Reports show Springfield metro in good shape

SBJ Staff

Posted online March 28, 2008 | 10:43 am

Two recent reports show the Springfield metropolitan statistical area is growing and sustaining strong economic conditions in spite of a weakening U.S. economy.

Springfield’s MSA includes Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk and Webster counties.

A U.S. Census Bureau report released Thursday ranks the Springfield MSA 49th among the country’s 100 fastest-growing metro areas, based on population. Springfield grew 2.3 percent to 420,020 people between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, according the report.

The Palm Coast, Fla., metro ranked first on the list, with a 7.2 percent increase in population.

Another report, released March 19 by the Federal Reserve’s eighth district, rated the Springfield metro’s economic condition considerably stronger than metro areas in seven surrounding states, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce said today.

Overall economic activity in the district slowed during early 2008, but the Springfield area remained steady, according to the report. The evaluation was based on the area’s job growth, housing starts, manufacturing activity and low unemployment rate.[[In-content Ad]]