Springfield metro area population surpasses 400,000

In 2006, the area's population was 407,092, more than 2 percent higher and nearly 10,000 more people than in 2005. Between 1990 and 2000, the area's population grew 23.2 percent, and between 2000 and 2006, it grew 10.1 percent.

The Springfield MSA covers Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk and Dallas counties.

Greg Williams, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce senior vice president of economic development, said the MSA is fast approaching the 450,000- to 500,000-people benchmark that companies look for when choosing to set up shop in an area.

"At the same time, our market area of population, based on commuting patterns and where people live and still choose to work in Springfield, is nearing 1 million people," he added. "This area's growing up."

Williams pointed to Springfield in the early 1990s, when its MSA reached 250,000 people – and retailers were quick to notice.

"Just after that was publicized, we were on the radar screen of so many new companies," he said, noting the rapid expansion of South Glenstone Avenue at the time. That area is now home to big-name restaurants and retailers, such as Home Depot and Lowe's.