Location: In the southwest corner of Missouri; 215 miles southwest of St. Louis, 167 miles southeast of Kansas City, 229 miles north of Little Rock, 176 miles northeast of Tulsa. Springfield is the third largest city in the state. More than 75% of the waterways in Missouri, including 9 area lakes, are within 90 minutes driving time of Springfield. We offer the conveniences of a large city in a small town atmosphere.

Population: 151,580 in 2000. Metropolitan Statistical Area population: 285,000. Estimated Greater Springfield Area population (40-mile radius): 564,429.

Climate: A four-season plateau climate characterized by an abundance of sunshine, low wind velocity and mild temperatures. Normal temperature ranges are: Spring: 44°- 68°, Summer: 67°- 90°, Fall: 46°-70°, and Winter 20°- 42°. Average annual precipitation is 43 inches with 17 inches of snowfall.

Cost of Living: Over the past five years the American Chamber of Commerce Research Association Cost of Living Index has rated Springfield 8-10 percent below the national cost of living average. Housing costs alone have indexed at nearly 10% below the national average and utility rates rank in the bottom 25% of those charged in the United States.

Employment: Major employment areas include: hospitals/clinics, health services, schools and manufacturing. Employment information is available from the Missouri Career Center, 1514 South Glenstone, 65804; (417) 887-4343. The unemployment rate for the metropolitan area averaged 2.2% in October 2000.

Housing: The average selling price of existing homes in the area is approximately $100,924. A typical home rents for between $500 and $750 a month. A list of realtors is available by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Springfield Board of Realtors, 1310 East Primrose, 65808, or call (417) 883-1226. Average apartment rent is $350 (1-bedroom) and $450-495 (2-bedroom). To receive rental housing information, send a self-addressed, stamped legal size envelope to: Springfield Apartment Association, 1818 South Stewart, Suite 140, 65804, or call (417) 883-4942, or visit the website at www.gsaha.org.

Taxes: Springfield and Missouri are quite favorable. The sales tax in Springfield is 6.475%. Personal property tax is $4.35 per $100 valuation, with assessed valuation at one-third true value. For information on Missouri's personal income tax, call (417) 895-6474.

For more information about Springfield, please visit the Springfield Area of Chamber Commerce Site