Moving to Tennessee statistics (2024 data)

How many people move to Tennessee?

Approximately 203,156 people moved to Tennessee in 2023, while 180,407 moved out. This represents a net gain of 22,749 residents. Between 2021 and 2022, Tennessee ranked sixth for net positive migration in the U.S.

The Volunteer State has been among the top states to move to in recent years and saw slight growth in the number of movers between 2021 and 2022. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Tennessee ranked as the fourth most desired state to move to.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Tennessee

As the 28th best U.S. state to move to in 2024 based on weighted factors like safety and economy, Tennessee finds itself in the middle of the pack. However, this hasn’t stopped an impressive influx of movers. Within the past few years, the state has consistently ranked among the top 10 for net migration and is one of the most moved-to states overall.

People moving to the Volunteer State are choosing a diverse set of locations, with northern and eastern portions of the state seeing the most migration. Larger cities like Clarksville, Murfreesboro and Knoxville are especially popular. Between 2020 and 2023, Clarksville and Murfreesboro attracted 13,974 and 12,646 new residents, respectively (a more than 8% increase in population for both areas). The smaller city of Lebanon saw the highest percentage increase in population, at 25%.

In Tennessee, the top five cities people moved to between 2020 and 2023 were the following:

Why do people move to Tennessee?

From retirees looking for inexpensive rural living to job seekers looking into larger cities, there are many reasons why people move to Tennessee. Ranking among the top 10 states for migrating retirees in recent years, many older Americans are attracted to the low cost of living, warm climate and cultural scene.

Affordability is also a factor for younger job seekers, especially when combined with high job availability. The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, education and health services, and professional and business services. Collectively, these industries employ more than 49% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is education and health services, growing by 5.1% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Tennessee housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,578.24 and a median home sale price of $387,100, Tennessee renters and homeowners can expect to pay 7.9% less than the national median for housing.

Tennessee also has the 17th lowest property tax rate (0.67%) in the country — in fact, it’s exactly half that of Kansas. Other states with the same property tax rate include Idaho, Mississippi and New Mexico.

Most Tennessee residents pay low property taxes compared to other states. In 2021, for example, the average property owner in Montgomery County (Clarksville) paid $1,497 in annual property taxes, and residents in Fentress County paid as little as $463 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Tennessee

Tennessee’s cost-of-living index is 90.4, giving it the 10th lowest cost of living nationwide. Gas prices are also less than the national average ($3.26) at $3.04 per gallon. This is the case despite much lower oil and gas production when compared to states like Texas. As far as green energy, Tennessee rests middle of the pack, ranking as the 25th most green state in the country.

Though Tennessee does have a lower-than-average cost of living, the state’s median household income is only $64,525. That means the typical household here earns 14.4% less than the national median of $75,358. Luckily, unemployment is lower (3%) than the national average (4.2%).

Overall, Tennessee boasts one of the lowest cost-of-living indexes in the U.S., helping offset lower-than-average median household income. However, would-be residents should budget carefully and be mindful of the job opportunities available.

Who lives in Tennessee?

An estimated 7,126,489 people live in Tennessee as of 2023, making it the 15th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 77,513 people compared to 2022.

Tennessee’s population skews female, with women accounting for 51% and men accounting for 49%. In 2023, about 3.63 million Tennessee residents were female, and nearly 3.5 million were male.

On average, Tennessee’s population is also aged very similarly (39 years old) to the U.S. average (38.9 years old). The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 25.6% of the population. This demographic is just slightly higher than the share of those between 45 and 64 years old (25%).

White residents account for the vast majority of Tennesseans, representing 78.4% of the population (nearly 5.59 million people). The state also has a higher-than-average Black population, representing 16.5% of residents, or almost 1.18 million people. This is followed by Hispanic and Asian residents, who account for 7.5% and 2.1% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Tennessee

Not sure how to start your move to Tennessee? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

Tennessee’s low cost of living and affordable housing make it a desirable move-in destination, but it’s important to understand the details. For instance, the state’s lower-than-average median household income offsets some of the affordability. Additionally, urban areas like Nashville will likely have higher costs. Research the specific neighborhoods you’re considering to develop a realistic budget. Visit Tennessee.gov for additional resources on living costs and housing options.

2. Learn about the job market

With a diverse economy, depending on the region, you can find Tennessee employment opportunities in everything from manufacturing to education. Understanding local employment trends will help you gauge potential opportunities in your new area. We recommend using online job boards and resources from the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development for research before you move.

3. Prepare for the humidity and maybe snow

Tennessee’s humid subtropical climate entails hot summers and mild winters, with summer temperatures easily reaching the 90s. Mountainous areas in the east may experience snowfall, but this is uncommon in lowland regions. Before moving, it’s important to research the climate of your local area, so you can invest in the proper heating and cooling systems. Stay updated on local weather forecasts through the National Weather Service.

4. Understand transportation options

While there may be public transportation options available in major cities like Nashville and Memphis, most of Tennessee is car-dependent. So if you choose to move to a rural area, owning a personal vehicle is essential for daily travel. Research transportation options and hazards using the TDOT website.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

From tornadoes in the lowland West to winter storms in the Eastern mountains, Tennessee is prone to a variety of natural hazards. Floods can be especially dangerous in mountain counties, as well as those on the banks of the Mississippi River. Research emergency preparedness and response plans through the TEMA website before you make the move.

6. Embrace the history and culture

One of the cultural hearts of the South, Tennessee’s major cities offer rich musical heritage and delicious cuisine, while the state’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts the most visitors of any national park in the U.S. Regardless of your interests, you can find something to explore in the Volunteer State.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Tennessee, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.