schools spend $15,118 per student. The national average is $12,383.

Best High Schools in Springfield, IL

Springfield High School
101 South Lewis Street, Springfield, IL, 62704, Public district, 9-12|1,415 students, Rating: 7/10
Springfield Southeast High School
2350 East Ash Street, Springfield, IL, 62703, Public district, 9-12|1,233 students, Rating: 6/10
Lanphier High School
1300 North 11th Street, Springfield, IL, 62702, Public district, 9-12|1,199 students, Rating: 6/10
K12 International Academy
100 N. 1st Street, Springfield, IL, 62777, Private, K-12, Rating: 5/10
The Keystone School
100 N. 1st Street, Springfield, IL, 62777, Private, 6-12, Rating: 5/10

Universities and Colleges in Springfield, IL

University of Illinois Springfield
Benedictine University at Springfield
Lincoln Land Community College
University of Illinois
Springfield College In Illinois
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
University of Illinois West Central Ofc
Lincoln Land Community College
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Sangamon-Menard Ext Unit University of II Ext Bldg

Best Middle Schools in Springfield, IL

Iles Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 1-8 | 393 students, Rating: 8/10
Lincoln Magnet School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 6-8 | 314 students, Rating: 7/10
Springfield Ball Charter School
Springfield School District 186, Charter, K-8 | 398 students, Rating: 7/10
Benjamin Franklin Middle School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 6-8 | 788 students, Rating: 6/10
U S Grant Middle School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 6-8 | 572 students, Rating: 6/10

Best Elementary Schools in Springfield, IL

Iles Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 1-8 | 393 students, Rating: 7/10
Butler Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, K-5 | 406 students, Rating: 6/10
Enos Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, K-5 | 269 students, Rating: 6/10
Owen Marsh Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, PK-5 | 291 students, Rating: 6/10
Sandburg Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, K-5 | 275 students, Rating: 6/10

Best High Schools in Springfield, IL

Springfield High School
101 South Lewis Street, Springfield, IL, 62704, Public district, 9-12|1,415 students, Rating: 7/10
Springfield Southeast High School
2350 East Ash Street, Springfield, IL, 62703, Public district, 9-12|1,233 students, Rating: 6/10
Lanphier High School
1300 North 11th Street, Springfield, IL, 62702, Public district, 9-12|1,199 students, Rating: 6/10
K12 International Academy
100 N. 1st Street, Springfield, IL, 62777, Private, K-12, Rating: 5/10
The Keystone School
100 N. 1st Street, Springfield, IL, 62777, Private, 6-12, Rating: 5/10

Universities and Colleges in Springfield, IL

University of Illinois Springfield
Benedictine University at Springfield
Lincoln Land Community College
University of Illinois
Springfield College In Illinois
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
University of Illinois West Central Ofc
Lincoln Land Community College
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Sangamon-Menard Ext Unit University of II Ext Bldg

Best Middle Schools in Springfield, IL

Iles Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 1-8 | 393 students, Rating: 8/10
Lincoln Magnet School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 6-8 | 314 students, Rating: 7/10
Springfield Ball Charter School
Springfield School District 186, Charter, K-8 | 398 students, Rating: 7/10
Benjamin Franklin Middle School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 6-8 | 788 students, Rating: 6/10
U S Grant Middle School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 6-8 | 572 students, Rating: 6/10

Best Elementary Schools in Springfield, IL

Iles Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, 1-8 | 393 students, Rating: 7/10
Butler Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, K-5 | 406 students, Rating: 6/10
Enos Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, K-5 | 269 students, Rating: 6/10
Owen Marsh Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, PK-5 | 291 students, Rating: 6/10
Sandburg Elementary School
Springfield School District 186, Public, K-5 | 275 students, Rating: 6/10