Is Millington Safe, Pros and cons of living in Millington
Millington, Tennessee, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and community-focused living, situated within the Memphis metropolitan area. This city provides a more relaxed pace of life compared to its larger neighbors, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a balance between accessibility and a quieter environment. Its strategic location ensures residents can easily access the amenities and opportunities of a major city while enjoying the benefits of a smaller, close-knit community.
The city’s identity is closely tied to its history and its role as home to the Naval Support Activity Mid-South, which contributes to the local economy and community fabric. Millington is also recognized as “Flag City Tennessee,” a designation reflecting its historical significance and community pride. This blend of military presence, community spirit, and historical recognition shapes the overall character of Millington.
Is it Safe to Live in Millington?
When considering a move, safety is a paramount concern. Millington presents a complex picture regarding crime rates, with data indicating that certain crime categories are higher than national averages. Understanding these statistics is crucial for potential residents to make informed decisions about their safety and security in the area.
Millington’s crime rates are notably higher than the national average, with property crime rates being significantly above the norm. Specifically, violent crime rates are 63.3% above the national average, and property crime rates are 165.0% above the national average, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. The most common offense recorded is property crime, and the city has a concerningly high rate of motor vehicle theft, ranking among the nation’s highest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). In Millington, you have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime, and the city is safer than only 7% of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living and Housing in Millington
Millington offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average, making it an appealing option for those looking to manage their expenses. This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, from housing to everyday goods and services.
The overall cost of living in Millington is approximately 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com and PayScale). Housing expenses are particularly favorable, with costs being around 34% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). The median home price in Millington was approximately $295,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin), and the median sale price was $216,833 as of February 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Rental prices also reflect this affordability, with the average rent for all property types at $1,510 per month (as reported by Zillow), which is 24.5% lower than the national average. For comparison, the median rental price was $1,500 per month as of March 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com®).
Housing Market Trends
The housing market in Millington shows some fluctuations, with recent data indicating a slight decrease in home prices year-over-year. Homes are spending a moderate amount of time on the market, suggesting a somewhat competitive but not overly rapid sales environment.
In March 2026, Millington home prices were down 9.0% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $295,000 (as reported by Redfin). Homes typically sell after about 59 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median home value in Millington, TN was $238,000 as of December 2025, with a 0.0% year-over-year growth (as reported by Prop:Metrics). Zillow projects a 1.1% increase in housing market value in the next year (as reported by Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
Millington’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with educational services, retail trade, and transportation & warehousing being significant employment sectors. The presence of Naval Support Activity Mid-South is a major economic driver, providing numerous jobs and contributing to the local economy.
The economy of Millington employs approximately 4.67k people, with educational services being the largest industry, followed by retail trade and transportation & warehousing (as reported by Data USA). Utilities, construction, and public administration offer the highest-paying jobs in the area (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Millington was around 6.8% in 2022 (as reported by Living in Millington), though more recent national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a 4.3% unemployment rate in April 2026.
Major Employers
Key employers in Millington play a crucial role in the local job market and community stability. The most significant employer is the Naval Support Activity Mid-South, which is a consistent source of employment and economic activity.
Naval Support Activity Mid-South is a primary employer in Millington, contributing significantly to the local economy and providing a stable job base. Other notable employers and economic contributors can be found through the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce, which works to support and strengthen local businesses and the overall economic development of the city (as reported by Millington Area Chamber of Commerce). The Chamber lists various businesses and organizations that contribute to Millington’s employment landscape.
Climate and Weather
Millington experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by distinct seasons that include hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The area receives a good amount of rainfall throughout the year, with weather patterns that can shift, particularly during spring and summer.
Summers in Millington are typically hot and humid, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weatherly Widgets). Winters are generally mild, though cold snaps can occur, sometimes bringing temperatures below freezing and occasional light snow or ice (as reported by Weatherly Widgets). The area receives ample precipitation, with monthly averages ranging from approximately 3.12 inches in August to 5.73 inches in May (as reported by Plantmaps). The average annual maximum temperature in Millington is around 22°C (71.6°F), with January being the coolest month and August being the warmest (as reported by Millington (TN) Temperature by Month).
Education and Schools
The educational landscape in Millington includes public school options that serve the community’s younger residents. School ratings provide an overview of academic performance and student environment.
Millington Municipal Schools serves the students of Millington, offering education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has an overall Niche grade of C+ (as reported by Niche). Millington High School, part of this district, also holds a C+ overall grade, with particular strengths noted in diversity (grade A) (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 18% of students at Millington High School are proficient in math and 25% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Population
Millington’s population reflects a diverse racial and ethnic makeup, with a significant portion of residents identifying as White and Black or African American. The median age of residents is in the mid-to-late thirties, indicating a mix of age groups within the community.
As of the most recent US Census data, Millington has a population of 11,289 (as reported by US Census Bureau). The racial composition is approximately 50.5% White, 33.4% Black, and 9.8% Hispanic (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median age for Millington residents is 37.6 years (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median household income in Millington was $49,979 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau), with 12.1% of families living in poverty (as reported by US Census Bureau).
Key Demographic Trends
Recent demographic data suggests Millington is becoming more racially diverse, with an increase in the Black population and a decrease in the White population share since 2020. This shift indicates evolving community demographics.
Since the 2020 Census, Millington’s Black population has grown by an estimated 34.0%, increasing its share of the total population from 26.6% to 33.4% (as reported by Census Dots). Concurrently, the White population’s share has decreased from 57.9% to 50.5% (as reported by Census Dots). Millington is noted as being considerably more diverse than Tennessee overall (as reported by Census Dots).