Is Cookeville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cookeville
Cookeville, Tennessee, offers a blend of small-town charm and growing urban amenities, making it an attractive location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Situated in the Upper Cumberland region, the city provides a lower cost of living compared to national averages, coupled with a strong sense of community. Its strategic location and developing economy contribute to its appeal for families and professionals alike.
The city is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills and proximity to outdoor recreational areas. Cookeville’s expanding infrastructure and educational institutions, notably Tennessee Technological University, further enhance its desirability. This combination of affordability, natural surroundings, and educational opportunities creates a unique living experience in Middle Tennessee.
Is it Safe to Live in Cookeville?
Cookeville’s crime rate is a complex issue, with varying perspectives depending on the source and the specific metrics analyzed. While some data suggests a crime rate that is higher than the national average for all communities, other reports indicate that violent and property crimes are lower than the national average. For instance, one analysis shows that violent crimes in Cookeville are 19% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Conversely, another report indicates that the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Cookeville is 1 in 334, with a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Property crime rates also present a mixed picture. NeighborhoodScout reports that Cookeville’s property crime rate is 18 per one thousand population, meaning there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of such crimes compared to other communities nationwide. However, AreaVibes states that property crimes in Cookeville are 6% lower than the national average. Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with crime rates in central neighborhoods being higher than those in the northwest (as reported by AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Real Estate in Cookeville
Housing in Cookeville is generally more affordable than the national average, presenting a significant draw for potential residents. The median home value in Cookeville is approximately $237,000 (as reported by Data USA), which is lower than the national median. Similarly, the average listing price for a home is around $402,808 (as reported by Apartments.com), also indicating a more accessible real estate market.
When it comes to renting, Cookeville also offers competitive rates. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $892 per month, which is substantially lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com, Redfin). This affordability extends to overall housing expenses, which are reported to be 25% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale, Apartments.com).
Homeownership Trends
The homeownership rate in Cookeville stands at approximately 68.3% as of 2024, a figure that has seen a slight decline from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a strong preference for homeownership within the community, though rental options remain plentiful and affordable. The median property value has seen growth, increasing by 11.8% in 2024 to reach $237,000 (as reported by Data USA).
The Cookeville Job Market and Economy
Cookeville’s economy is characterized by a diverse range of industries and a growing employment sector. The city’s unemployment rate is currently at 3.70%, which is lower than the long-term average and reflects a stable job market (as reported by YCharts). Major employers in the area include Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Tennessee Tech University, and Putnam County Board of Education, providing significant employment opportunities within the community (as reported by Wikipedia).
Other notable employers contributing to the local economy include Averitt Express, a transportation and logistics company, and various entities within manufacturing and retail trade sectors. The employment rate in Cookeville is approximately 93.92%, indicating a healthy level of workforce participation (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
Major Employers and Industries
Key industries that drive employment in Cookeville include Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Manufacturing, employing thousands of residents (as reported by Data USA). Averitt Express is frequently recognized as a major employer and has been noted on Forbes’ lists of best employers (as reported by Zippia, Wikipedia, Forbes). Tennessee Technological University is also a substantial employer and educational institution within the city.
Cost of Living in Cookeville
The overall cost of living in Cookeville is notably lower than the national average, making it an appealing destination for those looking to manage expenses. Cookeville’s cost of living is approximately 11% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by RentCafe). This affordability extends across various categories, including housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation.
Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this lower cost of living, being about 23% cheaper than the U.S. average (as reported by RentCafe). Utility costs are also reduced, typically falling around 16% below the national average. This makes Cookeville a financially attractive option for individuals and families.
Daily Expenses and Income
When considering daily expenses, groceries in Cookeville are around 4% cheaper than the national average. Transportation costs are also reduced, showing savings of about 11.9% compared to the national figures. To live comfortably in Cookeville as a single adult, an estimated salary of around $63,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).
The median household income in Cookeville is reported at $48,501 (as reported by RentCafe), and the average annual salary is around $45,721 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). While these figures are lower than the national median, they are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living.
Climate and Weather in Cookeville
Cookeville experiences a humid subtropical climate, with distinct seasons throughout the year. The city generally has slightly lower temperatures and humidity levels compared to other Tennessee cities due to its elevation on the Highland Rim (as reported by Wikipedia). Summer months are warm, with average high temperatures typically in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures are cool, with average lows in the upper 20s Fahrenheit.
Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with monthly rainfall averages ranging from approximately 3.18 inches in October to 5.67 inches in July (as reported by Time and Date). While severe weather events like tornadoes can occur in the region, they are not a frequent occurrence, and the National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts and warnings to ensure public safety.
Seasonal Temperature and Rainfall
Average annual temperatures in Cookeville range from a high of approximately 87°F in July to a low of around 28°F in January (as reported by NOAA data from nearby Crossville Memorial Airport). The city receives an average of about 55 inches of rain annually, with the highest monthly totals typically occurring in the summer months and the lowest in the fall (as reported by Time and Date).
Education in Cookeville
Cookeville is recognized for its strong educational offerings, particularly its highly-rated public school system. The Putnam County School District serves the area, encompassing numerous schools from elementary to high school levels. Niche ranks the Putnam County School District as an above-average public school district, highlighting its student-teacher ratio and proficiency in state test scores (as reported by Niche, Wikipedia).
Tennessee Technological University is a significant educational institution in Cookeville, contributing to the city’s identity as a college town. The university offers a wide range of programs and plays a vital role in the local economy and cultural landscape. Several other institutions, including technical colleges, also serve the educational needs of the community.
School District Performance
The Putnam County School District is rated B+ overall by Niche, with specific schools receiving high marks for various factors such as academics, diversity, and college preparation. Cookeville High School, for instance, is ranked among the best public high schools in Tennessee for college preparation and STEM education (as reported by Niche). This commitment to quality education provides a strong foundation for students in the community.
Demographics of Cookeville
Cookeville is a growing city with a population of approximately 36,088 residents (as reported by Niche, Data USA). The city’s micropolitan area has experienced significant growth, ranking as the 4th largest-gaining micropolitan area in the country between 2022 and 2023 (as reported by Wikipedia). The population is diverse, with a significant White (Non-Hispanic) majority, followed by Hispanic, Multiracial, Black, and Asian populations (as reported by Data USA, Census Dots).
The median age in Cookeville is around 29.8 years (as reported by Data USA), suggesting a relatively young population, which is common in college towns. The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a foreign-born population that is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Population Trends and Diversity
Cookeville’s population has seen an increase since the 2020 Census, with the micropolitan area showing a notable growth rate (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial and ethnic composition reflects a diverse community, with White residents forming the largest group, followed by Hispanic and Multiracial populations (as reported by Census Dots). While the share of Black residents is lower than the state average, the Hispanic population is slightly higher than the Tennessee average (as reported by Census Dots).