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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