Is Soddy-Daisy Safe, Pros and cons of living in Soddy-Daisy

Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to urban amenities, making it an appealing location for various individuals and families. Nestled in Hamilton County, this city provides a distinctive lifestyle for its residents. Prospective movers often seek to understand the safety, cost of living, and overall quality of life before making a decision.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Soddy-Daisy, covering essential aspects such as its safety, economic landscape, housing market, climate, and educational opportunities. By delving into these key areas, individuals can gain valuable insights to determine if Soddy-Daisy aligns with their needs and preferences.

Is it Safe to Live in Soddy-Daisy?

Soddy-Daisy presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are comparable to national averages and lower than the state average. The overall crime rate is approximately 23.67 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Soddy-Daisy varies by neighborhood, with some areas offering a lower risk than others (CrimeGrade).

While the city’s overall crime rate is considered average compared to other U.S. cities, it ranks in the 51st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 51% of cities nationwide (CrimeGrade). Violent crime in Soddy-Daisy is reported to be 44% lower than the national average, and property crime is 22% lower than the national average (Augurisk). The cost of crime per resident in Soddy-Daisy is also lower than the national and state averages (CrimeGrade).

Crime Statistics and Trends

The total crime rate in Soddy-Daisy is 1,724 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 26% lower than the rest of the country and 52% lower than the Tennessee crime rate (Augurisk). Specifically, violent crime is 44% lower than the national average, and property crime is 22% lower (Augurisk). Within the city, residents often consider the northeast part of Soddy-Daisy to be the safest (CrimeGrade).

When examining crime on a per-capita basis, Soddy-Daisy’s crime rate is about average for all cities and towns in America (NeighborhoodScout). However, when compared to other communities of similar population size, Soddy-Daisy’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average (NeighborhoodScout). The zip code 37379, which encompasses part of Soddy-Daisy, has an overall crime index of 76, which is 24% below the national average (DoorProfit). This zip code is considered safer than 0% of neighborhoods within Soddy-Daisy itself, though its overall crime index is 14% higher than the city’s average (DoorProfit).

Neighborhood Safety

Soddy-Daisy residents generally perceive the northeast section of the city as the safest area (CrimeGrade). Your chances of being a victim of crime can range significantly depending on the specific neighborhood, with some areas presenting a lower risk than others (CrimeGrade). For instance, the chance of being a victim of crime can vary from 1 in 28 in the north neighborhoods to 1 in 57 in the northeast (CrimeGrade).

Conversely, the southern parts of Soddy-Daisy tend to see more crime incidents annually, while the northwest part of the city experiences the fewest (CrimeGrade). The Soddy Daisy Police Department, with the assistance of sworn officers and civilian employees, is responsible for managing crime within the community (Augurisk).

Cost of Living in Soddy-Daisy

Soddy-Daisy offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The overall cost of living in Soddy-Daisy is approximately 15% lower than the national average (PayScale). This lower cost extends to various essential expense categories, contributing to a more budget-friendly lifestyle.

Housing expenses in Soddy-Daisy are significantly below the national average, with utility prices also being more affordable. Transportation costs, including gas prices and public transit fares, are also lower than the national figures. Grocery prices and healthcare expenses also contribute to the overall lower cost of living in the area.

Housing Expenses

Housing costs in Soddy-Daisy are substantially lower than the national average, with expenses being around 35% less than the national figure (PayScale). The median home price in Soddy-Daisy was reported as $241,400 (ERI Economic Research Institute), with other sources indicating a median sale price of $299K last month (Redfin) and a median listing price of $411.4K (Redfin). As of March 31, 2026, the average home value was $359,449, showing a slight increase of 0.6% over the past year (Zillow).

Rental costs are also more affordable, with the average rent in Soddy-Daisy being $1,191 per month as of May 2026 (Apartments.com). This is 27% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,191, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,401 (Apartments.com). To live comfortably in Soddy-Daisy, considering the average rent, an annual income of approximately $47,640 is recommended (Apartments.com).

Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Soddy-Daisy are also generally lower than the national average. Utility prices are about 11% lower than the national average (PayScale). Transportation costs, such as gas prices and bus fares, are also 11% lower than the national average (PayScale).

Grocery prices in Soddy-Daisy are approximately 3% lower than the national average (PayScale). Healthcare expenses are also more affordable, being 13% lower than the national average (PayScale). This comprehensive affordability across various spending categories makes Soddy-Daisy an economically attractive place to reside.

