Springfield MO vs Washington DC — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Springfield, MO
Missouri · Population: 169,432
- Median HH Income$45,984
- Median Home Price$245,279
- Unemployment4.3%
- Bachelor's+30.3%
Washington, DC
District of Columbia · Population: 672,079
- Median HH Income$106,287
- Median Home Price$580,173
- Unemployment6.5%
- Bachelor's+63.6%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Springfield
169,432
Washington
672,079
Washington +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Springfield
N/A
Washington
N/A
Median Age
Springfield
33.6
Springfield +
Washington
34.9
Foreign Born
Springfield
3.8%
Washington
13.3%
Washington +
White
Springfield
85.2%
Springfield +
Washington
39.1%
Black
Springfield
4.3%
Washington
43.3%
Washington +
Asian
Springfield
1.7%
Washington
4.1%
Washington +
Hispanic
Springfield
5.6%
Washington
11.6%
Washington +
Spanish at Home
Springfield
N/A
Washington
N/A
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 672,079 | Washington + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 33.6 | 34.9 | Springfield + |
| Foreign Born | 3.8% | 13.3% | Washington + |
| White | 85.2% | 39.1% | Springfield + |
| Black | 4.3% | 43.3% | Washington + |
| Asian | 1.7% | 4.1% | Washington + |
| Hispanic | 5.6% | 11.6% | Washington + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Springfield
$45,984
Washington
$106,287
Washington +
Per Capita Income
Springfield
$30,864
Washington
$75,253
Washington +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Springfield
$58,527
Washington
$101,182
Washington +
Unemployment Rate
Springfield
4.3%
Springfield +
Washington
6.5%
Poverty Rate
Springfield
19.4%
Washington
14.5%
Washington +
Bachelor's Degree+
Springfield
30.3%
Washington
63.6%
Washington +
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $45,984 | $106,287 | Washington + |
| Per Capita Income | $30,864 | $75,253 | Washington + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $58,527 | $101,182 | Washington + |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 6.5% | Springfield + |
| Poverty Rate | 19.4% | 14.5% | Washington + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 30.3% | 63.6% | Washington + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Springfield
$245,279
Springfield +
Washington
$580,173
Homeownership Rate
Springfield
42.9%
Springfield +
Washington
41.1%
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $245,279 | $580,173 | Springfield + |
| Homeownership Rate | 42.9% | 41.1% | Springfield + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Springfield
501
Washington
398
Washington +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Springfield
2418
Washington
1999
Washington +
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 501 | 398 | Washington + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 2418 | 1999 | Washington + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Springfield
37.7%
Washington
24.6%
Washington +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Springfield
11.1%
Washington
7.8%
Washington +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Springfield
20.0%
Washington
14.6%
Washington +
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Springfield
10.0%
Washington
6.7%
Washington +
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Springfield
15.6%
Springfield +
Washington
24.0%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Springfield
17.1%
Washington
9.7%
Washington +
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 37.7% | 24.6% | Washington + |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 11.1% | 7.8% | Washington + |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 20.0% | 14.6% | Washington + |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 10.0% | 6.7% | Washington + |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 15.6% | 24.0% | Springfield + |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 17.1% | 9.7% | Washington + |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Springfield
56.3°F
Washington
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Springfield
45.6 in
Washington
N/A
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 56.3°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 45.6 in | N/A | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Springfield
9.3 µg/m³
Washington
8.8 µg/m³
Washington +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Springfield
55.0%
Washington
75.0%
Washington +
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.3 µg/m³ | 8.8 µg/m³ | Washington + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Washington + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Springfield
19.5 min
Springfield +
Washington
32.8 min
| Metric | Springfield, MO | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 19.5 min | 32.8 min | Springfield + |
Which City is Right for You?
Washington leads in median household income at $106,287, while springfield offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $245,279. On public safety, Washington is safer with a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, compared to 501 in Springfield. Springfield has a lower unemployment rate at 4.3%, and Washington has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.8 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Washington scores better with a lower obesity rate of 24.6%.
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