30 miles from Springfield, Bolivar’s expansion is gaining attention
Bolivar is a rural town in southwestern Missouri, about 30 miles north of Springfield. As the seat of Polk County, it was named after South American revolutionary Simon Bolivar, sharing the same name and origin as a Tennessee town. “Bolivar is a nice place to live and somewhat rural. The big industry here is cattle production, and that’s one of the main things we’re known for,” says Darren Sapp, a real estate agent with Sturdy Real Estate for about five years. “But we have a lot of other assets beyond our major employers. Strong local schools, nearby colleges, parks and plenty of land are just some of what’s great about Bolivar.”
Bolivar residents enjoy easy access to local shopping and dining options along Springfield Avenue.
The city of Bolivar takes it's name from the Columbian revolutionary hero.
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Welcoming new business while honoring anchor industries
With a population of about 11,000, Bolivar is in the heart of Missouri's Ozark Mountains. Its leading industries are healthcare, education, technology, meat processing and retail. “While some residents commute to Springfield, there are plenty that work here in town for 3M, Kraft-Heinz and Bass Pro Shops, to name a few,” says Sapp. “Newcomers move here for lifestyle reasons, such as wanting to retire with a few acres of land, or for jobs, which are definitely growing around here.” The largest employers include Citizen Memorial Hospital, Tracker Boats, Walmart and Bolivar School District.
CMH is one of Bolivar's largest employers.
Tracker Boats in Bolivar is a large manufacturer.
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New suburban homes and plenty of rural properties
The median home price of $270,000 is higher than the Polk County median but lower than the national point at which half the homes sell for less and half sell for more. Lots range from $49,000 to $127,000 per acre. Century-old farmhouses sell from $36,000 to $100,000, while homes in new subdivisions can sell from $400,000 to $750,000. “With so much vacant land, it’s not uncommon to find a fair number of equestrian properties around Bolivar, as well,” Sapp says.
A row of newer construction ranch homes in Polk County.
A large national style 2 story home with meticulous landscaping sits on a street in Polk County.
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Dunnegan Memorial Park is a popular year-round destination
Dunnegan Memorial Park features a small lake, wildlife and a mile-long trail that leads to playgrounds, pavilions and open fields. The holiday season's Light The Park opens in late November and runs through December. The glass-walled Bolivar Aquatic Center is a hard-to-miss destination on Broadway Street, and the city maintains a nine-hole public golf course. On weekends, Pomme de Terre Reservoir & State Park and Stockton Lake are nearby for swimming, boating, camping, fishing and hiking.
The Dunnegan Memorial Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities for young and old.
Bolivar Golf Course draws local golfers with outdoor activity.
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Bolivar School District broke ground on two expansion projects in early 2025
The city is zoned for Bolivar R-I School District, which is graded B-plus by Niche. In January 2025, the district broke ground on several expansion projects. A new agriculture education center is under way at Bolivar High, while a four-classroom addition at Bolivar Intermediate also broke ground. Bolivar Technical College offers comprehensive nursing programs with a 100% job-placement rate for its licensed graduates. Southern Baptist University is a four-year Christian college founded in 1878. It has four campuses, with Bolivar being the largest.
Some students in Polk County attend Bolivar Public School including Bolivar High School.
Bolivar Intermediate School shares a campus with Bolivar High School.
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Polk County Courthouse anchors downtown
Polk County Courthouse is the tallest landmark in Bolivar, and its Goddess of Justice statue is hard to miss. It anchors the town square and overlooks art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops and small businesses. Tractor Supply, Walmart, Aldi and Bass Pro Shops are the largest retailers in downtown. Long-standing local restaurants include Springfield Avenue Café and Basil & Bourbon.
At the heart of Bolivar is the court house.
Downtown Bolivar is a bustling hub of activity throughout the day.
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Crime rates are below state and national figures
According to FBI data, Bolivar’s rates of reported violent and property crimes have been mostly lower than national and state average since 2020. The city experiences hot, muggy summers and wet, cold winters. Temperatures rarely exceed 89 degrees or dip below 10 degrees. Polk County is in southwest Missouri, historically seeing more tornadoes in spring and summer than other parts of the state.
Getting around Bolivar
Traffic in and around Bolivar is rarely congested. Missouri Route 13 and Route 83 are north-south highways through the city. Commutes to Springfield take about 30 minutes. State Route 32 is an east-west highway that bisects the city. OATS Transit provides bus service and transportation for disabled people. The closest commercial airport is Springfield-Branson Airport, about 30 miles south.
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Bolivar, MO sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Bolivar, MO over the last 12 months is $225,000, up 61% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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