Springfield has landed at #85 on Livability’s 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live, a national ranking that evaluates small- to mid-sized cities on the factors that matter most to businesses, workers, and investors. The recognition arrives at a notable moment: the metro area just surpassed 500,000 in population, and Springfield is days away from hosting the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration as the historic highway celebrates its 100th year. This is a community with history, momentum, and a clear trajectory.
Livability analyzes more than 100 data points across economy, housing, amenities, safety, health, education, and transportation — with extra weight on housing affordability and cost of living in 2026, reflecting the economic climate businesses and their employees are navigating. Springfield’s ranking reflects genuine, data-backed strength across all of these categories.
A Strategic Location with a Strong Business Foundation
Springfield and the Ozarks region serve as an economic hub, positioned at the crossroads of Interstate 44 and U.S. Route 65 in the southwestern corner of Missouri — roughly equidistant between St. Louis, Kansas City, and Tulsa. It’s the global headquarters of Bass Pro Shops and O’Reilly Auto Parts, a major center for health care and logistics, and home to a university system that delivers a deep, consistent pipeline of skilled professionals to the technology, education, and professional services sectors. For businesses evaluating where to locate or expand, the fundamentals here are hard to match.
An Affordable Market with Room to Grow
Cost of living and housing affordability are central to workforce attraction and retention — and Springfield delivers. The market is well-positioned for steady, reliable growth, and the attainable cost of living gives employers a meaningful edge when competing for talent against higher-cost metros. Workers can live well here, which means they tend to stay.
A Community That Invests in Itself
What sets Springfield apart isn’t just the economics — it’s the civic commitment behind them. In 2024, residents voted to approve Spring Forward SGF, a sales tax measure directing millions into neighborhood vitality, pedestrian safety, and social services. Through the Mayor’s Initiative on Equity and Equality and community events like the annual Multicultural Festival and Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street, Springfield actively cultivates the kind of inclusive, welcoming environment that supports long-term workforce stability.
More than 100 park sites, a 100-mile trail network, world-class arts venues like Juanita K. Hammons Hall and the Gillioz Theatre, and easy access to the Ozarks combine to create a quality of life that attracts talent — and keeps it.
Recognition That Reflects Regional Strength
A growing population, a nationally recognized quality of life, and a business environment built for sustainable growth: Springfield is delivering the “sweet spot” that companies and their employees are searching for. For Chamber members, partners, and businesses considering the region, this ranking is one more proof point in a compelling and growing case.
We’re proud of what this community has built — and excited about what comes next.
