Chattanooga

Chattanooga, Tennessee Overview

Chattanooga faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (45.5/100) and ranking #16 of 20 cities in Tennessee. Even so, the city scores 79/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 9/100.

Income & Employment in Chattanooga

The median household income in Chattanooga is $62,547, 2% below the statewide median of $64,036. The local unemployment rate of 3.4% is higher than the state’s 3.3%. Population grew 1.8% recently.

Safety in Chattanooga

With a violent crime rate of 1059.5 per 100,000, Chattanooga exceeds the Tennessee average of 592. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4823.3 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Chattanooga

Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 92.8 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $259,200. Median monthly rent is $1,155. Renters spend 22.2% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Chattanooga

The adult obesity rate in Chattanooga is 36.3%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.9%. Residents report an average of 19.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Tennessee ranks #43 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Chattanooga

Chattanooga has a high school graduation rate of 87%. The student-teacher ratio is 14.5:1. Per-pupil spending is $14,785. The city has 48 public schools serving 25,044 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Chattanooga

Chattanooga enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 62.3°F. Summers average 77.1°F. Winters average 48.8°F. Annual precipitation is 53 inches. The average commute of 17.2 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions