Springfield, OH Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Springfield, OH: What You Need to Know

Springfield, the seat of Clark County, is known for its legacy in the invention and production of agricultural equipment. The city is located on the Mad River and Buck Creek in southwestern Ohio.

Local History of Springfield, OH

The Treaty of Greenville between the Native Americans and the government in 1795 opened up the area for settlement. James Demint was among the early white settlers who built a cabin in the area in 1799. In 1801, surveyor James Dougherty platted the town that became Springfield on Demint’s land. Many of the town's earliest settlers came from Kentucky. Springfield got its name for the springs and abundant water in the area.

Springfield, OH Schools and Education

There are two institutions of higher education in Springfield. Wittenberg University (1,801 students) is a private, liberal arts institution, and Clark State Community College (5,704 students) is a public, two-year college. In primary and secondary education, there are 35 public schools serving 15,459 students in Springfield. Top-ranked schools include Reid Elementary School and Rolling Hills Elementary School.

What are the Top Industries in Springfield, OH?

The manufacturing industry has historically been the key driver of the local economy, but that’s no longer the case. Today, the core industries in Springfield and Clark County are health care, education, professional services, and government (local and federal).  Major employers include Community Mercy Health Partners, Assurant (risk management services), Clark County Schools, Ohio Air National Guard, Navistar (trucks and diesel engines), and Springfield City Schools. Many Springfield residents work at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and commute to Dayton, 25 miles away. The base is Ohio’s largest, single-site employer.

Is it Cheaper to Live in Springfield, OH Than in Dayton?

Yes. Keep in mind that Springfield’s population of 58,877 is less than half of Dayton’s population. Springfield’s cost of living rate is 14.2% lower than the national average. Food and housing costs are also inexpensive – 17.2% and 46% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in Springfield is $730. Ohio levies 0% to 4.797% in income tax and 5.75% in statewide sales tax. Many municipalities charge up to 3% of additional income taxes. 

What’s Unique About Springfield, OH?

Farm machinery put Springfield on the map in the 19th century, beginning in 1855 when native son William N. Whiteley invented the mower. While Cyrus McCormick invented the reaper in Virginia in 1831, his company later worked with Springfield native Benjamin Warder. They manufactured farm machinery in Springfield. From the Civil War until the 1950s, Springfield was one of the country’s leading manufacturers of agricultural equipment.