Moving from Thornton, CO to Springfield, IL
The drive from Thornton, CO to Springfield, IL runs 917 mi β about 16h 15m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
917 mi Β· 16h 15m by car Β· CO β KS β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 36, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Boulder, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Thornton | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 105.782 to 92.745, putting Springfield roughly 12.3% below Thornton on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 12.3% below Thornton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Thornton -3.3%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Thornton | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Thornton | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,878 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $100,985 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.3% between Thornton and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Thornton to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 917 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Thornton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $58,490 in the Thornton MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, IL from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance is 917 mi and the route typically takes 16h 15m via I 70 and US 36. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Thornton vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $100,985 in Thornton β a 35.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Thornton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $502,945 in Thornton β a 67.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Thornton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 12.3% lower than Thornton (92.745 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Thornton.
City profiles: Thornton, CO Β· Springfield, IL.