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Is Brentwood a Good Place to Live? Brentwood, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Brentwood ranks #114 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($182,088, #4 of 208) and low poverty (3.6%, #9 of 208), and trails on high rents ($2,825/mo, #205 of 208) and expensive homes ($1,031,300, #205 of 208).
Brentwood by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Brentwood's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Brentwood?
Brentwood's cost of living index is 96.3, 4% below the US level of 100 and #501 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,825/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,404,388, 4.2 times the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Brentwood | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 96.3#501 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $1,404,388#1158 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,031/mo#729 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $1,031,300#1252 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $2,825/mo#1277 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.6%#298 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Brentwood housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Brentwood is in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Brentwood safe?
Brentwood recorded 62 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 88% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #48 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #16 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brentwood Police Department. Property crime runs 632 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Brentwood | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 62#48 of 1,085 | 492 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 632#64 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Brentwood?
The median household in Brentwood earns $182,088, 2.2 times the US figure of $83,163 and 2.5 times Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Brentwood | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $182,088#14 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.8%#54 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 3.6%#32 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Brentwood?
The median resident of Brentwood is 44.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 73.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #25 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 90.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Brentwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 44.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 73.8%#25 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 90.4% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Brentwood's schools and health?
Brentwood's 10 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $11,899 spent per pupil. 27.9% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Brentwood | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,899#973 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 27.9%#265 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 13.7%#108 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 5.3%#90 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,675 students are enrolled in Brentwood's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Brentwood?
The average commute in Brentwood is 25.7 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0% of workers take transit and 28.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Brentwood scores 6.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.2°F and winters 41.9°F, with 50.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Brentwood | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 25.7 min#828 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 67.1% | 75% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.5% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 28.1% | 12.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.9#1246 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49.1 | 30.1 | 4 |
| Feb | 53.8 | 33 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 62.7 | 40.2 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 72.6 | 48.9 | 4.7 |
| May | 80.4 | 58.3 | 5 |
| Jun | 87.7 | 66.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 90.9 | 70.5 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 90.4 | 69 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 84.4 | 61.8 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 73.5 | 49.9 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 61.4 | 39.2 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 52.2 | 33.3 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Nashville International Airport.
| Measure | Brentwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 60.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 79.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 41.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 50.5 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Nashville International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Brentwood?
Williamson County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 89% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Williamson County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Brentwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#495 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Williamson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Williamson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.01% | 79% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 61% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Brentwood compare with similar-size cities?
Brentwood is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #22 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 45,556.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #114 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 | 25.7 min |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #293 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 | 28.9 min |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #19 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data | 29.7 min |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #1221 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 | 19 min |
| Riverton, UTPop. 45,457 | #148 | 66.3 | $126,910 | $2,137/mo | 62 | 24.8 min |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #247 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 | 17 min |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #230 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data | 23 min |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #688 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 | 24 min |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #981 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 | 23.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Brentwood compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Brentwood ranks #2 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 68 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 2.5 times the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 88% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4.2 times the typical Tennessee home.
| City | Rank in TN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #1 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #2 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #3 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #4 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #5 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #6 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #7 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #8 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 |
| Smyrna, TNPop. 56,692 | #9 | 58.3 | $81,926 | $1,461/mo | 333 |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #10 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #11 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #12 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #13 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #14 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #15 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #16 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #17 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #18 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #19 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #20 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 |
All 20 Tennessee cities we track, by overall score. Tennessee statewide: median income $71,997, violent crime 492.3 per 100,000.
How is Brentwood's score calculated?
Brentwood scores 68 out of 100, #114 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Tennessee's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Brentwood. Similar-size median 52.9.
92.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Brentwood's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
98.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Brentwood. Similar-size median 52.2.
72.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Brentwood's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
59.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Brentwood's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
27.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Brentwood. Similar-size median 46.7.
98.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Brentwood. Similar-size median 44.2.
43.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Brentwood. Similar-size median 47.3.
58.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Brentwood's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
31.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
62.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Brentwood's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Brentwood has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Brentwood
Is Brentwood, TN a good place to live?
Brentwood ranks #114 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($182,088, #4 of 208) and low poverty (3.6%, #9 of 208), and trails on high rents ($2,825/mo, #205 of 208) and expensive homes ($1,031,300, #205 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Brentwood?
Brentwood's cost of living index is 96.3, 4% below the US level of 100 and #501 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,825/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,404,388, 4.2 times the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Brentwood?
Brentwood recorded 62 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 88% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #48 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #16 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brentwood Police Department. Property crime runs 632 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Brentwood?
The median household in Brentwood earns $182,088, 2.2 times the US figure of $83,163 and 2.5 times Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Brentwood?
Median rent in Brentwood is $2,825/mo (Census), #1277 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,031/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Brentwood?
The typical home value in Brentwood is $1,404,388, up 3.2% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,031,300.
How are the public schools in Brentwood?
Brentwood's 10 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $11,899 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Brentwood?
The average commute is 25.7 minutes, #828 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Brentwood?
Brentwood averages 60.8°F over the year, 79.2°F in summer and 41.9°F in winter, with 50.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Brentwood walkable?
Brentwood scores 6.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Brentwood at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Williamson County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Brentwood?
Williamson County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 89% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Brentwood?
Brentwood has 45,556 residents. The median resident of Brentwood is 44.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 73.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #25 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 90.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Brentwood compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Brentwood ranks #2 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 68 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 2.5 times the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 88% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4.2 times the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Brentwood?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Brentwood's population of 45,556 are Hackensack, NJ (#293 overall), Potomac, MD (#19 overall), Huntington, WV (#1221 overall), Riverton, UT (#148 overall), and Charlottesville, VA (#247 overall). Brentwood is #114.