Is Murfreesboro Safe, Pros and cons of living in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, offers a dynamic blend of Southern charm and growing urban amenities, making it an attractive destination for many. The city boasts a vibrant community with a rich history, complemented by modern conveniences and a burgeoning economy. As a key part of the Nashville metropolitan area, Murfreesboro provides a balance between a suburban feel and access to a larger city’s opportunities.

With a population that has seen significant growth, Murfreesboro continues to evolve while retaining its unique character. Its strategic location and expanding infrastructure contribute to its appeal for both residents and businesses looking for a place to thrive. The city’s commitment to development is evident in its diverse offerings, from educational institutions to recreational spaces.

Is it Safe to Live in Murfreesboro?

Murfreesboro’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with some categories exceeding national averages while others show improvement. Recent data indicates a slight increase in homicides, with 104 cases in 2024, a small rise from 103 in 2023 (according to the Murfreesboro Banner). However, overall violent offenses saw a decrease of 5%, with aggravated assaults down by over 6% and robberies dropping by more than 10% in 2024. Conversely, reported rape offenses increased by 20% to 627 incidents in 2024.

When compared to national statistics, Murfreesboro’s crime rates are higher than the U.S. average, particularly in property crimes. Residents face a property crime victimization rate of one in 22 people, or 46 cases per thousand residents, and the city experiences one of the nation’s highest motor vehicle theft rates, with a one in 122 chance of a car being stolen. Despite these figures, a 2017 FBI report indicated that Murfreesboro had the lowest violent crime rate among the largest Tennessee cities at that time (as reported by MTSU Sidelines).

Cost of Living in Murfreesboro

The cost of living in Murfreesboro is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 2% higher, while others suggest it is 4.6% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by Salary.com and Cost of Living Index). However, when compared to the state of Tennessee’s average, Murfreesboro’s cost of living is significantly lower, by 125% according to one report (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing costs are a significant factor in Murfreesboro’s overall cost of living. While some data suggests housing expenses are 19.2% higher than the national average, others indicate they are equal to the national average or even 14% lower (as reported by Salary.com and Payscale). The median home price in Murfreesboro was approximately $410,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin), with median rent averaging around $1,686 in March 2026 (as reported by Zillow) or $2,067 as of April 28, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Housing Market and Rental Prices

Murfreesboro’s housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes receiving an average of two offers and selling in about 79 days on average, compared to 63 days in the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price of a home in Murfreesboro was $410,000 in March 2026, showing a slight decrease of 1.2% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices in Murfreesboro show a range of options. The average rent across all property types and bedrooms was approximately $2,067 as of April 28, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Other reports indicate an average rent of $1,540 per month (as reported by Cost of Living Index), with specific neighborhoods offering more affordable options, such as Cove at Center Point at $1,007 per month.

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Murfreesboro has shown growth, with employment increasing by 2.91% from the previous year, reaching approximately 89,525 employed individuals (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services. Major employers in the area contribute significantly to the local economy, with institutions like Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Ascension Health, and Nissan North America being prominent.

Other significant employers include First Community Mortgage, Inc., and various retail and service industries. The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce actively works to promote business development and attract new industries to the area, further strengthening the job market. The average salary in Murfreesboro varies by source, with some indicating around $80,291 annually for Murfreesboro City employees (as reported by Salary.com) and others suggesting an average of $49,371 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro experiences a climate with hot and humid summers and cold, wet winters, with the weather being partly cloudy throughout the year. The hot season typically spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 81°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 70°F.

The cold season lasts from late November to late February, characterized by average daily high temperatures below 56°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 31°F and highs of 48°F. The city experiences significant seasonal variation in humidity, with muggier conditions prevalent from mid-May to late September.

Education in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is served by both the Murfreesboro City School District and Rutherford County Schools, both of which receive positive ratings. The Murfreesboro City School District has an overall Niche grade of B+, serving students in grades PK-6 with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. According to state test scores, 46% of students are proficient in math and 42% in reading within this district (as reported by Niche).

Rutherford County Schools also holds a highly-rated status, with an overall Niche grade of A-. This district serves a larger student population from PK-12 with a similar student-teacher ratio of 15:1. State test proficiency rates are 44% for math and 47% for reading within Rutherford County Schools (as reported by Niche). Central Magnet School, a part of Rutherford County Schools, is particularly noted, earning an A+ grade and ranking highly among public schools in Tennessee.

Demographics of Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is a growing city with a projected population of 173,322 for 2026 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The current population is approximately 161,445, making it the sixth most populated city in Tennessee (as reported by Data USA and US Census Bureau). The city’s population is predominantly White, accounting for 62.9% of residents, followed by Black or African American at 16.2%, and Hispanic at 9.7% (as reported by US Census Bureau and Data USA).

The median age in Murfreesboro is 31.6 years, which is relatively young, suggesting a significant population of young professionals and families. In 2024, the median household income was $80,108, with a poverty rate of 4.5% (as reported by US Census Bureau). Citizenship among residents is high, with 95.5% being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).