TennesseePop. 48,829Small cities
Is Cleveland a Good Place to Live? Cleveland, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cleveland ranks #909 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #147 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #27 of 182) and high graduation rates (92.5%, #48 of 191), and trails on high violent crime (547 per 100,000, #146 of 174).
Cleveland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cleveland'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 Cleveland?
Cleveland's cost of living index is 88.1, 12% below the US level of 100 and #139 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,034/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $313,361, 6% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Cleveland | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 88.1#139 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $313,361#414 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 | $1,400/mo#254 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $272,200#452 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,034/mo#248 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21.2%#586 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.
Cleveland 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. Cleveland is in the Cleveland, TN metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Cleveland safe?
Cleveland recorded 547 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% above the US rate of 328 and 11% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #877 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #146 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cleveland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,796 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cleveland | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 547#877 of 1,085 | 492 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,796#621 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 Cleveland?
The median household in Cleveland earns $58,559, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cleveland | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $58,559#1074 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 16.7%#961 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 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 Cleveland?
The median resident of Cleveland is 36.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 30.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #783 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cleveland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 30.2%#783 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 48% | 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 Cleveland's schools and health?
Cleveland's 16 public schools graduate 92.5% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $11,016 spent per pupil. 41.4% of adults are obese and 13.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Cleveland | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92.5%#210 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,016#1062 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41.4%#1177 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.1%#970 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.9%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 13.7%#1007 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. 10,474 students are enrolled in Cleveland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cleveland?
The average commute in Cleveland is 21.3 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0.1% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cleveland scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 41.9°F, with 57.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cleveland | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 21.3 min#448 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 75.7% | 75% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.1% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.7% | 12.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.3#982 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 | 50 | 29.4 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 54.6 | 32.6 | 4.9 |
| Mar | 62.7 | 38.8 | 5.6 |
| Apr | 72.4 | 46.7 | 5 |
| May | 79.5 | 55.6 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 86.1 | 64 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 89 | 67.8 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 88.4 | 66.8 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 83 | 60.1 | 4.7 |
| Oct | 73 | 47.6 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 61.3 | 36.7 | 4.9 |
| Dec | 52.6 | 32.2 | 5.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cleveland Fltr Plt.
| Measure | Cleveland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 59.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 77°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 | 57.6 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 Cleveland Fltr Plt.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cleveland?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Cleveland's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bradley County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Cleveland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#455 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 Bradley County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bradley County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.025% | 87% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 64% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 48% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.069% | 34% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 34% 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 Cleveland compare with similar-size cities?
Cleveland is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #147 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 48,829.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #909 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 | 21.3 min |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #113 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 | 20.2 min |
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #56 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 | 21.6 min |
| Stillwater, OKPop. 49,269 | #802 | 53.3 | $43,700 | $947/mo | 202 | 15.4 min |
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #64 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 | 25.3 min |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #867 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 | 21.3 min |
| Euclid, OHPop. 48,823 | #822 | 52.9 | $50,285 | $1,025/mo | 106 | 25.9 min |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #102 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 | 19.5 min |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #559 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 | 26.7 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 Cleveland compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Cleveland ranks #15 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 51.6 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 19% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% 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 Cleveland's score calculated?
Cleveland scores 51.6 out of 100, #909 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 Cleveland. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cleveland's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
59.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cleveland. Similar-size median 52.2.
33.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cleveland's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
59.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cleveland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
80.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cleveland. Similar-size median 46.7.
34.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cleveland. Similar-size median 44.2.
56.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cleveland. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cleveland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
68.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cleveland'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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Is Cleveland, TN a good place to live?
Cleveland ranks #909 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #147 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #27 of 182) and high graduation rates (92.5%, #48 of 191), and trails on high violent crime (547 per 100,000, #146 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Cleveland?
Cleveland's cost of living index is 88.1, 12% below the US level of 100 and #139 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,034/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $313,361, 6% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Cleveland?
Cleveland recorded 547 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% above the US rate of 328 and 11% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #877 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #146 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cleveland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,796 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cleveland?
The median household in Cleveland earns $58,559, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cleveland?
Median rent in Cleveland is $1,034/mo (Census), #248 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,400/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cleveland?
The typical home value in Cleveland is $313,361, up 1.7% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $272,200.
How are the public schools in Cleveland?
Cleveland's 16 public schools graduate 92.5% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $11,016 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cleveland?
The average commute is 21.3 minutes, #448 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cleveland?
Cleveland averages 59.6°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 41.9°F in winter, with 57.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cleveland walkable?
Cleveland scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Cleveland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bradley County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
Who lives in Cleveland?
Cleveland has 48,829 residents. The median resident of Cleveland is 36.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 30.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #783 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cleveland compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Cleveland ranks #15 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 51.6 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 19% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Cleveland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cleveland's population of 48,829 are St. Louis Park, MN (#113 overall), Chesterfield, MO (#56 overall), Stillwater, OK (#802 overall), Leesburg, VA (#64 overall), and Biloxi, MS (#867 overall). Cleveland is #909.