Is Pulaski Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pulaski

Pulaski, Tennessee, offers a blend of small-town charm and affordability, making it an appealing option for those seeking a quieter pace of life. Nestled in Giles County, this community provides a distinct Southern atmosphere with access to local amenities and a friendly environment. It’s a place where community bonds are strong, and the cost of living is notably lower than the national average.

The city’s character is shaped by its historical roots and a forward-looking approach to community development. Pulaski presents a lifestyle that prioritizes connection and a relaxed rhythm, appealing to individuals and families looking to escape the high costs and fast pace of larger urban centers. Its appeal lies in its straightforward way of life and the tangible reality of affordability.

Is it Safe to Live in Pulaski?

When considering a move to Pulaski, understanding the safety of the community is paramount. Crime rates in Pulaski are a mixed bag, with some sources indicating they are higher than the national average and others suggesting they are below. For instance, one report states that Pulaski has one of the highest crime rates when compared to all communities of all sizes, with a chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime at one in 35 (NeighborhoodScout). However, another source indicates that the overall crime rate is 6% below the national average, with violent crime being 2% lower than the national average (DoorProfit).

Property crime is a more significant concern, with one report noting a 12% higher chance of being a victim compared to the national average (DoorProfit). Another analysis highlights that property crime is a substantial part of the crime in Pulaski, with a chance of becoming a victim of one in 42, or 24 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout). It’s important to note that safety can vary significantly by neighborhood, and residents generally consider the south part of the city to be the safest (Crime Maps and Statistics). The city has seen a decrease in crime year over year, with one report indicating a 14% decrease (DoorProfit).

Cost of Living and Housing

Pulaski stands out for its affordability, with a cost of living that is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Pulaski is 5% lower than the U.S. national average and 50% lower than Tennessee’s state average (Salary.com). Housing costs are a major contributor to this affordability, with housing expenses being 16.5% lower than the national average (Salary.com).

The median home value in Pulaski has seen fluctuations, with one report placing it at $168,826 (Livability.com) and another at $194,400 (Data USA). More recent data from March 2026 indicates a median listing price of $319.7K and an average home value of $250,196 as of March 31, 2026 (Realtor.com, Zillow). Rental prices are also considerably lower than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Pulaski is $590 per month, which is 64% lower than the national average (Apartments.com).

The homeownership rate in Pulaski is 46.7% (Data USA), which is lower than the national average of 65.2%. This suggests a strong rental market. Median rent prices have seen a slight increase, with one report showing a 0.6% increase in the last year, averaging out to $4 more per month (Apartments.com). Another source indicates a median rent of $807 per month (Livability.com) and $835 per month (Point2Homes).

Job Market and Economy

Pulaski’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Pulaski grew by 4.43%, increasing the number of employees from 3.21k to 3.35k (Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Accommodation & Food Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (Data USA).

The job market is diverse, with common job groups including Sales & Related Occupations, Production Occupations, and Management Occupations (Data USA). The median wage in Pulaski is $48.4K per year, with the 25th percentile at $34.4K and the 75th percentile at $68K (ZipRecruiter). Some popular job titles that offer competitive salaries above the city average include Licensed Practical Nurse, Accounting, and Substitute Teacher (ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Giles County, which includes Pulaski, has been falling. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Giles County was 13.9% (Giles County Economic Development Commission). However, other data suggests a more favorable unemployment rate for Pulaski specifically, with one source stating it was 2.9% in 2023, which is lower than the state average (City/town Socio-economic Profile). The Tennessee state unemployment rate for February 2026 was 3.6% (TN.gov).

Climate and Weather

Pulaski experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and muggy, with average high temperatures around 88°F in July, while winters are cool with average lows around 32°F in January (myPerfectWeather, Pulaski Climate). The temperature typically ranges from 31°F to 88°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 16°F or exceeding 95°F (Pulaski Climate).

The city receives a significant amount of precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of 56 to 59 inches (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather). December is generally the wettest month, with an average of 6 inches of rain, while August is typically the driest with about 2.7 inches (Pulaski Climate). Annual snowfall is minimal, with an average of just 2 inches per year (Livability.com, Pulaski Climate).

Humidity can be noticeable during the summer months, particularly from June to August (myPerfectWeather). Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions with moderate humidity and pleasant temperatures. The best times to visit or enjoy outdoor activities are typically from April to May and again in October, when comfortable days are most frequent (myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Pulaski is part of the Giles County School District, which serves the community with several educational institutions. The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools. Public schools in Pulaski have an average math proficiency score of 22% and a reading proficiency score of 25%, which are below the Tennessee state averages (Niche).

The top-ranked public schools in Pulaski include Southside Elementary School, Bridgeforth Middle School, and Giles Co High School (Niche, SchoolDigger.com). These schools serve a diverse student body, with minority enrollment at 39% in Pulaski public schools, which is slightly lower than the Tennessee state average (Niche). Overall, Pulaski’s public schools are ranked within the bottom 50% of Tennessee public schools (Niche).

For higher education, Pulaski is home to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski and The University of Tennessee Southern, which together awarded 305 degrees in 2023 (Data USA). These institutions offer various programs for students seeking to further their education and career development.

Demographics and Diversity

Pulaski has an estimated population of 8,285 as of 2024, showing a slight decrease from the 2020 Census (Census Dots, Data USA). The population is diverse, with a significant portion identifying as White (65.7%), followed by Black or African American (21.6%), and Multiracial (9.0%) (Census Dots). The Hispanic population is approximately 3.3% (Census Dots).

Compared to the state of Tennessee, Pulaski is more diverse. The share of White residents is lower than the state average, while the share of Black and Multiracial residents is higher (Census Dots). The median age in Pulaski is 37.2 years (Data USA), with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (90.5 males per 100 females) (Data USA).

Citizenship in Pulaski is high, with 97.7% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is above the national average (Data USA). The community is characterized by a close-knit vibe, where neighbors tend to know each other, and life moves at a comfortable pace (Livability.com).