Metro areas in Tennessee: income, rent and home values
Tennessee has 10 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Nashville, TN with 2.2 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Nashville, TN ($92,066). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Kingsport, TN (26.0%) and the largest in Memphis, TN (32.9%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Nashville, TN (+9.2%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | 2,198,378 | $92,066 | $1,696 | $461,800 | 30.3% |
| Memphis, TN | 1,343,277 | $70,884 | $1,330 | $280,700 | 32.9% |
| Knoxville, TN | 970,430 | $78,591 | $1,376 | $369,000 | 30.0% |
| Chattanooga, TN | 593,468 | $78,790 | $1,353 | $321,500 | 28.4% |
| Clarksville, TN | 350,353 | $71,125 | $1,331 | $302,900 | 30.2% |
| Kingsport, TN | 315,152 | $62,121 | $862 | $244,600 | 26.0% |
| Johnson City, TN | 211,755 | $60,132 | $1,080 | $273,600 | 28.5% |
| Jackson, TN | 184,569 | $68,489 | $1,180 | $237,800 | 30.6% |
| Cleveland, TN | 134,057 | $74,587 | $1,207 | $309,400 | 28.4% |
| Morristown, TN | 128,867 | $70,672 | $1,057 | $301,500 | 32.5% |
Includes 4 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Tennessee at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Tennessee for renters?+
Kingsport, TN, where renters spend a median 26.0% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Tennessee has the highest income?+
Nashville, TN, with a median household income of $92,066 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Tennessee?+
10 metropolitan statistical areas in Tennessee have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.