Memphis, TN

Memphis TN scores 60/100 on safety (below average). Crime is about 40% above the national average. Expect more property crime (car break-ins, package theft) than a quiet suburb.

Detail: overall crime index 140 (100 = avg); violent crime index 165; property crime index 114. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

Campus scores in the report: Memphis Elementary (elementary) at 7/10; Memphis Middle School (middle) at 7/10; Memphis High School (high) at 8/10. On this 10-point scale, 7 is solidly middle; 9 is a standout.

District picture: about B+ (above average) · Top 35% statewide. Student-teacher staffing: 16:1. If schools drive your move, compare the specific campuses that serve your target address against statewide peers.

Typical rent in Memphis is about $1,274/month (moderate). At $1,274/month for a typical unit, you need about $45,864+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $206,100.

Median household income is $59,621, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($59,621) clears the $45,864 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 85°F (highs near 96°F, lows near 74°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Who tends to thrive in Memphis: (1) Renters who want $1,274/month housing without coastal prices (comfort income is about $45,864) (2) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 96°F) (3) Households earning $45,864+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,274/month (4) Movers with a locked job offer in Memphis who already priced rent, schools, and commute

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 60/100) (2) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 96°F) (3) Households expecting top marks on rent, safety, and schools at once (Memphis does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $45,864 household income for $1,274/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Memphis TN is not worth a speculative move. Come only for a specific job or family reason.

The strongest upside is housing cost: typical rent near $1,274/month keeps the comfort income line around $45,864.

The biggest risk is safety at 60/100. Do not skip ZIP-level crime maps before you lease.