Springfield

by The Linguist

Springfield is a city located in Hampden County in the state of Massachusetts. As of the 2020 census, the population of Springfield was 154,758, making it the third largest city in Massachusetts after Boston and Worcester.

Population

The population of Springfield has declined over the past few decades. According to Wikipedia, the population peaked in 1960 at 174,463 residents. Since then, the population has gone down each census, with just 154,758 residents in 2020.

Springfield is still one of the more diverse cities in Massachusetts. As of 2020, the racial makeup of the city was:

  • 38.6% White
  • 22.3% African American
  • 40.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race
  • 3.0% Asian
  • 0.1% Native American
  • 3.5% Two or more races

Like many northeastern cities, Springfield experienced white flight in the second half of the 20th century. However, it remains a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population.

Economy and Major Employers

Historically, Springfield’s economy relied heavily on manufacturing. Companies like Smith & Wesson and Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Co were major employers. While manufacturing is still important, the economy has diversified over the years.

According to the city’s website, the largest employers in Springfield are:

  • Baystate Health
  • MassMutual
  • Big Y Foods
  • Springfield Public Schools
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Mercy Medical Center
  • Smith & Wesson
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • MGM Springfield
  • New England Public Media

As you can see, healthcare, education, finance, and manufacturing remain major industries. MGM Springfield, a resort casino, also employs thousands of city residents.

Despite diversification, Springfield’s economy still struggles with poverty and unemployment. As of 2019, 23.6% of residents lived below the poverty line. The unemployment rate was 6.1% pre-pandemic, higher than state and national averages.

Attractions and Landmarks

Springfield offers many cultural and historical attractions. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Basketball Hall of Fame – This shrine to basketball history opened in 1985. It hosts exhibits on various players, coaches, and moments in basketball history. Visitors can also shoot hoops on replica NBA courts. The Hall of Fame hosts the induction ceremonies of new members each year. Facebook
  • Springfield Museums – This group of five museums covers science, art, history, and Dr. Seuss. The Museum of Science features dinosaur fossils while the Dr. Seuss Museum explores the Springfield native’s life and artwork. Website
  • The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum – Opened in 2017, this museum is devoted to Springfield native Dr. Seuss. It features interactive exhibits that bring his stories to life. Website
  • Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – see above.
  • Springfield Armory National Historic Site – Founded in 1777, the Armory was the main developer of U.S. military firearms for nearly 200 years. Today, the site features exhibits on firearm history and a large collection of weapons. Website
  • The Quadrangle – This cluster of museums and cultural sites includes the Dr. Seuss Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Website
  • Six Flags New England – This large amusement park is located just outside Springfield. It features rollercoasters, rides, and other attractions. Website

Sports

While Springfield doesn’t have any major professional teams, there are a few popular sports franchises in the city:

  • Springfield Thunderbirds – This AHL hockey team plays at the MassMutual Center downtown. They are affiliated with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. Website
  • FC Springfield – An amateur soccer club founded in 2018. They play in the USL League Two. Website
  • Springfield Falcons – Now defunct, the Falcons were a popular AHL hockey team from 1994 to 2016. They were affiliated with several NHL teams over the years.

The city’s relative proximity to Boston and Hartford means locals can easily enjoy games of the professional teams in those cities as well.

Conclusion

Springfield has a rich history and culture. While facing some economic challenges, the city continues to reinvent itself. Major employers like MassMutual and Baystate Health provide jobs while attractions like the Basketball Hall of Fame and Dr. Seuss Museum bring tourists. The diverse population gives Springfield a unique character in western Massachusetts.