Is Goodlettsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Goodlettsville

Goodlettsville, Tennessee, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing place to consider for relocation. Situated just north of Nashville, this city provides a slightly slower pace of life while remaining within easy reach of the state’s capital. Its community is characterized by a mix of long-time residents and newcomers drawn to its affordability and family-friendly atmosphere.

The city boasts a diverse population and a growing economy, supported by a variety of local businesses and larger employers. Goodlettsville’s commitment to maintaining a pleasant living environment is evident in its parks and community spaces. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those contemplating a move, covering key aspects of life in Goodlettsville.

Is it Safe to Live in Goodlettsville?

Goodlettsville presents a complex picture regarding safety, with varying crime statistics depending on the source and the specific type of crime. Overall crime rates in Goodlettsville are reported to be significantly lower than the national average, with some sources indicating a 52% decrease (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime rates are also notably lower than the national average, with one report stating they are 65% lower (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, other analyses suggest a different perspective, with one source indicating that Goodlettsville’s crime rate is considerably higher than the national average across all communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This analysis also notes that Goodlettsville has a crime rate higher than 62% of Tennessee’s cities and towns. Property crime rates are also a point of concern, with one report indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim compared to all other communities in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Statistics

When examining violent crime specifically, data suggests a more moderate risk. One analysis indicates that the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Goodlettsville is about one in 792, which is considered average for communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Another report states there were 22 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 127 per 100,000 individuals, which is 64.6% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Conversely, another source lists specific violent crime rates such as assault at 92.4 (compared to the national average of 282.7), murder at 5.8 (national 6.1), rape at 11.6 (national 40.7), and robbery at 17.3 (national 135.5) (as reported by Niche). These figures suggest that while some violent crime categories are below the national average, the overall perception of safety can be influenced by specific incidents and local reporting.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime presents a more significant concern in Goodlettsville. One report indicates that the property crime rate is 9 per one thousand population, leading to an above-average chance of victimization compared to all U.S. communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Another source states that Goodlettsville recorded 155 property crimes, amounting to 895 per 100,000 residents, which is 49.1% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Further data shows burglary rates at 138.6 compared to the national average of 500.1 (as reported by Niche). While some statistics show property crime rates lower than the national average, the consistent mention of an above-average risk warrants attention for potential residents. The overall crime rate in Goodlettsville is described as moderate risk by one analysis (as reported by Augurisk).

Cost of Living in Goodlettsville

Goodlettsville offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses. Housing costs, in particular, are a significant factor in this affordability. Housing expenses in Goodlettsville are reported to be 43% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

The overall cost of living in Goodlettsville is estimated to be 22% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Another report indicates that the cost of living in Goodlettsville is 7% higher than the national average, with an index of 107 (as reported by AreaVibes). This discrepancy highlights the importance of consulting various sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Housing Costs and Affordability

The median home value in Goodlettsville is approximately $311,700 (as reported by Kurby AI). However, other sources indicate a median home value of $389,925 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price is around $413K (as reported by Goodlettsville, TN Housing Market & Rental trends). These figures suggest a competitive real estate market.

For renters, the median rent is around $2,000 per month (as reported by Goodlettsville, TN Housing Market & Rental trends). More recent data indicates the average rent for all property types is $1,995 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Rent prices in Goodlettsville are generally lower than the national average, with one report stating they are 18% lower (as reported by Zumper).

Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Goodlettsville are also relatively favorable. Utility prices are 3% lower than the national average, and transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are 10% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Grocery prices are reported to be at the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Healthcare costs in Goodlettsville are 9% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). The cost of living calculator suggests that Goodlettsville is 9% less expensive than the national average overall (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). These factors contribute to a generally lower cost of living compared to many other areas.

Job Market and Economy

Goodlettsville’s job market is supported by a diverse range of industries and a growing employment sector. The most common employment sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). The city has seen employment growth, with a 2.06% increase from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Goodlettsville is reported to be 6.1% (as reported by Point2Homes). However, another source indicates an employment rate of 95.83%, which translates to an unemployment rate of 4.17% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This rate is higher than the state average of 3.6% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).

Major Employers

Several major companies have a significant presence in Goodlettsville, contributing to its employment landscape. Dollar General, a major retailer, is headquartered in Goodlettsville and is one of the largest employers in the area (as reported by Wikipedia, Zippia). Tyson Foods also operates a large plant in Goodlettsville, known as the largest fresh meat packaging plant in the world (as reported by Wikipedia).

Other notable companies with a presence in Goodlettsville include Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, Target, Kroger, and Starbucks (as reported by Indeed.com). These companies offer a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors, from retail and logistics to food service and manufacturing.

