Springfield MSA population grows 2.8%

The Springfield metropolitan statistical area population grew to an estimated 448,744 in July 2013, a 2.8 percent increase compared to the 2010 Census.

According to Census Bureau data released last week, the five-county Springfield metro area gained 12,032 residents last year, ranking the MSA 136th out of the 381 metro areas in terms of three-year growth rate, according to a news release.

Based on growth April 1, 2010-July 1, 2013, the Springfield MSA has the second-highest rank in Missouri, behind only Columbia's No. 46 rank. Missouri MSA growth ranks were:

• No. 46 Columbia, which added 8,131 people to give it an estimated 170,773 metro population;
• No. 136 Springfield, after adding 12,032 people to 448,744;
• No. 170 Kansas City, which grew by 45,135 to 2.1 million;
• No. 231 Cape Girardeau, which rose 1,164 to 97,439;
• No. 282 St. Louis, which saw its population increase by 13,362 to 2.8 million;
• No. 284 Jefferson City, which increased 687 to 150,494;
• No. 289 St. Joseph, which rose 438 to 127,676; and
• No. 318 Joplin, which decreased by 273 to 175,243.

The Springfield metro area - which comprises Greene, Christian, Webster, Dallas and Polk counties - also ranks 112th in terms of population among the nation's MSAs. The St. Louis metro area leads Missouri with its No. 19 ranking, according to the release.