Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Springfield, MA
Considering a move to Springfield, MA? With a population of 155,929, Springfield offers affordable housing—median home prices are $237,000 and average rents around $1,250. Commutes are quick at just over 21 minutes on average, and healthcare is accessible with two major hospitals nearby. While the city has higher crime rates than the national average, it features a diverse, youthful community and a moderate cost of living. Enjoy four distinct seasons, convenient amenities, and strong educational options including colleges and public schools.
Demographics - Springfield, MA
Demographics - Springfield, MA
Springfield is home to approximately 156,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 34.1 and a diverse community where over half the population identifies as non-white. The city has a significant multilingual presence, with nearly a quarter of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a blend of urban and neighborhood living.
Population:
155,929
Density:
4,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
28.5%
Black:
19.2%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
50.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Springfield, MA?
The cost of living in Springfield is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $237,000 and average rents around $1,250. Utilities and transportation are somewhat higher than average, but affordable housing makes Springfield attractive for budget-conscious movers. State income tax rates range from 5.0% to 9.0%, helping balance expenses for families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$237,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.6
Grocery:
101.0
Housing:
79.4
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
107.5
Health Care:
105.8
Miscellaneous:
98.3
Crime
Is Springfield, MA a safe place to live?
Springfield experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with about 727 violent crimes and 2,642 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 137, and for property crime, about 1 in 38. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about neighborhood safety and take common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
727
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,642
Crime Index:
3,369
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 137
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Springfield, MA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Springfield, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The city receives nearly 47 inches of annual rainfall and about 54% of days are sunny, providing a balance of sunshine and precipitation year-round. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Springfield's neighboring communities have a median household income of about $46,450, and a relatively high poverty rate at 24.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, but only 18.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average commute times are short at just over 21 minutes, with limited public transportation use.
Median Income:
$43,500
Household Income:
$46,450
Family Income:
$53,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$39,500
Income Female:
$34,200
Poverty Rate:
24.5%
Non English Speakers:
23.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
4.3%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Springfield, MA?
Springfield has a variety of educational options, including public schools like Springfield Central High School and Forest Park Middle School, as well as private and higher education institutions such as Springfield College and Western New England University. Student-to-teacher ratios are reasonable, and local colleges provide opportunities for advanced learning. The city's education system supports families with children of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Springfield Central High School
Street:
1840 Roosevelt Ave
Phone:
413-787-7085
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Forest Park Middle School
Street:
46 Oakland St
Phone:
413-787-7420
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Cathedral High School
Street:
260 Surrey Rd
Phone:
413-782-5285
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
Springfield College
City:
Springfield
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
Western New England University
City:
Springfield
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Springfield offers strong healthcare access with major facilities like Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center, and a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.1%. There are about 3 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring available medical care for most needs. The city's healthcare index indicates generally favorable access and quality of services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baystate Medical Center
Address:
759 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01199
Phone:
(413) 794-0000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Medical Center
Address:
271 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104
Phone:
(413) 748-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Springfield, MA?
Springfield's housing market remains accessible with a median home price of $237,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,250. Nearly half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of 7.4% over the past year. Rental vacancy rates are moderately high, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$237,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Springfield are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on St. James Ave. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services online or by phone. The local office provides comprehensive motor vehicle services for city and regional residents.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1250 St. James Ave, Springfield, MA 01104
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.