Murfreesboro-Rutherford County, TN - In a dramatic shift that underscores Middle Tennessee’s booming appeal, Rutherford County has officially overtaken Hamilton County in population as of mid-2025, according to projections from the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research. With an estimated 379,939 residents, Rutherford now ranks as the 4th most populous county in the state, trailing only Shelby, Davidson, and Knox.
At the heart of this growth is Murfreesboro, the county seat and Tennessee’s 6th largest city, now home to over 165,000 residents. Once considered a quiet college town, Murfreesboro has transformed into a dynamic urban hub, drawing families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Population & Growth
- Rutherford County: Fastest-growing county in Tennessee for 8 consecutive years; projected to reach 500,000 residents by 2040
- Hamilton County (Chattanooga): Growth continues but at a slower pace; now slightly behind Rutherford in population
- Shelby County (Memphis): Still the largest, but experiencing population decline
- Davidson County (Nashville): Steady growth, but Rutherford’s suburban expansion is outpacing it in percentage terms
Affordability & Livability
- Murfreesboro’s cost of living is 9% below the national average, with median home prices around $398,000
- Compared to Knoxville and Chattanooga, Murfreesboro offers:
- Higher median income: ~$107,000 vs ~$69,000 in Knoxville
- More job opportunities in education, healthcare, logistics, and tech
- Shorter commute times than Nashville, but longer than smaller cities like Johnson City
Education & Healthcare
- Home to Middle Tennessee State University, the largest undergrad institution in the state
- Strong public school systems and expanding healthcare infrastructure, including Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital
- Murfreesboro ranks high in access to care, with growing demand for nurses, educators, and technicians
How It Compares Across Tennessee
|
Metric |
Murfreesboro/Rutherford |
Chattanooga/Hamilton |
Knoxville/Knox |
Nashville/Davidson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Population (2025) |
379,939 |
379,864 |
500,669 |
712,334 |
|
Growth Rate |
+2.48% |
+1.39% |
+1.06% |
+0.7% |
|
Median Income |
$107,554 |
~$69,000 |
~$69,000 |
~$72,000 |
|
Median Home Price |
~$398,000 |
~$338,000 |
~$314,000 |
~$450,000 |
|
Commute Time (avg) |
~23 min |
~20 min |
~19 min |
~27 min |
The Verdict
Rutherford County and Murfreesboro are no longer just rising stars—they’re leading the charge in Tennessee’s transformation. With a youthful population, economic momentum, and strategic location near Nashville, the region is poised to become a top contender for the state’s third-largest county by 2050.
