TennesseePop. 185,783Mid-size cities
Is Chattanooga a Good Place to Live? Chattanooga, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Chattanooga ranks #949 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.5 min, #23 of 256) and low living costs (91.5, #32 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (680 per 100,000, #201 of 235) and high poverty (19.1%, #208 of 256).
Chattanooga by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga?
Chattanooga's cost of living index is 91.5, 8% below the US level of 100 and #261 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,256/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $319,185, 4% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Chattanooga | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91.5#261 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $319,185#430 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,513/mo#344 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $283,200#485 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,256/mo#491 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.4%#820 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Chattanooga 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. Chattanooga is in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Chattanooga safe?
Chattanooga recorded 680 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 38% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #956 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #201 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chattanooga Police Department. Property crime runs 3,319 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Chattanooga | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 680#956 of 1,085 | 492 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,319#990 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Chattanooga?
The median household in Chattanooga earns $64,523, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 19.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Chattanooga | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $64,523#939 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 19.1%#1084 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.1%#213 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Chattanooga?
The median resident of Chattanooga is 36.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #582 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Chattanooga | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 36%#582 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 52.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Chattanooga's schools and health?
Chattanooga's 41 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $14,785 spent per pupil. 36.3% of adults are obese and 13.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Chattanooga | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,785#614 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.3%#895 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.9%#1067 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.2%#1076 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.7%#928 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 20,821 students are enrolled in Chattanooga's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Chattanooga?
The average commute in Chattanooga is 18.5 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0.9% of workers take transit and 13.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Chattanooga scores 10.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #678 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.4°F and winters 43.9°F, with 55 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Chattanooga | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.5 min#222 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.3%#77 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.6% | 75% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.9% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.6% | 12.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.2#678 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 51 | 32.4 | 5 |
| Feb | 55.6 | 35.6 | 5 |
| Mar | 64.1 | 42.2 | 5.3 |
| Apr | 73.6 | 49.9 | 4.9 |
| May | 81 | 59 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 87.6 | 67.3 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 90.5 | 71 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 89.8 | 70.2 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 84.3 | 63.6 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 74.1 | 51.4 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 62 | 40.3 | 4.8 |
| Dec | 53.2 | 35.3 | 5.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chattanooga Airport.
| Measure | Chattanooga | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 61.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 79.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 55 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Chattanooga Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Chattanooga?
Hamilton County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hamilton County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Chattanooga | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.15%#655 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hamilton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hamilton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.016% | 84% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 72% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0011% | 38% 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 Chattanooga compare with similar-size cities?
Chattanooga is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #175 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 185,783.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #949 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 | 18.5 min |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | #900 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 | 27.1 min |
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #1246 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 | 22.2 min |
| Brownsville, TXPop. 189,177 | #1243 | 42.7 | $52,130 | $923/mo | 405 | 21.4 min |
| Tempe, AZPop. 188,065 | #538 | 57.4 | $79,663 | $1,743/mo | 418 | 20.9 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #931 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 | 26.1 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 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 Chattanooga compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Chattanooga ranks #17 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 10% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below 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 Chattanooga's score calculated?
Chattanooga scores 50.9 out of 100, #949 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Chattanooga. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Chattanooga's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
39.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Chattanooga. Similar-size median 53.8.
42.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Chattanooga's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
61.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Chattanooga's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
75.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Chattanooga. Similar-size median 51.2.
33.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Chattanooga. Similar-size median 42.1.
53.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Chattanooga. Similar-size median 50.1.
53.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Chattanooga's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
48.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
52.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Chattanooga's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Is Chattanooga, TN a good place to live?
Chattanooga ranks #949 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.5 min, #23 of 256) and low living costs (91.5, #32 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (680 per 100,000, #201 of 235) and high poverty (19.1%, #208 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga's cost of living index is 91.5, 8% below the US level of 100 and #261 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,256/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $319,185, 4% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga recorded 680 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 38% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #956 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #201 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chattanooga Police Department. Property crime runs 3,319 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Chattanooga?
The median household in Chattanooga earns $64,523, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 19.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Chattanooga?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,256/mo (Census), #491 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,513/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Chattanooga?
The typical home value in Chattanooga is $319,185, down 1.2% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $283,200.
How are the public schools in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga's 41 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $14,785 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Chattanooga?
The average commute is 18.5 minutes, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 2.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga averages 61.9°F over the year, 79.4°F in summer and 43.9°F in winter, with 55 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Chattanooga walkable?
Chattanooga scores 10.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #678 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 Chattanooga at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hamilton County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Chattanooga?
Hamilton County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has 185,783 residents. The median resident of Chattanooga is 36.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #582 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Chattanooga compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Chattanooga ranks #17 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 10% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Chattanooga?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Chattanooga's population of 185,783 are Glendale, CA (#900 overall), Akron, OH (#1246 overall), Brownsville, TX (#1243 overall), Tempe, AZ (#538 overall), and Paradise, NV (#1205 overall). Chattanooga is #949.