Living in Nashville, TN
Nashville is the 20th-largest city in the US, home to about 721,000 people in 2025 and the capital of Tennessee. It has grown 4.6% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (96.3 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 721,074+4.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $413,6005.3 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,586/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $77,371median, per year
- Price level
- 96.3US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 49° / 91°lows 30° / 71°
- Average commute
- 25 min20% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Davidson County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 558 ft
Metro area: Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Cost of living in Nashville
The median home in Nashville is worth $413,600 and the median household earns $77,371 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.3 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,586 a month, about 25% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area at 96.3, with housing at 104.6 and goods at 96.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $72,300 here. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Tennessee is 9.61%.
What would my salary be worth in Nashville?
Nashville weather
Average highs run from 49°F in January to 91°F in July, and January nights average 30°F. It gets 50 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 5 inches of snow. Expect about 54 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 66 times a year. The most comfortable months are September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Nashville
People and work
The median resident is 34.5 years old, and 48% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 52% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 25 minutes; 20% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 34.5153rd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 48%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 52%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,516475.6 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%2% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 14.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1987median year
Who moves to Nashville, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Memphis (Shelby County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Chicago (Cook County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Memphis (Shelby County), Chicago (Cook County) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Largest employers
The biggest employers in the Nashville metro area, as listed in the city's own annual financial report (fiscal 2024, 2024 figures).
- Vanderbilt University39,171
- HCA Healthcare27,694
- State of Tennessee27,308
- Metro Nashville government and public schools21,353
- U.S. Government14,141
- Nissan North America11,000
- Ascension Saint Thomas9,104
- Amazon8,400
- Kroger8,100
- Western Express4,521
Source: Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 2024, Principal Employers (Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Business Journal). Employee counts are as reported to the city and may include workers outside city limits. Where do locals like to eat and shop? See local favorites.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Davidson County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, inland flooding, earthquake, strong wind.
Home prices
+1.6% in a year
Up 46% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
51% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Nashville
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Vanderbilt University 3 miles
- Middle Tennessee State University 33 miles
- Belmont University 3 miles
- Volunteer State Community College 20 miles
- Tennessee State University 3 miles
- Lipscomb University 5 miles
- Cumberland University 27 miles
- Trevecca Nazarene University 3 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Nashville
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville International Airport BNA | 7 mi | 12,058,688 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Nashville
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | 3 mi | 7,208 | $15,497 | 93% |
| Belmont University | 3 mi | 7,137 | $32,648 | 71% |
| Nashville State Community College | 5 mi | 5,653 | $7,979 | 20% |
| Volunteer State Community College | 20 mi | 5,339 | $10,508 | 29% |
| Tennessee State University | 3 mi | 4,848 | $12,154 | 34% |
| Lipscomb University | 5 mi | 2,997 | $23,178 | 71% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Nashville
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 31, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 25 and the first frost comes around November 3.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Nashville Intl. Airport, TN, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Nashville.
Wildfire smoke in Nashville
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Nashville on about 135 days a year, including about 22 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Nashville
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 313,513 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Nashville
Downtown Nashville is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Nashville Public School District | Pre-K to 12 | 81,021 | 162 | n/a |
Other districts within 10 miles: Williamson County School District (41,593 students), Sumner County School District (30,719 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Nashville's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Nashville's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Raleigh, NC90% matchCompare
- Durham, NC89% matchCompare
- Charlotte, NC87% matchCompare
- Concord, NC84% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Nashville
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in Nashville
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Tennessee has no state income tax on wages.
Cons
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.61% on average with local taxes.
Nashville report card from locals
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Nashville through locals' eyes
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Cities near Nashville
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TN | 18 mi | 90,226 | $705,400 | 96.3 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro, TN | 31 mi | 171,178 | $402,100 | 96.3 | Compare |
| Clarksville, TN | 39 mi | 188,829 | $263,600 | 90.9 | Compare |
| Bowling Green, KY | 59 mi | 78,505 | $241,900 | 90.2 | Compare |
| Huntsville, AL | 101 mi | 233,627 | $293,600 | 93.1 | Compare |
| Chattanooga, TN | 114 mi | 194,144 | $283,200 | 91.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Nolensville, Brentwood and Spring Hill lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Nashville.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Nashville with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Nashville a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no state income tax on wages. Compare Nashville side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Nashville?
The Census Bureau estimates Nashville had 721,074 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 689,449 in April 2020 (+4.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Nashville?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $72,300 in the Nashville area. The median household here earns $77,371.
When is the best time to visit Nashville?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 91°F and January 49°F for daytime highs.
What county is Nashville in?
Nashville is in Davidson County, Tennessee. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Nashville in?
Nashville is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Nashville?
About 558 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
No. Tennessee does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Nashville. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Nashville Intl. Airport, TN station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.