Evidenced by continuing and steady economic growth for more than a decade, the climate for business in Rutherford County is one of the best in the nation. Excellent location along Interstate 24, low tax structure and competitive wages make Rutherford County a top location for corporate headquarters, manufacturing and distribution. Located in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is the state’s largest undergraduate university, with over 23,000 students. 

2009 Population Estimate, 255,239
2000 Population, 182,023
Percent change, 40%
Major Population Centers (2009)
Murfreesboro, 100,798
Smyrna, 38,073
La Vergne, 31,029

(As of April 2009)
Rutherford County Government, 5,100
Nissan North America Inc., 4,400
Middle Tennessee State University, 2,208
State Farm Insurance, 1,665
Alvin C. York V.A. Medical Center, 1,563
Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., 1,466
Middle Tennessee Medical Center, 1,300
Verizon Wireless, 1,122
Asurion, 1,098
Ingram Book Company, 815

Civilian Labor Force, 130,930 (2008)
2000-2008 Growth, 26%
Unemployment Rate (2008)
Annual Average 5.7%

(Percentage of total workforce)
Accommodation & Food Services, 9.2%
Construction, 4.5%
Educational Services, 7.7%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate, 4.2%
Health Services, 8.8%
Manufacturing, 22.0%
Other Professional Services, 21.7%
Retail Trade, 11.9%
Transportation, 4.5%
Wholesale Trade, 5.5%

Rutherford County, $70,681
Murfreesboro, $69,493
Smyrna, $66,129
La Vergne, $71,721

Median Home Value
$157,000
Total Housing Units
95,392

Murfreesboro and Smyrna
Composite, 88.7
Grocery Items, 95.7
Housing, 73.5
Utilities, 86.8
Transportation, 91.6
Health Care, 96.4
Misc. Goods & Services, 98.1
Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, May 2009 (Composite Index=100)

Total retail sales in region
2008, $5.24 billion
2000, $1.89 billion

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
501 Memorial Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: (615) 869-0345
Email:
www.rutherfordchamber.org/ed

www.rutherfordchamber.org/economic-development