Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chattanooga, TN
Considering a move to Chattanooga, TN? This vibrant city of 182,113 residents boasts affordable living, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,220. Chattanooga features a mild climate with 57% sunny days, short 20-minute commutes, and two major hospitals. While property crime is above the national average, the city offers excellent access to outdoor recreation, growing job opportunities, and a welcoming arts and tech scene. Explore local schools, cost of living, and housing options below to see if Chattanooga is your next home.
Demographics - Chattanooga, TN
Demographics - Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga is home to over 182,000 residents, featuring a diverse community with a median age of 38 and a population density of 1,350 people per square mile. The city’s demographic mix includes a majority White population alongside a significant Black community and a growing number of non-English speakers, reflecting an increasingly multicultural environment.
Population:
182,113
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.8%
Black:
30.2%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $265,000 and average rents near $1,220. Utility costs and state taxes remain low, and the overall cost of living index sits below the national average, making it an attractive option for both renters and homeowners.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,220
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,270
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
2.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
78.4
Utilities:
102.8
Transportation:
93.7
Health Care:
91.6
Miscellaneous:
95.1
Crime
Is Chattanooga, TN a safe place to live?
While Chattanooga boasts vibrant neighborhoods, it does experience higher crime rates than many U.S. cities, with a 1 in 95 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 19 chance of property crime. Prospective residents may want to consider neighborhood safety and local law enforcement initiatives when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,058
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,300
Crime Index:
6,358
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 95
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 19
Weather
What is the weather like in Chattanooga, TN year-round?
Chattanooga enjoys a mild climate with warm, humid summers and cool winters, where temperatures range from lows of 32°F in winter to highs of 89°F in summer. With 57% sunny days and over 52 inches of annual rainfall, the city is ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents in Chattanooga experience a median household income of around $53,300 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. The average commute is just over 20 minutes, and more than 87% of adults have at least a high school diploma, contributing to a friendly and well-educated community.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$53,300
Family Income:
$65,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,500
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$34,100
Poverty Rate:
17.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.1%
Rent:
$1,220
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.4%
Bachelors or More:
31.8%
Education
How are the schools in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga offers a robust educational landscape, with a mix of public and private schools and prominent higher education institutions like the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Families benefit from schools with reasonable student-teacher ratios and access to colleges serving thousands of students.
Public Schools
Name:
Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences
Street:
865 E 3rd St
Phone:
423-498-6880
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Name:
East Hamilton Middle High School
Street:
2015 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd
Phone:
423-893-3535
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Private Schools
Name:
Baylor School
Street:
171 Baylor School Rd
Phone:
423-267-5902
Students:
1,070
Colleges
Name:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
City:
Chattanooga
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,700
Name:
Chattanooga State Community College
City:
Chattanooga
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,700
Healthcare
Chattanooga is served by major medical centers such as Erlanger Health System and CHI Memorial Hospital, offering comprehensive care and emergency services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 86% health insurance coverage, the city provides solid healthcare access for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Erlanger Health System
Address:
975 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Phone:
(423) 778-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CHI Memorial Hospital
Address:
2525 de Sales Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone:
(423) 495-2525
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.2%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chattanooga, TN?
The local housing market features a median home price of $265,000 and strong appreciation rates, making it attractive for buyers and investors. Over half of residences are owner-occupied, and rental vacancy rates are moderate, offering a range of options for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,220
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Chattanooga’s DMV services are provided by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, conveniently located on Bonny Oaks Drive. Residents can access driver licensing and vehicle registration services in person or online, ensuring easy management of transportation needs.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
6502 Bonny Oaks Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37416
Phone:
1-866-849-3548
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.