Moving to Chattanooga
What you need to know before relocating to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Data-driven insights on housing, jobs, safety, and quality of life.
Is Chattanooga a Good Place to Live?
Chattanooga presents a mixed picture. Prospective residents should weigh the tradeoffs carefully. Key considerations: violent crime rate (628/100k) exceeds the national average; longer-than-average commute (242094 min).
Chattanooga at a Glance
Cost of Living in Chattanooga
The median rent in Chattanooga is $1,214/month, while the median home value is $289,700. With a median household income of $68,677, residents spend roughly 21% of monthly income on rent.
Overall, the Chattanooga metro area is classified as affordable compared to other US metros.
Job Market
Chattanooga has a median household income of $68,677, which is 8% below the national median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%.
Safety in Chattanooga
The violent crime rate in Chattanooga is 628 per 100,000 residents, which is 65% above the national average of 380.
Property crime rate: 2362 per 100,000 residents.
Education in Tennessee
Tennessee has a high school graduation rate of 90% and per-pupil spending of $12,431/year. The student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1.
33% of Tennessee adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Healthcare Access
Tennessee has 266 physicians per 100,000 residents, a 9.6% uninsured rate, and 3.0 hospital beds per 1,000 people. Life expectancy in Tennessee is 76.0 years.
Pros and Cons of Living in Chattanooga
+Pros
- ✓Rent ($1,214/mo) is below the national average
- ✓Low unemployment rate (3.0%) signals a strong job market
-Cons
- ✗Violent crime rate (628/100k) exceeds the national average
- ✗Longer-than-average commute (242094 min)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattanooga a good place to live?⌄
Chattanooga has both advantages and drawbacks. Prospective residents should weigh violent crime rate (628/100k) exceeds the national average and longer-than-average commute (242094 min) against other lifestyle factors.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga?⌄
The median rent in Chattanooga is $1,214/month and the median home value is $289,700. The median household income is $68,677. Overall the metro is considered affordable.
Is Chattanooga safe?⌄
Chattanooga has a violent crime rate of 628 incidents per 100,000 residents. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.
What is the job market like in Chattanooga?⌄
Chattanooga has an unemployment rate of 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. The median household income is $68,677.