Marshfield, MO: Friendly County Seat with Small‑Town Roots

Bailey Zahn
Aug 4
2 min read

Community Snapshot

Located in Webster County, Marshfield is the county seat—a cozy city just northeast of Springfield. It spans about 5.52 sq mi (all land), and as of April 1, 2020 had 7,458 residents, growing to an estimated 7,935 by mid-2024—a 6.4% increase since 2020.
Population density is approximately 1,351 people/sq mi.
From around age 32.6 years (median) with roughly 64% homeownership rate, and a median household income around $67,134 (2023‑adjusted).

Pros of Living in Marshfield

Affordable living: Overall cost of living is about 15% below the U.S. average and slightly under Missouri’s average. Median home value hovers near $201,300, 35% below national norms; typical rent runs ~$770/month.
Strong community feel: Residents frequently note safety, friendliness, and a sense of belonging. It’s seen as ideal for families and those seeking slower‑paced living.
Sturdy housing market: Median home prices around $144,800 to $201,300 depending on source, along with good appreciation trends and affordability appeal to first-time buyers and downsizers alike.
Convenient proximity to Springfield: Offers small-town charm with easy access (≈25 min commute) to the more extensive amenities, healthcare, and retail of the metropolitan area.

Cons to Consider

Limited local amenities: Few restaurants, shops, or entertainment options within town; most residents drive to Springfield for shopping or broader service.
Transit & walkability constraints: Few services within walking distance; limited public transportation means car-dependent transportation.

Size & Demographics Summary

Metric	Value (approx.)
Population (2020)	~7,458
Estimated 2024	~7,935 (↑ 6.4%)
Land Area	~5.52 sq mi
Population Density	~1,351 people/sq mi
Median Age	~32.6 years
Median Household Income	~$67,134
Median Home Value	~$201,300
Owner‑Occupancy Rate	~64%
Avg. Daily Commute	~23.3 minutes

Schools: Marshfield R‑I School District

Marshfield R‑I District serves all grades PK–12 across local schools, with Marshfield High School hosting approximately 896 students (2023–24) and a student‑teacher ratio of around 14.25 : 1
The district garners generally positive reviews, with individual schools rated around B to B– on platforms like Niche.
While specific test proficiency data is not published in these summaries, anecdotal and review-based feedback highlights strong extracurricular involvement and family-friendly academic culture.

Final Thoughts

Marshfield is a welcoming, affordable small city with strong community roots—ideal for buyers who value space, simplicity, and safe neighborhoods. While it lacks nightlife, its cost of living and access to Springfield make it a real contender for relocating families or those wanting to downsize.