TennesseePop. 618,980Large cities
Is Memphis a Good Place to Live? Memphis, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Memphis ranks #1297 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 37 large cities and #20 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21.1 min, #1 of 37) and affordable homes ($169,000, #2 of 37), and trails on high violent crime (1,853 per 100,000, #36 of 36) and a shrinking population (-0.7%, #37 of 37).
Memphis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Memphis'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 Memphis?
Memphis's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,181/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $145,335, 57% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Memphis | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 92.2#327 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $145,335#36 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,232/mo#118 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $169,000#134 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,181/mo#420 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 27.4%#1161 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Memphis 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. Memphis is in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Memphis safe?
Memphis recorded 1,853 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5.6 times the US rate of 328 and 3.8 times Tennessee's 492. That ranks #1084 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #36 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Memphis Police Department. Property crime runs 5,029 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Memphis | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 1,853#1084 of 1,085 | 492 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 5,029#1074 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Memphis?
The median household in Memphis earns $51,736, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Memphis | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $51,736#1206 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 23.1%#1194 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Memphis?
The median resident of Memphis is 34.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 28% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #875 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Memphis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.2 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 28%#875 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 44.9% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Memphis's schools and health?
Memphis's 189 public schools graduate 75.6% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 16.3 students per teacher and $13,684 spent per pupil. 42.1% of adults are obese and 17.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Memphis | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 75.6%#980 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 16.3#667 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $13,684#748 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 42.1%#1212 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 17.6%#1276 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 20.7%#1228 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.9%#1072 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 92,536 students are enrolled in Memphis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Memphis?
The average commute in Memphis is 21.1 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0.8% of workers take transit and 9.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Memphis scores 11.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #497 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.6°F and winters 44.3°F, with 54.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Memphis | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 21.1 min#430 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 2.4%#89 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 76.2% | 75% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.7% | 1.2% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 9.2% | 12.7% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.8#497 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 50.9 | 33.3 | 4.1 |
| Feb | 55.5 | 36.7 | 4.6 |
| Mar | 64.2 | 44.3 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 73.4 | 53 | 5.9 |
| May | 81.7 | 62.4 | 5.3 |
| Jun | 89.4 | 70.4 | 4 |
| Jul | 91.9 | 73.6 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 91.5 | 72.6 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 86 | 65.9 | 3 |
| Oct | 75.1 | 54 | 4 |
| Nov | 62.6 | 42.9 | 4.7 |
| Dec | 53.4 | 36.2 | 5.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Memphis International Airport.
| Measure | Memphis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 63.4°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 81.6°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 44.3°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 54.9 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Memphis International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Memphis?
Shelby County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Shelby County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Memphis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.18%#830 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Shelby County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Shelby County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.063% | 93% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 84% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.074% | 41% 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 Memphis compare with similar-size cities?
Memphis is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #36 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 618,980.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #1297 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 | 21.1 min |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 min |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 min |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #1000 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 | 22.5 min |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #1088 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 | 29.1 min |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #1199 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 | 22.4 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 Memphis compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Memphis ranks #20 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 37.4 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 28% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 3.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 57% 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 Memphis's score calculated?
Memphis scores 37.4 out of 100, #1297 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Memphis. Similar-size median 50.4.
36.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Memphis's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
7.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Memphis. Similar-size median 52.4.
23.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Memphis's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
43.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Memphis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
80.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Memphis. Similar-size median 43.4.
20.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Memphis. Similar-size median 40.4.
30.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Memphis. Similar-size median 56.6.
46.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Memphis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
56.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
40.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Memphis's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Memphis 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 Memphis
Is Memphis, TN a good place to live?
Memphis ranks #1297 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 37 large cities and #20 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21.1 min, #1 of 37) and affordable homes ($169,000, #2 of 37), and trails on high violent crime (1,853 per 100,000, #36 of 36) and a shrinking population (-0.7%, #37 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Memphis?
Memphis's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,181/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $145,335, 57% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Memphis?
Memphis recorded 1,853 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5.6 times the US rate of 328 and 3.8 times Tennessee's 492. That ranks #1084 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #36 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Memphis Police Department. Property crime runs 5,029 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Memphis?
The median household in Memphis earns $51,736, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Memphis?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,181/mo (Census), #420 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,232/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Memphis?
The typical home value in Memphis is $145,335, down 2.8% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $169,000.
How are the public schools in Memphis?
Memphis's 189 public schools graduate 75.6% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 16.3 students per teacher and $13,684 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Memphis?
The average commute is 21.1 minutes, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 2.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Memphis?
Memphis averages 63.4°F over the year, 81.6°F in summer and 44.3°F in winter, with 54.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Memphis walkable?
Memphis scores 11.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #497 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 Memphis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Shelby County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Memphis?
Shelby County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Memphis?
Memphis has 618,980 residents. The median resident of Memphis is 34.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 28% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #875 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Memphis compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Memphis ranks #20 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 37.4 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 28% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 3.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 57% below the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Memphis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Memphis's population of 618,980 are El Paso, TX (#857 overall), Boston, MA (#339 overall), Las Vegas, NV (#1130 overall), Portland, OR (#736 overall), and Detroit, MI (#1310 overall). Memphis is #1297.