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As the gateway to the Ozark Mountains, Springfield boasts stunning scenic attractions and plentiful outdoor recreation, but the topography also improves the weather. Winters in the Ozarks are generally milder, and the summers are cooler. AARP gives Springfield top marks for air and drinking water quality on its Livability Index. Cleaner air and water benefit the 169,000-plus residents who call the city home. Its population also includes over 26,700 seniors aged 65 or older. Seniors benefit from untaxed Social Security benefits and Springfield’s favorable cost of living that’s nearly 18% lower than the national average.
Assisted living communities in Springfield are an attractive option for self-sufficient seniors who don’t require around-the-clock health care but who regularly need personal assistance and want to live in a residential setting. Seniors pay an average of $3,250 per month for assisted living in Springfield per the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, much less than the national average.
This guide offers insight into assisted living in Springfield, including the average costs in other Missouri cities. It also provides a list of free or low-cost resources for seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Missouri. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Springfield’s average cost of assisted living is $3,250, but the amount at a specific facility can vary based on amenities, services and other factors.
Missouri’s average cost of assisted living is $3,000 per month, making Springfield’s average of $3,250 higher by $250 per month. However, the city’s average is much lower than the national average of $4,500.
Compared to other cities in Missouri, Springfield’s average cost of assisted living lands is about average. Jefferson City has the lowest rate of those highlighted. At $2,075, it’s almost $1,200 less than Springfield. Cape Girardeau is significantly lower at $2,538. Columbia and Joplin get closer to Springfield’s average at $2,800 and $2,805. St. Joseph is the first of three cities that are more expensive than Springfield at $3,875. The other two cities are St. Louis at $4,100 and Kansas City at $4,585.
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Springfield
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Missouri.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging | (800) 497-0822 | The SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging advocates for seniors and strives to connect older adults to essential community services that help them remain healthy, active and independent. Its Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program helps seniors aged 60 and older file simple tax returns. SeniorAge helps seniors navigate their health care coverage options, and it answers Medicare questions. Other programs include health screenings, podiatry clinics, exercise and fitness, chronic disease self-management and workshops on balance and falls. |
| Senior Community Service Employment Program | (573) 526-4542 | The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps low-income seniors aged 55 and older wanting to enter the workforce gain the training they need. The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, also provides job placement assistance. The program aims to provide skills training to seniors and much-needed support to host agencies within the community. |
| Missouri State University 62 | (877) 678-2005 | MSU 62 offers tuition-free courses for Missouri residents aged 62 or older through its special fee waiver program. Eligible seniors may register for one class during the fall and spring semester, and MSU waives the required student fees. However, seniors must still cover the cost of textbooks, special course fees and parking. Students may take classes for credit or on an audit basis, and they can enroll in either undergraduate or graduate courses. |
| OATS Transit | (800) 770-6287 | OATS Transit is a shared-ride public transportation company offering service to seniors, disabled individuals and the rural public regardless of age. Seniors may schedule rides to medical appointments, pharmacies, shopping centers and work. It also provides intercity express connections to larger cities. All buses are ADA accessible and operate on weekdays and weekends in some cases. Some routes require a fare, while others are donation-based thanks to funding from the AAA. Seniors aged 60 or older and disabled individuals aged 18 or older are asked to donate a minimum amount for their rides. |
| Northview Center | (417) 837-5808 | Northview Center is one of two senior centers in Springfield. It offers Accessible Recreation Programs and various activities for seniors aged 55 or older. Senior programs include fitness, nutrition, health and dance lessons. There’s a library and book exchange, and seniors can sign up for computer classes, arts and crafts, field trips and concerts. Northview Center doesn’t require a membership fee, but some programs have nominal participation fees. |
| Legal Services of Southern Missouri | (800) 444-4863 | LSSM is one of four legal services organizations in the state-funded by the Legal Services Corporation. LSC, a not-for-profit corporation, ensures low-income residents have access to the court system. LSSM serves seniors and low-income individuals in 43 southern Missouri counties. It has an office in Springfield. Staff provides free assistance with elder law issues, health care directives, estate planning, wills, powers of attorney and limited probate matters. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Springfield area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
