TennesseePop. 690,130Large cities
Is Nashville a Good Place to Live? Nashville, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Nashville ranks #976 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #23 of 37 large cities and #18 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3%, #1 of 37) and fast population growth (+1.3%, #5 of 37), and trails on high violent crime (961 per 100,000, #30 of 36).
Nashville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Nashville'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 Nashville?
Nashville'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 $1,586/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $429,741, 29% above the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Nashville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 96.3#501 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $429,741#692 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 | $1,834/mo#603 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $413,600#817 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,586/mo#777 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 24.6%#961 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.
Nashville 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. Nashville is in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Nashville safe?
Nashville recorded 961 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.9 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Tennessee's 492. That ranks #1037 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #30 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Property crime runs 3,871 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Nashville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 961#1037 of 1,085 | 492 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,871#1037 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 Nashville?
The median household in Nashville earns $77,371, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Nashville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $77,371#668 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 14.1%#804 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.3%#186 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 Nashville?
The median resident of Nashville is 34.5 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 48% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #295 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Nashville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.5 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 48%#295 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 52.4% | 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 Nashville's schools and health?
Nashville's 111 public schools graduate 78.3% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 16.7 students per teacher and $17,729 spent per pupil. 32% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Nashville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 78.3%#916 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 16.7#705 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $17,729#356 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 32%#547 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12.8%#933 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. 54,570 students are enrolled in Nashville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Nashville?
The average commute in Nashville is 24.7 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 1.5% of workers take transit and 20.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Nashville scores 10.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.2°F and winters 41.9°F, with 50.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Nashville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 66.5% | 75% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.5% | 0.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.8% | 1.2% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 20.4% | 12.7% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 10.4#653 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 | 49.1 | 30.1 | 4 |
| Feb | 53.8 | 33 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 62.7 | 40.2 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 72.6 | 48.9 | 4.7 |
| May | 80.4 | 58.3 | 5 |
| Jun | 87.7 | 66.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 90.9 | 70.5 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 90.4 | 69 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 84.4 | 61.8 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 73.5 | 49.9 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 61.4 | 39.2 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 52.2 | 33.3 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Nashville International Airport.
| Measure | Nashville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 60.8°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 79.2°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 41.9°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 50.5 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 Nashville International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Nashville?
Davidson County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Davidson County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Nashville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#633 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 Davidson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Davidson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.021% | 86% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0081% | 48% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 32% 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 Nashville compare with similar-size cities?
Nashville is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #23 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 690,130.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #976 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 | 24.7 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 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 |
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 Nashville compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Nashville ranks #18 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 7% above the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% 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 Nashville's score calculated?
Nashville scores 50.4 out of 100, #976 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 Nashville. Similar-size median 50.4.
59.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Nashville's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
17.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Nashville. Similar-size median 52.4.
53.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Nashville's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
52.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Nashville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
63.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Nashville. Similar-size median 43.4.
47.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Nashville. Similar-size median 40.4.
57.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Nashville. Similar-size median 56.6.
58.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Nashville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
49.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
48.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Nashville'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 Nashville 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 Nashville
Is Nashville, TN a good place to live?
Nashville ranks #976 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #23 of 37 large cities and #18 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3%, #1 of 37) and fast population growth (+1.3%, #5 of 37), and trails on high violent crime (961 per 100,000, #30 of 36).
What is the cost of living in Nashville?
Nashville'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 $1,586/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $429,741, 29% above the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Nashville?
Nashville recorded 961 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.9 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Tennessee's 492. That ranks #1037 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #30 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Property crime runs 3,871 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Nashville?
The median household in Nashville earns $77,371, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Nashville?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,586/mo (Census), #777 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,834/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Nashville?
The typical home value in Nashville is $429,741, down 2.7% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $413,600.
How are the public schools in Nashville?
Nashville's 111 public schools graduate 78.3% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 16.7 students per teacher and $17,729 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Nashville?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Nashville?
Nashville averages 60.8°F over the year, 79.2°F in summer and 41.9°F in winter, with 50.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Nashville walkable?
Nashville scores 10.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #653 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 Nashville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Davidson County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Nashville?
Davidson County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Nashville?
Nashville has 690,130 residents. The median resident of Nashville is 34.5 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 48% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #295 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Nashville compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Nashville ranks #18 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 7% above the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% above the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Nashville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Nashville's population of 690,130 are Denver, CO (#722 overall), Oklahoma City, OK (#938 overall), El Paso, TX (#857 overall), Boston, MA (#339 overall), and Las Vegas, NV (#1130 overall). Nashville is #976.