Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Memphis, TN
Thinking of moving to Memphis, TN? With a population of over 620,000, Memphis offers affordable living, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $1,100. Enjoy a mild climate with 64% sunny days and short average commutes of 22 minutes. While crime rates are higher than average, Memphis boasts vibrant culture, renowned hospitals, and educational options including the University of Memphis. Explore local cost of living, housing, schools, and more below to plan your move with confidence.
Demographics - Memphis, TN
Demographics - Memphis, TN
Memphis is home to over 620,000 residents with a median age of 34, offering a youthful and diverse community where about two-thirds identify as Black and over a quarter as White. The city has a moderate population density and a nearly balanced gender ratio, with roughly 7% of locals speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
621,056
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
26.4%
Black:
64.2%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
7.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Memphis, TN?
Memphis offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home price of $165,000 and average rent around $1,110, well below national averages. Utility and transportation costs remain close to the national norm, while state income tax is not collected, making it an attractive choice for budget-minded residents.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$1,110
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,345
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
6% (sales tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
80.6
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
51.0
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
98.1
Health Care:
90.1
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Memphis, TN a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Memphis are higher than average, with residents facing a 1 in 44 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 19 chance of property crime. While many neighborhoods remain welcoming and vibrant, newcomers should consider personal safety and research local areas when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
2,300
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,200
Crime Index:
7,500
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 44
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 19
Weather
What is the weather like in Memphis, TN year-round?
Memphis experiences a mild climate with hot summers averaging up to 92°F, cool winters dipping to around 34°F, and pleasant transitions in spring and fall. The city enjoys about 64% sunny days annually and receives ample rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate a variety of seasons.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Typical Memphis households see a median income of $47,000, with a poverty rate of 22.6% and average commute times just over 22 minutes. Most residents have completed high school, and the community is characterized by its diversity, affordability, and easy access to public transportation.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$47,000
Family Income:
$59,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,800
Income Male:
$36,800
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
22.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.4%
Rent:
$1,110
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.3%
Bachelors or More:
27.1%
Education
How are the schools in Memphis, TN?
Memphis features a range of educational opportunities, from large public high schools like White Station and Germantown to higher education institutions such as the University of Memphis and Rhodes College. Most adults have completed high school, and families have access to both public and private school options.
Public Schools
Name:
White Station High School
Street:
514 S Perkins Rd
Phone:
901-416-8880
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.6
Name:
Germantown High School
Street:
7653 Poplar Pike
Phone:
901-756-2350
Students:
2,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Private Schools
Name:
Memphis University School
Street:
6191 Park Ave
Phone:
901-260-1300
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
University of Memphis
City:
Memphis
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
21,000
Name:
Rhodes College
City:
Memphis
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Memphis is robust, with major facilities like Baptist Memorial Hospital and Methodist University Hospital providing comprehensive emergency care. The city has about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% of people have health insurance coverage, supporting a strong network for medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
Address:
6019 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120
Phone:
(901) 226-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Methodist University Hospital
Address:
1265 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Phone:
(901) 516-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Address:
262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105
Phone:
(866) 278-5833
Type:
Pediatric/Research
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.6%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Memphis, TN?
The Memphis housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $165,000 and nearly half of residents owning their homes. Rental options are plentiful, with a vacancy rate of 9.1% and average rents for a two-bedroom around $1,110, making it a favorable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,110
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, offering convenient online and in-person services. The main office is in Nashville, but resources and support are readily accessible for Memphis drivers.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Address:
1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243
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.