County Crime & Safety

Rutherford County, TN, reported a crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000 residents in 2023, moderately higher than the national average. The violent crime rate stands at 4.2 per 1,000 people, while property crimes are at 24.9 per 1,000. Murfreesboro, the county seat, accounts for a significant portion of offenses. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office actively encourages crime reporting and transparency, resulting in an 8% decrease in overall crime since 2021. Public safety initiatives focus on community engagement, surveillance, and rapid response to maintain and improve safety.

Elections

Rutherford County, TN, had 217,840 registered voters as of 2023. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, including school board, commission, and judicial races. In the 2020 presidential election, 60.8% voted Republican and 36.6% Democrat. There are 28 polling locations countywide. Key issues include education funding, growth management, and infrastructure. The Rutherford County Election Commission oversees administration. The Republican Party holds most local offices, though Democrats remain active. Voter turnout is typically around 64% in general elections.

Demographics

As of 2023, Rutherford County, TN has an estimated population of 374,000. The median age is about 34 years, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the population is approximately 68% White, 16% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian, and 5% identifying as two or more races or other ethnicities, reflecting the county’s growing diversity.

Education, Employment and Housing

Rutherford County, TN serves over 50,000 students across 50+ public schools, including 12 high schools. About 92% of adults hold high school diplomas, while 29% have bachelor’s degrees or higher. The public schools generally score above state averages, with a district rating of 7/10 on GreatSchools. School safety is a priority, featuring school resource officers in every building. Educational programs include advanced placement, dual enrollment, and career-technical education options. Adult education is available through programs like GED, ESL, and technical certifications, supporting lifelong learning in the community.

As of 2023, Rutherford County, TN, boasts an unemployment rate of 2.7%. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (16%), retail trade (13%), manufacturing (12%), and educational services (10%). The largest occupational groups are office & administrative support (14%) and sales-related jobs (11%). About 85% of residents commute by car, with an average one-way commute time of 29 minutes; approximately 45% work within the county, while others commute to nearby Nashville or Davidson County for employment opportunities.

Rutherford County, TN, boasts a homeownership rate of around 65%, with median home values near $350,000 in 2024. Rental rates average $1,600 per month for a two-bedroom unit. Housing types range from suburban single-family homes to townhouses and apartments, concentrated in neighborhoods like Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne. The market has seen a steady 5% annual value increase. Property taxes average $2,050 per year, with a rate of approximately $2.22 per $100 assessed value. The area’s mix of established and new developments offers options for buyers and renters alike.