The 5 Safest Places
in Tennessee

2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Tennessee

Methodology Brief
To determine the definitive ranking of Tennessee’s optimal residential locations, Ocity.org’s data science team employed a weighted multi-variable algorithm. The analysis was conducted across nine major Tennessee municipalities, evaluating three core metrics: Safety (weighted 40%), Affordability (weighted 30%), and Economic Output (weighted 30%). Safety was quantified as the inverse of the violent crime rate per 100,000 residents. Affordability was calculated using median rent for a one-bedroom unit, adjusted against the regional cost of living. Economic Output was derived directly from median household income. This rigorous, data-centric approach eliminates subjective bias, isolating the highest-yield locations for statistical safety, financial efficiency, and economic stability.

Top 3 Winners Deep Dive

Rank #1: Franklin
Franklin secures the top position through a distinct convergence of high economic output and optimized safety metrics relative to the broader dataset. The city’s median household income of $118,156 is a statistical outlier, significantly outperforming the nearest competitor by over $38,000. While the violent crime rate of 673/100k is not the lowest in the state, it is effectively neutralized by the city’s exceptional economic power. When adjusted for income, the rent-to-income ratio is highly favorable, providing residents with substantial disposable income. Franklin represents the yield leader: the highest economic capacity without a commensurate sacrifice in safety.

Rank #2: Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro achieves the runner-up position by delivering a superior balance of safety and affordability. The city posts a violent crime rate of 456/100k, the second-lowest in the dataset and notably safer than the top-ranked city. This safety advantage is paired with a median income of $78,069, which sits comfortably above the state median. The rent of $1,442 is identical to Franklin and Nashville, but the lower crime rate and robust income create a more optimized risk-adjusted return on living expenses. Murfreesboro is the data-driven choice for residents prioritizing statistical safety without forgoing economic opportunity.

Rank #3: Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson secures the bronze position based on sheer economic scale and population-adjusted metrics. As the state’s economic engine, it sustains a median income of $80,217 and a massive population base of 687,787. The violent crime rate of 673/100k mirrors that of Franklin, but Nashville’s economic output is more accessible on a per-capita basis for a wider demographic. The rent of $1,442 aligns with the top tier, but the income potential offers a high-yield environment for career-focused professionals. Nashville represents the optimal intersection of large-scale economic opportunity and manageable risk.

The 'Hidden Gem'
The dataset identifies Clarksville as the premier "Hidden Gem," offering the highest value proposition when cross-referencing income and cost. With a median income of $67,246, Clarksville performs solidly in economic output, yet it distinguishes itself with a significantly lower cost of entry. The rent for a one-bedroom unit is $970, which is 33% lower than the rent in the top three cities. This creates a highly favorable rent-to-income ratio, maximizing disposable income. Furthermore, Clarksville maintains a violent crime rate of 567/100k, which is statistically safer than Franklin and Nashville. For residents seeking to maximize financial efficiency without compromising on safety, Clarksville provides the optimal data-backed value.

Full Rankings Table