If you live in the Columbus area and keep looking west on I-70, you have company. I am Amanda Mullins, a REALTOR® with eXp Realty and a Former Appraisal Management Director, and I help buyers weigh this exact decision.
Here is what the numbers say, where each one comes from, and why it matters to your budget.
Key Takeaways
- More people came to Clark County from the Columbus metro than went the other way: 891 versus 612 (IRS, 2022 to 2023).
- The median home value was $155,900 in Clark County and $265,700 in Franklin County (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 to 2023).
- The median annual property tax bill was $1,943 in Clark County and $4,110 in Franklin County (same source).
- Springfield to downtown Columbus is about 45.7 miles (US Trip Planner, November 2026).
- Melody Parks in Springfield is planned for more than 1,200 homes and apartments (Borror, July 24, 2026).
How Many People Choose Springfield After Columbus?
The IRS tracks address changes on tax returns from one year to the next. Between the 2022 and 2023 filings, 891 people went from the Columbus metro to the Springfield metro, which is Clark County. In the same period, 612 went from Clark County to the Columbus metro. That is a difference of 279 in Springfield's favor. (Source: IRS Statistics of Income migration data, 2022 to 2023, compiled by Shilo.)
Why does this matter to you? It tells you the idea is not unusual. It does not tell you whether it fits your life. The count covers tax filers and their dependents only, and it is a few years old, so treat it as context.
Columbus Area vs. Springfield: Side-by-Side
| What to compare | Columbus side (Franklin County) | Springfield side (Clark County) |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value, owner-occupied | $265,700 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2019 to 2023, via TaxDrop) | $155,900 (same source and period) |
| Median annual property tax bill | $4,110 (same source and period) | $1,943 (same source and period) |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.55% (same source and period) | 1.25% (same source and period) |
| Average one-way commute for residents | 21.5 minutes (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, 2020 to 2024) | 22.5 minutes (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2016 to 2020, via Stacker, Dec. 30, 2022) |
| New construction | 10,494 building permits in 2025 (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts) | Melody Parks: more than 1,200 planned homes and apartments on about 400 acres (Borror, July 24, 2026) |
The two commute figures cover different survey periods, so read them as a general picture, not a precise match.
Market Snapshot: Recent Sale Prices
Central Ohio median sale price: $345,500 in August 2026 (Columbus REALTORS, published Sept. 15, 2026).
City of Springfield median sale price: $163,900 for the three months ending August 2026 (Redfin).
These come from two different sources and cover different areas, so use them as a rough guide. For a closer look at prices, see my Springfield vs. Columbus home price comparison.
Why the Value Gap Changes More Than Your Payment
A lower price is the obvious part. The less obvious part is what follows the price.
Property taxes are based on value, so a lower value usually means a smaller bill. In the Census figures above, the median bill in Clark County was less than half of the median bill in Franklin County. That shows up in your escrow payment every month.
Two cautions. First, county medians hide a lot. Your bill depends on the taxing district and the levies tied to one specific address, so always look at the actual tax record for the home you are considering. Second, I spent 13+ years in appraisal management, and I can tell you that a list price is an opinion. I look at what recent nearby sales support before a buyer writes an offer.
The Commute: Run the Real Numbers
Springfield to downtown Columbus is about 45.7 miles, mostly on I-70. Typical drive time is about 55 minutes, with a range of 51 minutes to 1 hour 5 minutes depending on when you leave (US Trip Planner, accessed Nov. 12, 2026).
Why this matters: a lower housing cost can be offset by fuel, time, and wear on your car. Before you fall for a house, drive the route at the hour you would really leave. Then multiply by the number of days you go in each week. A buyer who commutes 2 days a week is making a different decision than one who commutes 5.
New Construction in Springfield
If you assumed new homes were only a Columbus suburb option, look again.
Melody Parks is a phased community on Springfield's east side. The plan allows up to 756 single-family homes, up to 395 apartments, and up to 146 patio homes for rent, with 80 acres of parks and open space (Borror, July 24, 2026). Arbor Homes and Fischer Homes were named as builders there, and each home was reported to carry a 15-year tax abatement (Springfield News-Sun, February 2025).
Another proposal, Liberty Place in Moorefield Township, called for 159 homes across 3 phases (Springfield News-Sun, April 1, 2026).
The lesson with any abatement: ask what the tax bill will be when it ends, and budget for that number. The on-site sales representative works for the builder, so you can bring your own agent. I cover that on my new construction page.
What to Do Before You Decide
- Pull the real tax record for any home you like, not the county median.
- Drive the commute at your actual departure time, twice.
- Compare a resale home and a new build at the same monthly payment, including taxes and any HOA fee.
- Read my guide to living in Springfield, Ohio and my Clark County page for local detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Springfield, Ohio less expensive than the Columbus area?
By Census estimates, yes. The median owner-occupied home value was $155,900 in Clark County and $265,700 in Franklin County (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 to 2023).
How far is Springfield from Columbus?
About 45.7 miles to downtown Columbus, with a typical drive of about 55 minutes (US Trip Planner, accessed Nov. 12, 2026).
Are property taxes lower in Clark County than in Franklin County?
The median annual bill was $1,943 in Clark County and $4,110 in Franklin County (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 to 2023). Your bill depends on the specific address.
Want to Talk It Through?
If you are coming from Columbus and wondering whether Springfield fits, I am happy to have a private conversation about buying here. No pressure and no timeline. Call or text my cell at (317) 750-6316.
I am not a financial advisor or a tax professional. Equal Housing Opportunity.