Job Market and Economy

Soddy-Daisy’s job market is characterized by growth and a diverse range of employment sectors, contributing to its economic vitality. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Soddy-Daisy grew by 3.79%, with the number of employees increasing from 6.02k to 6.24k (Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include manufacturing, retail trade, and health care and social assistance.

The city’s economy benefits from its proximity to Chattanooga and the presence of industrial parks, which house various businesses and offer employment opportunities. Soddy-Daisy itself was voted one of Tennessee’s most “business-friendly” municipalities in 2007 (City of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee).

Major Employers and Industries

Key employment sectors in Soddy-Daisy include manufacturing, which employs a significant number of residents, followed by retail trade and health care and social assistance (Data USA). Within the Soddy Daisy Industrial Park, current tenants include companies such as Meyer Decorative Surfaces, Integrated Data Solutions, QVC, Inc., and AYS America Corporation (Hamilton County Government). These companies contribute to the local economy by providing jobs and fostering business activity.

Chattanooga, a nearby major city, boasts larger employers that also draw from the Soddy-Daisy workforce. Major employers in the broader Chattanooga area include Erlanger (5,994 employees), Hamilton County Schools (5,781 employees), and Volkswagen Group of America (5,239 employees) (Chattanooga Business). The Volkswagen manufacturing facility in Chattanooga represents a significant investment and employment hub approximately 15 miles from the Soddy-Daisy Business District (City of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee).

Income and Unemployment

The average annual household income in Soddy-Daisy was reported as $90,727 in 2024, marking an 8.8% increase from the previous year (Point2Homes). The median household income in Soddy-Daisy was $75,113 (ZipRecruiter), with another source stating $36,826 in 2024 (Data Commons). The median individual income is also reported, with variations based on age and gender (Point2Homes, Data Commons).

The unemployment rate in Soddy-Daisy was 3.0% in 2023 (Socio-economic Profile). For the state of Tennessee, the unemployment rate was 3.6% in February 2026 (USAFacts), which was lower than the U.S. overall unemployment rate at that time (USAFacts). The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development provides monthly unemployment data for the state (TN.gov).

Climate and Weather

Soddy-Daisy experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 29°F in January to a high of 88°F in July (myPerfectWeather). The city receives a significant amount of precipitation annually, contributing to its lush environment.

The weather in Soddy-Daisy can be described as hot and muggy during the summer months, while winters are generally short, cold, and wet. The city experiences comfortable weather for a significant portion of the year, making it pleasant for outdoor activities during specific seasons.

Temperature and Seasonal Variations

Summers in Soddy-Daisy are hot, with July being the warmest month, featuring average high temperatures of 88°F and average lows of 67°F (myPerfectWeather). The hot season generally lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 80°F (Time and Date). Winters are cold, with January typically being the coldest month, having average highs of 48°F and average lows of 29°F (myPerfectWeather). The cold season typically runs from late November to late February, with daily high temperatures falling below 57°F (Time and Date).

The number of days with comfortable weather in Soddy-Daisy is estimated to be around 137 days per year. The most comfortable times to visit or enjoy outdoor activities are generally from April to May and from mid-September to October (myPerfectWeather). These periods offer milder temperatures and lower humidity levels, creating a more pleasant climate.

Rainfall and Precipitation

Soddy-Daisy receives an average annual precipitation of 61 inches (myPerfectWeather). Precipitation occurs throughout the year, with December typically being the wettest month, averaging about 6 inches of rain (myPerfectWeather). August tends to be the driest month, with an average rainfall of 2.8 inches (Time and Date).

A “wet day” is defined as a day with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The chance of wet days is higher during the period from March to August, with July having the most wet days on average (Time and Date). Conversely, the drier season spans from late August to March, with October having the fewest wet days (Time and Date). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of 3 inches annually (Livability.com).

Education and Schools

Soddy-Daisy provides a range of educational options for its younger residents, with several public schools serving the community. The school system is part of the Hamilton County School District, offering K-12 education. The schools are evaluated based on various metrics, including academic performance, teacher quality, and student-teacher ratios.

Soddy-Daisy High School is a prominent secondary institution, and elementary schools like Soddy Elementary and Daisy Elementary serve the younger students. Specialized educational programs and resources are also available within the community to support student development.

Public School Performance

Soddy-Daisy High School is a public school serving grades 9-12, with approximately 1,118 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (Niche). It holds an overall Niche Grade of B- (Niche). According to state test scores, 37% of students are proficient in math and 47% in reading (Niche). Soddy Daisy High School has a graduation rate of 91% (Augurisk).

