Springfield was recently recognized as one of Southern Business & Development magazine’s Ten Sizzling Mid-Market Economies. This ranking acknowledges cities where economic growth and development are outpacing the rest of the country.

As the third largest metro in Missouri, Springfield has a population of nearly 500,000 with an economic impact that spans across 10 counties in the Southwest part of the state. With national names that include Bass Pro Shops and O’Reilly Auto Parts, Springfield is no stranger to what it takes to be top of the list. The city’s unemployment rate has consistently fallen below national averages and job growth has been on the rise, with more than 4000 jobs added over the past year. Additionally, a significant number of manufacturing expansion projects have been driving growth, led by a strong stainless steel industry and a niche in remanufacturing.

This ranking isn’t the first time that Springfield has been recognized as an economic leader. NewGeography.com named Springfield the 15th Best City for Job Growth in 2014 amongst mid-sized cities, and in August of last year the city was recognized as the No. 4 Recovery Leader in the United States for having the most impressive surges in job creation, wages, and salaries in the past year.

Access the full list by Southern Business & Development here.