TENNESSEE
Welcome to Tennessee, the Volunteer State!
Tennessee is an appealing choice for homebuyers due to its affordable cost of living, no state income tax, and growing job market. The state offers a diverse range of housing options, from charming countryside properties and suburban communities to vibrant urban living in cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. It’s time to see what Tennessee has to offer.
Top CHIPs for Tennessee
The Best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
Tennessee’s known for being affordable, and with Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs) available statewide, buying a home gets even easier. Here are a few programs to check out.
Ascend Federal Credit Union Local Heroes Mortgage Loan in Tennessee
The Ascend Federal Credit Union Local Heroes Mortgage Loan in Tennessee helps you purchase your home with loan amounts up to 100% of the sales price. Enjoy flexible down payment options and competitive rates, making homeownership more accessible for local heroes.
Develop 901 Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning & Development Down Payment Assistance Program
The 901 Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning & Development Down Payment Assistance Program offers $6,000 to assist with down payment costs. The program comes with a 3% fixed interest rate, and repayment terms can extend for up to 15 years.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency New Start Loan Program
With the Tennessee Housing Development Agency New Start Loan Program, you can get up to $200,000 to buy your new home, with 0% interest and a flexible 30-year repayment plan. Take advantage of this game-changing opportunity and apply now!
City of Memphis Citywide Down Payment Assistance
Dreaming of owning a home in Memphis? The Citywide Down Payment Assistance Program gives you up to $25,000 to help with your down payment! For assistance amounts under $14,999, there’s a 5-year affordability period, and for amounts above $15,000, the affordability period extends to 10 years.
RISE Memphis Save Up Program
Take the first big step toward your goals with the RISE Memphis Save Up Program. This program makes major asset purchases possible by offering a match on your savings. Whether for a first home, a small business, or a college degree, this program provides the initial boost needed to turn your aspirations into achievements.
Ascend Federal Credit Union Local Heroes Mortgage Loan in Tennessee
The Ascend Federal Credit Union Local Heroes Mortgage Loan in Tennessee helps you purchase your home with loan amounts up to 100% of the sales price. Enjoy flexible down payment options and competitive rates, making homeownership more accessible for local heroes.
Develop 901 Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning & Development Down Payment Assistance Program
The 901 Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning & Development Down Payment Assistance Program offers $6,000 to assist with down payment costs. The program comes with a 3% fixed interest rate, and repayment terms can extend for up to 15 years.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency New Start Loan Program
With the Tennessee Housing Development Agency New Start Loan Program, you can get up to $200,000 to buy your new home, with 0% interest and a flexible 30-year repayment plan. Take advantage of this game-changing opportunity and apply now!
City of Memphis Citywide Down Payment Assistance
Dreaming of owning a home in Memphis? The Citywide Down Payment Assistance Program gives you up to $25,000 to help with your down payment! For assistance amounts under $14,999, there’s a 5-year affordability period, and for amounts above $15,000, the affordability period extends to 10 years.
RISE Memphis Save Up Program
Take the first big step toward your goals with the RISE Memphis Save Up Program. This program makes major asset purchases possible by offering a match on your savings. Whether for a first home, a small business, or a college degree, this program provides the initial boost needed to turn your aspirations into achievements.
👥
Total Population
6,910,840
🗺️
Land area in square miles
41,224.3 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
34
📍
State Capital
Nashville
💰
Median household income
$67,631
💵
Median home sale price
$406,090
🏘️
Total Housing Units
2,889,226
👥
Total Population
6,910,840
🗺️
Land area in square miles
41,224.3 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
34
📍
State Capital
Nashville
💰
Median household income
$67,631
💵
Median home sale price
$406,090
🏘️
Total Housing Units
2,889,226
Census Data Snapshot for Tennessee
Crucial statistics and data about Tennessee
Census data is crucial for anyone considering a move to Tennessee because it provides detailed information on population growth, income levels, education, and employment trends across different areas of the state. This data helps homebuyers evaluate which communities align with their lifestyle, financial goals, and long-term plans.
Climate Overview
What’s the weather like in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a temperate climate with hot, humid summers, mild winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons, making it comfortable for year-round living.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s driving the economy of Tennessee?
Tennessee’s economy is driven by key industries such as automotive manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, tourism, and a growing tech sector, all supported by a low-tax, business-friendly environment.
Largest Employer in State
- Employer: Walmart
- Industry: Retail
- Employer Headcount: 41,487
Total Employer Establishments
🏢 144,457
As of June 2025
Employment Type
Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in Tennessee.
As a state with a low cost of living, what are the housing options that are available in Tennessee?
Cities By Population
What are the biggest cities in Tennessee in terms of population?
Nashville is the city that comes to mind when you think about Tennessee. However, it’s not the only place worth noting. There’s Memphis too, along with other notable cities in the South.
City
Rank
Population as of 2025
Nashville
1
686,513
Memphis
2
607,581
Knoxville
3
202,639
Chattanooga
4
190,671
Clarksville
5
189,520
Murfreesboro
6
173,212
Franklin
7
91,494
Johnson City
8
74,814
Jackson
9
68,307
Hendersonville
10
64,617
School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in Tennessee?
Discover what Tennessee has to offer when it comes to education. Lear if your kids can get to a good school there.
Homes for Sale
Let’s find your dream home in Tennessee.
Go ahead and explore what the Tennessee housing market looks like right now. You might be surprised to find the house of your dreams there.
State Fun Facts
Learn some fun trivia about Tennessee.
Tennessee trivia time! The state has some quirky facts about it.
Famous People from Tennessee
Who are the well-known personalities from Tennessee?
Don’t be surprised when you learn that these personalities are from the Volunteer State.
Agency
Website
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS)
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
Government Resources
Find more information about housing and real estate in Tennessee.
Here is a list of some useful resources that you can use when researching homes, schools, and other details about the state of Tennessee.
Agency
Website
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS)
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