At the elementary level, Soddy Elementary School has an overall Niche Grade of B+ and serves grades PK-5 with 496 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (Niche). It is rated 3 out of 5 stars on Niche (Niche). Daisy Elementary School also holds a B+ overall Niche Grade, serving 364 students with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio (Niche). Allen Elementary School also receives a B+ rating (Niche).

Educational Resources and Opportunities

Beyond traditional schooling, Soddy-Daisy offers additional educational resources. Ivy Academy is a specialized high school focused on environmental studies, notable for its partnership with the Tennessee State Parks Department, where rangers often assist with the curriculum (Augurisk). The Soddy Daisy Library, a privately operated community library, provides residents with access to over 23,000 books and other resources (Augurisk).

The city also has a museum, opened in 2017, operated by the Soddy-Daisy Historical Association, which showcases the area’s history (Wikipedia). The historical association hosts an annual history fair at Soddy-Daisy High School each January (Wikipedia). These institutions contribute to the cultural and educational enrichment of the community.

Demographics and Population

Soddy-Daisy is a city with a population of approximately 13,231 residents as of the most recent data (Data USA). The population has seen steady growth, with an increase of 2.7% since 2010 (Augurisk). The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups represented.

The median age in Soddy-Daisy is around 46 years, which is higher than the state average, suggesting a community with a significant proportion of middle-aged and older adults. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with a slightly higher percentage of females. The majority of residents are families and retirees, contributing to a generally stable community atmosphere.

Population and Age Distribution

The population of Soddy-Daisy was recorded at 13,070 in the 2020 census and estimated to be 13,619 in 2022 (Wikipedia). As of 2024, the population is around 13,231 (Data USA). The median age in Soddy-Daisy is approximately 45.6 years (Data Commons), with a slightly higher median age of 46 noted by Augurisk (Augurisk). The age distribution shows about 13.4% of the population are children under 15, 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group, 22.5% are between 25 and 44, 30.6% are between 45 and 64, and 20.8% are 65 or older (Point2Homes).

For every 100 females, there are approximately 98.3 males in Soddy-Daisy (ZipRecruiter). This near-equal gender balance contributes to the community’s social dynamics. The majority of residents are families, with 73.8% of households being families, and 26.2% being individuals living alone or with non-relatives (Point2Homes).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of Soddy-Daisy is predominantly White. As of 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest demographic group, making up 12.3k people (Data USA). Overall, 93.19% of the population identifies as White (ZipRecruiter). Other racial groups, including those of two or more races, and other races, are present in smaller percentages.

Hispanic residents make up a small portion of the population, with 1.66% identified as Hispanic or Latino (Data USA). The foreign-born population in Soddy-Daisy is also relatively small, with 1.78% of residents born outside the United States (Data USA). This demographic profile indicates a largely homogenous population with a strong representation of White residents.

Recreation and Lifestyle

Soddy-Daisy offers a lifestyle that balances outdoor recreation with a close-knit community feel. Its natural surroundings provide opportunities for various outdoor activities, while local amenities cater to the needs of its residents. The city’s location also provides convenient access to the amenities of nearby Chattanooga.

The community is known for its scenic beauty, with opportunities for exploring nature and enjoying a quieter pace of life. This blend of natural attractions and community-focused living makes Soddy-Daisy an appealing place for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging environment.

Outdoor Activities and Natural Attractions

The region surrounding Soddy-Daisy is rich in natural beauty, offering ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. While specific recreational facilities within the immediate city limits are not detailed in the provided search results, the broader area is known for its scenic landscapes. Nearby Chattanooga offers numerous parks and outdoor attractions, such as Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee Riverwalk, which are accessible to Soddy-Daisy residents.

The climate, with warm summers and mild winters, supports year-round outdoor activities. The comfortable weather periods, particularly spring and fall, are ideal for hiking, exploring, and enjoying the natural environment. The proximity to natural areas suggests a lifestyle that can be deeply connected to the outdoors for those who choose to live in Soddy-Daisy.

Community and Local Amenities

Soddy-Daisy is characterized by its small-town atmosphere and a strong sense of community. The city is home to essential amenities, including a community library that offers a variety of resources (Augurisk). The presence of local schools and community organizations contributes to the social fabric of the town.

The city’s historical association also plays a role in community life, preserving local heritage and hosting events like an annual history fair (Wikipedia). While Soddy-Daisy is a more rural community, its residents benefit from the close proximity to Chattanooga, which provides access to a wider array of cultural events, dining, and entertainment options. This proximity allows residents to enjoy the tranquility of a smaller town while having urban conveniences within easy reach.