District 20
RANK #668 / 996 NAT · #18 / 33 TN · POP 343,727
1YR FORECAST: -0.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +20%
Murfreesboro, the county seat of Rutherford County, Tennessee, served as the state capital from 1818 to 1826. Located in the heart of Tennessee, the county is about a 30-minute drive southeast of Nashville, with Interstate 24 bisecting the county and offering direct access to the larger city. The community blends Southern charm with a modern feel, attracting an average of 20 new residents daily. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Stones River National Battlefield, with its trails and scenic river views, or enjoy boating and fishing on the 14,000-acre J. Percy Priest Lake.
Life in Rutherford County is characterized by a mix of families and young professionals, many of whom commute to Nashville. The Rutherford County Schools district is one of the largest and fastest-growing in Tennessee, with several schools earning high ratings for academic growth. Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro also contributes significantly to the local economy and workforce. The economy is driven by sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology, with major employers including Nissan North America in Smyrna.
Above national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 32/100, Rutherford County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $78,291 combined with job growth of +3.5% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Rutherford County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $305,100 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $1,311/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Rutherford County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +2.4% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +3.5% clip. Home values shifted -0.1% in the past year.
In significant numbers — 5.19% of Rutherford County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.