Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Tennessee

Thinking of moving to Tennessee? Well, you aren’t alone. Best known for country music, Graceland, Elvis, fried catfish, and delicious barbecue, Tennessee is home to nearly 7 million residents. But where exactly are people in Tennessee moving to? We’re here to answer that question. We’ve compiled the 10 fastest-growing cities in Tennessee that saw the most significant population increase over a 5-year span from 2017 to 2021. From Nashville to Frankin, see what cities made the list.

#1: Murfreesboro, TN 

Median sale price: $413,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,606
Murfreesboro, TN homes for sale
Murfreesboro, TN apartments for rent

Taking the number one spot on our list is Murfreesboro, TN, which is best known for its American Civil War history, particularly the Battle of Stones River. Murfreesboro currently has a population of around 157,500, an increase of 16% from 2017. 

There are many reasons why people are moving to Murfreesboro. For starters, there are a handful of great parks, such as Barfield Crescent Park, McKnight Park, and Richard Siegel Park. While exploring Murfreesboro, locals can also find a diverse arts and entertainment scene with museums like the Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History, Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, and entertainment venues such as Main Street Music and Center For the Arts. Many restaurants are sure to please your taste buds, such as Demos’ Restaurant, The Alley on Main, and Marina’s on the Square.

#2: Clarksville, TN

Median sale price: $315,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,350
Clarksville, TN homes for sale
Clarksville, TN apartments for rent

Known for being a historic town that sits on the banks of the Cumberland River, Clarksville, TN, comes in at number two on the list of the fastest growing cities in Tennessee. Clarksville’s population grew to nearly 171,000, a 12% increase in residents. 

If you’re considering living in Clarksville, rest assured there is plenty to keep you busy. You can visit the Clarksville Marina, go fishing or boating, visit Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center, or take a scenic drive down the Cumberland River. There are also tons of great restaurants, bars, and shops downtown.

#3: Smyrna, TN

Median sale price: $417,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,210
Smyrna, TN homes for sale 
Smyrna, TN apartments for rent

Smyrna, TN, is best known for its outdoor activities, family-friendly setting, and historic sites. If you want to eat something delicious, check out Smyrna Cafe, Tokyo Japanese Steak House, and Margarita House Smyrna. You can also take a walk through one of the countless parks like Lee Victory Recreation Park, Gregory Mill Park, and Sharp Springs Park. Lastly, be sure to get tickets to a Springhouse Theatre Company show. There’s something for everyone living in Smyrna. 

The population of Smyrna, TN, is around 55,500, an 11% increase since 2017. 

#4: Franklin, TN

Median sale price: $805,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,750
Franklin, TN homes for sale
Franklin, TN apartments for rent

Known for its Main Street and the Franklin Theatre, Franklin, TN, takes the number four spot on our list. The city’s current population is about 85,500, a 9% increase since 2017.

Franklin is jam-packed with great things to do. From setting up a picnic in Pinkerton Park or Jim Warren Park to grabbing a bite to eat at 55 South, Tupelo Honey, and Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, there is plenty to keep you busy. If you love arts and entertainment, check out Lotz House Museum, Williamson County Performing Arts Center, and The Franklin Theatre.

#5:  Hendersonville, TN

Median sale price: $469,400
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,780
Hendersonville, TN homes for sale
Hendersonville, TN apartments for rent

Hendersonville, TN, is known for being the “city by the lake” because of its close proximity to Old Hickory Lake. Hendersonville saw an 8% increase in population since 2017 and currently has about 62,300 residents. 

There are many things to do while living in Hendersonville. You can visit the Hendersonville Farmers Market, take a scenic drive on the Hendersonville Country Music Highway, or visit the Hendersonville Museum and Heritage Center. Residents can shop and dine in historic downtown Hendersonville, attend a performance at the Hendersonville Performing Arts Center, visit the Winery at Fontanel, take a tour of the Hendersonville Cidery, or enjoy a day of spa treatments at one of Hendersonville’s many spa resorts.

#6: Johnson City, TN

Median sale price: $350,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $867
Johnson City, TN homes for sale
Johnson City, TN apartments for rent

With an 8% increase since 2017 to its current population of around 71,300, Johnson City, TN, comes in sixth on our list. The city is well known for being encircled by the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. 

You’ll find a lot of unique activities in Johnson City. Residents can grab a bite to eat at Cootie Brown’s N. Roan, Label Restaurant, and Freiberg’s, check out a museum like the Reece Museum,  play sports at Rotary Park, or catch a show at Johnson City Community Theatre.

#7: Kingsport, TN

Median sale price: $175,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $642
Kingsport, TN homes for sale
Kingsport, TN apartments for rent

Trying to figure out if you want to move to Kingsport, TN? Kingsport is a city worth considering because of its rich history and natural scenic beauty. It has a population of around 55,600, seeing a 4% increase since 2017.

Wondering what to do in Kingsport, TN? There are many things from relaxing at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, Borden Park, and Centennial Park to grabbing a quick bite at Riverfront Seafood Co, The Shack, or Nick’s Family Restaurant. Also, be sure to catch a show at Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre or The LampLight Theatre.

#8: Knoxville, TN

Median sale price: $310,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:$1,359
Knoxville, TN homes for sale
Knoxville, TN apartments for rent

Knoxville, TN comes in at eighth and is best known for its Southern food, the Sunsphere, and is home to the University of Tennessee. It saw an increase of 3% to its current population of around 192,700. 

If you want something to do while living in Knoxville, TN, look no further than great parks such as Lakeshore Park, Concord Park, and Fort Dickerson Park and venues like Tennessee Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre, Open Chord Stage, and Bijou Theatre. Grab a quick bite at Calhoun’s On The River, The Original Copper Cellar Restaurant, and Myrtle’s Chicken and Beer. Afterward, visit Knoxville Museum of Art, McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, and Muse Knoxville.

#9: Nashville, TN

Median sale price: $460,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,789
Nashville, TN homes for sale
Nashville, TN apartments for rent

Known as the Capital of Country Music, Nashville, TN, comes in at ninth. The city is home to nearly 678,900 residents, which is a 2.30% increase. 

There are plenty of things to do in Nashville, Tennessee. You can visit the Grand Ole Opry, tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, see a show at the Ryman Auditorium, or visit one of the many museums and galleries. You can also enjoy the city’s nightlife, with its many bars and clubs, or enjoy a concert at one of the many live music venues. There is something for everyone living in Nashville.

#10: Collierville, TN

Median sale price: $502,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,653
Collierville, TN homes for sale
Collierville, TN apartments for rent

known for its unique antebellum architecture, Collierville comes in at number 10 on our list. The city saw a 2.17% to its current population of nearly 51,400. 

There are many things to do if you’re considering moving to Collierville. From parks like W.C. Johnson Park, Town Square Park, and H.W. Cox Park to museums like Morton Museum of Collierville History, you’ll never get tired of the city. If you want to grab a quick bite, you should check out Jim’s Place Grille, Stix, and Silver Caboose Restaurant & Soda Fountain.

Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during July 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during July 2022.