RANK #846 / 996 · POP 343,727 · TN
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.0%
Murfreesboro, the county seat of Rutherford County, Tennessee, served as the state capital from 1818 to 1826. Located in the heart of Tennessee, the county is about a 30-minute drive southeast of Nashville, with Interstate 24 bisecting the county and offering direct access to the larger city. The community blends Southern charm with a modern feel, attracting an average of 20 new residents daily. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Stones River National Battlefield, with its trails and scenic river views, or enjoy boating and fishing on the 14,000-acre J. Percy Priest Lake.
Life in Rutherford County is characterized by a mix of families and young professionals, many of whom commute to Nashville. The Rutherford County Schools district is one of the largest and fastest-growing in Tennessee, with several schools earning high ratings for academic growth. Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro also contributes significantly to the local economy and workforce. The economy is driven by sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology, with major employers including Nissan North America in Smyrna.
Above national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Rutherford County has a Boom Town Index score of 15/100, ranking #846 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.5% and a median household income of $78,291, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Rutherford County is $305,100 with median rent at $1,311/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2566, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.5%. Home values changed -0.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.19% of Rutherford County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.