TennesseePop. 161,445Mid-size cities
Is Murfreesboro a Good Place to Live? Murfreesboro, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Murfreesboro ranks #563 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #83 of 256 mid-size cities and #10 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #5 of 205) and low unemployment (3%, #8 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Murfreesboro by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Murfreesboro'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 Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro'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 $1,481/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $426,156, 28% above the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Murfreesboro | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 96.3#501 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $426,156#683 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 | $1,675/mo#479 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $402,100#790 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,481/mo#707 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.2%#698 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.
Murfreesboro 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. Murfreesboro is in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Murfreesboro safe?
Murfreesboro recorded 404 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 18% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #723 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #140 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Murfreesboro Police Department. Property crime runs 1,555 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Murfreesboro | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 404#723 of 1,085 | 492 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,555#505 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 Murfreesboro?
The median household in Murfreesboro earns $80,108, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% above Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Murfreesboro | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $80,108#615 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.8%#397 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 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 Murfreesboro?
The median resident of Murfreesboro is 31.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 43% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #387 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Murfreesboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 43%#387 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 Murfreesboro's schools and health?
Murfreesboro's 28 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $11,030 spent per pupil. 37.3% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Murfreesboro | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,030#1061 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.3%#964 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| 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 17.5% | 20.4%#1210 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11%#780 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. 26,800 students are enrolled in Murfreesboro's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Murfreesboro?
The average commute in Murfreesboro is 26.7 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0.3% of workers take transit and 16.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Murfreesboro scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.3°F and winters 40.1°F, with 55.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Murfreesboro | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26.7 min#908 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9%#991 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.6% | 75% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 16.2% | 12.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.2#1009 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 | 47.9 | 27.5 | 4.7 |
| Feb | 52.5 | 30.4 | 4.9 |
| Mar | 61.1 | 37.2 | 5.3 |
| Apr | 70.9 | 45.7 | 4.8 |
| May | 79 | 55.3 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 86.2 | 64.4 | 5.7 |
| Jul | 89.2 | 68.4 | 5 |
| Aug | 89 | 66.6 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 83.8 | 59.3 | 4 |
| Oct | 73.1 | 46.7 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 60.9 | 36.8 | 4.1 |
| Dec | 51.3 | 31 | 5.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Murfreesboro 5 N.
| Measure | Murfreesboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 40.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 55.9 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 Murfreesboro 5 N.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Murfreesboro?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Murfreesboro's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rutherford County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Murfreesboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.14%#553 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 Rutherford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Rutherford County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.016% | 84% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.096% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0063% | 42% 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 Murfreesboro compare with similar-size cities?
Murfreesboro is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #83 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 161,445.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #563 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 | 26.7 min |
| Salinas, CAPop. 161,761 | #1206 | 44.7 | $91,908 | $1,991/mo | 516 | 26.6 min |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #1239 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 | 22.6 min |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #1168 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 | 25.5 min |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #83 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 | 28.4 min |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #775 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 | 25.5 min |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 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 Murfreesboro compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Murfreesboro ranks #10 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 57.1 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 11% above the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 18% below the statewide rate. Homes are 28% above 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 Murfreesboro's score calculated?
Murfreesboro scores 57.1 out of 100, #563 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Murfreesboro. Similar-size median 52.9.
60.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Murfreesboro's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
70.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Murfreesboro. Similar-size median 53.8.
46.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Murfreesboro's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Murfreesboro's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
65.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Murfreesboro. Similar-size median 51.2.
58.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Murfreesboro. Similar-size median 42.1.
52.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Murfreesboro. Similar-size median 50.1.
47.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Murfreesboro's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
37.9 - 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 45.9.
60.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Murfreesboro'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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
Is Murfreesboro, TN a good place to live?
Murfreesboro ranks #563 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #83 of 256 mid-size cities and #10 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (95%, #5 of 205) and low unemployment (3%, #8 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro'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 $1,481/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $426,156, 28% above the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro recorded 404 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 18% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #723 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #140 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Murfreesboro Police Department. Property crime runs 1,555 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Murfreesboro?
The median household in Murfreesboro earns $80,108, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% above Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,481/mo (Census), #707 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,675/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Murfreesboro?
The typical home value in Murfreesboro is $426,156, down 0.4% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $402,100.
How are the public schools in Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro's 28 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $11,030 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Murfreesboro?
The average commute is 26.7 minutes, #908 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro averages 58.9°F over the year, 77.3°F in summer and 40.1°F in winter, with 55.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Murfreesboro walkable?
Murfreesboro scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Murfreesboro at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rutherford County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
Who lives in Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro has 161,445 residents. The median resident of Murfreesboro is 31.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 43% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #387 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Murfreesboro compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Murfreesboro ranks #10 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 57.1 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 11% above the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 18% below the statewide rate. Homes are 28% above the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Murfreesboro?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Murfreesboro's population of 161,445 are Salinas, CA (#1206 overall), Paterson, NJ (#1239 overall), Killeen, TX (#1168 overall), Alexandria, VA (#83 overall), and Lakewood, CO (#775 overall). Murfreesboro is #563.