Tennessee
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Tennessee vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Tennessee
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis | A+ | 42.9 | 633,104 | $58,426 | 741 | 95 |
| 2 | Germantown | A | 40.2 | 40,280 | $51,393 | 537 | 78 |
| 3 | Franklin | B+ | 39.1 | 83,454 | $73,005 | 577 | 84 |
| 4 | Chattanooga | B | 37.9 | 181,099 | $72,523 | 482 | 96 |
| 5 | Nashville | B | 37.7 | 683,622 | $73,336 | 488 | 93 |
| 6 | Clarksville | C+ | 37.4 | 166,722 | $51,982 | 614 | 77 |
| 7 | Brentwood | C | 34.4 | 43,500 | $74,386 | 431 | 100 |
| 8 | Knoxville | C | 33.4 | 190,740 | $54,864 | 416 | 78 |
| 9 | Murfreesboro | D | 32.4 | 152,769 | $59,510 | 581 | 103 |
| 10 | Hendersonville | F | 30.8 | 58,113 | $61,018 | 676 | 82 |
More South States
Tennessee Rankings Overview
Tennessee earns an overall grade of C with a composite score of 37.3 out of 100, ranking #41 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (68/100) while its biggest challenge is Health (14/100).
Economy & Employment in Tennessee
With an unemployment rate of 3.3% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Tennessee performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $64,036, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Tennessee
Tennessee's violent crime rate of 592 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety. This is significantly above the national average of 350 per 100,000.
Health & Education in Tennessee
Tennessee ranks #43 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #33 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tennessee's overall ranking?
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states with a composite score of 37.3/100 and a grade of C.
Is Tennessee a good place to live?
Tennessee faces several challenges, scoring 37.3/100 in our composite rankings. Areas such as crime rates and economic indicators trail the national average, though the state offers its own unique qualities and ongoing improvement efforts.
What is the crime rate in Tennessee?
The violent crime rate in Tennessee is 592 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Tennessee's economy compare?
Tennessee's median household income is $64,036 with an unemployment rate of 3.3%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Tennessee?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Tennessee are Memphis, Germantown, and Franklin.