Salaries and Wages

The average salary in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, is approximately $43,832 per year or $21.07 per hour as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources report a median household income of $70,758 (as reported by Point2Homes, Census Bureau QuickFacts). The average salary for jobs in Goodlettsville is reported as $64,835 per year or $31 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Salaries can vary significantly depending on the occupation, experience, and specific employer. Top-paying jobs in Goodlettsville include positions such as Pilot, Registered Nurse, and Pharmacist (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The range of salaries indicates diverse earning potential within the city’s economy.

Climate and Weather

Goodlettsville experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 27°F to 89°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an annual precipitation of approximately 52 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Goodlettsville can be hot and humid, particularly from July to August, with average high temperatures around 88°F in July and 89°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather, U.S. Climate Data). Winters are generally cold and wet, with average low temperatures around 27°F in January (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Temperature and Precipitation

The hottest month in Goodlettsville is typically August, with daytime temperatures reaching an average high of 89°F and nighttime lows around 66°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs around 46°F and lows around 27°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Goodlettsville receives an average of 52 inches of precipitation annually, with May being the wettest month, averaging about 5 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The drier season typically spans from August to March, with October having the fewest wet days (as reported by U.S. Climate Data).

Seasonal Considerations

The climate in Goodlettsville is marked by significant temperature swings between summer and winter. The summer months are warm to hot and can be uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The winter months are cold and wet, with occasional snowfall, though annual snowfall is minimal, averaging around 3 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

For those considering a move, the best times to visit or experience pleasant weather are generally during April, September, and October. During these months, temperatures are more comfortable, ranging between 22°C and 28°C, with moderate rainfall (as reported by Best Time to Visit). Humidity levels tend to be high throughout the year in Goodlettsville (as reported by Best Time to Visit).

Education and Schools

Goodlettsville’s public school system offers a range of educational options, though academic performance can vary significantly between institutions. The public schools in Goodlettsville have an average ranking of 6 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Tennessee public schools (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in these schools is 64%, which is higher than the Tennessee public school average (as reported by Niche).

Math proficiency scores in Goodlettsville public schools average 38%, slightly higher than the state average of 34%. However, reading proficiency scores average 32%, which is lower than the statewide average of 37% (as reported by Niche). This indicates a mixed performance in academic achievement across the district.

Public School Performance

Among the public schools serving Goodlettsville, Madison Creek Elementary School is consistently recognized as a top-performing institution. It ranks among the top 100 elementary schools in Tennessee and demonstrates high proficiency rates in math, ELA, and science (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The student-teacher ratio at Madison Creek Elementary is 14:1 (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Conversely, Goodlettsville Elementary and Goodlettsville Middle School show lower performance compared to state and county averages. Goodlettsville Elementary has a math proficiency of 19% and reading proficiency of 18% (as reported by Goodlettsville Elementary School – Niche). These disparities highlight the importance of researching specific schools when considering a move to the area.

Student Demographics and Diversity

The student body in Goodlettsville public schools reflects the city’s diverse population. Minority enrollment constitutes 64% of the student body, with a majority being Black and Hispanic students (as reported by Niche). This is higher than the Tennessee public school average of 43% minority enrollment (as reported by Niche).

The city is home to several public schools, including elementary and middle schools. For instance, Goodlettsville Elementary School serves students in grades PK-5 and has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (as reported by Goodlettsville Elementary School – Niche). The overall student population in Goodlettsville’s public schools is approximately 2,005 students (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population

Goodlettsville is a city with a population of approximately 17,597 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight decline, with a projected population of 17,243 in 2026 (as reported by Goodlettsville, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More | Point2Homes). The median age in Goodlettsville is 38.5 years (as reported by Goodlettsville, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More | Point2Homes).

The gender distribution shows that 43.2% of residents are male, and 56.8% are female (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic makeup contributes to the city’s community feel and lifestyle.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial composition of Goodlettsville is diverse. Caucasian residents make up approximately 58.6% of the population, followed by African Americans at 25.5% (as reported by Goodlettsville, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More | Point2Homes). Other racial groups include those of Hispanic origin, Asian, and individuals identifying with two or more races.

Approximately 93% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, with a smaller percentage being naturalized citizens or non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). This diverse ethnic makeup contributes to the cultural richness of the Goodlettsville community.

Household and Family Structure

Goodlettsville has a total of 8,031 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Of these households, 62.4% are families, while the remaining 37.6% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). This indicates a significant portion of the population comprises families.

The median household income in Goodlettsville is reported as $70,758 (as reported by Goodlettsville, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More | Point2Homes). The poverty rate in the city stands at 9.74% (as reported by Goodlettsville, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More | Point2Homes).