MoveMap

Moving to Memphis

What you need to know before relocating to Memphis, Tennessee. Data-driven insights on housing, jobs, safety, and quality of life.

Is Memphis a Good Place to Live?

Memphis 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 (564797 min).

Memphis at a Glance

Population
1.3M
Median Income
$64,025
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
Median Home Price
$265,200
Unemployment
3.8%
Avg Commute
564797 min

Cost of Living in Memphis

The median rent in Memphis is $1,200/month, while the median home value is $265,200. With a median household income of $64,025, residents spend roughly 22% of monthly income on rent.

Overall, the Memphis metro area is classified as affordable compared to other US metros.

Rent vs. National Avg
14% below
Home Price vs. National Avg
13% below

Job Market

Memphis has a median household income of $64,025, which is 14% below the national median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%.

Safety in Memphis

The violent crime rate in Memphis 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 Memphis

+Pros

  • Rent ($1,200/mo) is below the national average

-Cons

  • Violent crime rate (628/100k) exceeds the national average
  • Longer-than-average commute (564797 min)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis a good place to live?

Memphis has both advantages and drawbacks. Prospective residents should weigh violent crime rate (628/100k) exceeds the national average and longer-than-average commute (564797 min) against other lifestyle factors.

What is the cost of living in Memphis?

The median rent in Memphis is $1,200/month and the median home value is $265,200. The median household income is $64,025. Overall the metro is considered affordable.

Is Memphis safe?

Memphis 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 Memphis?

Memphis has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. The median household income is $64,025.

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