Tennessee Life Insurance Statistics & Data
The most comprehensive collection of Tennessee life insurance data available online. Covering premium costs, city demographics, career employment, health condition insurability, and regulatory information across the Volunteer State.
Last updated: March 2025 · Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI), carrier rate filings
This data is freely available under Creative Commons BY 4.0. Please cite Tennessee Life Protection when referencing.
Tennessee at a Glance
Key figures for life insurance in the Volunteer State
Life Insurance Data by Tennessee City
25 Tennessee cities across 18 counties and 5 regions, sorted by population.
| City | County | Region | Population | Median Income | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | Davidson County | Middle Tennessee | 692,587 | $65,000 | $400,000 |
| Memphis | Shelby County | West Tennessee | 633,000 | $41,000 | $125,000 |
| Knoxville | Knox County | East Tennessee | 190,000 | $52,000 | $250,000 |
| Chattanooga | Hamilton County | East Tennessee | 182,000 | $50,000 | $245,000 |
| Clarksville | Montgomery County | Middle Tennessee | 166,000 | $55,000 | $275,000 |
| Murfreesboro | Rutherford County | Middle Tennessee | 163,000 | $60,000 | $350,000 |
| Franklin | Williamson County | Middle Tennessee | 83,000 | $120,000 | $650,000 |
| Johnson City | Washington County | Northeast Tennessee | 71,000 | $45,000 | $220,000 |
| Jackson | Madison County | West Tennessee | 68,000 | $45,000 | $155,000 |
| Bartlett | Shelby County | West Tennessee | 60,000 | $72,000 | $225,000 |
| Hendersonville | Sumner County | Middle Tennessee | 58,000 | $72,000 | $380,000 |
| Spring Hill | Maury County | Middle Tennessee | 55,000 | $85,000 | $420,000 |
| Smyrna | Rutherford County | Middle Tennessee | 55,000 | $65,000 | $355,000 |
| Kingsport | Sullivan County | Northeast Tennessee | 55,000 | $48,000 | $185,000 |
| Collierville | Shelby County | West Tennessee | 52,000 | $105,000 | $375,000 |
| Cleveland | Bradley County | East Tennessee | 47,000 | $48,000 | $215,000 |
| Gallatin | Sumner County | Middle Tennessee | 44,000 | $62,000 | $340,000 |
| Germantown | Shelby County | West Tennessee | 40,000 | $120,000 | $400,000 |
| Lebanon | Wilson County | Middle Tennessee | 40,000 | $58,000 | $325,000 |
| Columbia | Maury County | Middle Tennessee | 40,000 | $52,000 | $290,000 |
| Cookeville | Putnam County | East Tennessee | 35,000 | $45,000 | $230,000 |
| Maryville | Blount County | East Tennessee | 30,000 | $55,000 | $280,000 |
| Oak Ridge | Anderson County | East Tennessee | 30,000 | $58,000 | $210,000 |
| Bristol | Sullivan County | Northeast Tennessee | 28,000 | $38,000 | $155,000 |
| Sevierville | Sevier County | East Tennessee | 18,000 | $42,000 | $275,000 |
| Total / Average | 2,935,587 | $62,320 | $293,200 | ||
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<a href="https://www.tennesseelifeprotection.com/tennessee-life-insurance-statistics/#city-data">Tennessee City Life Insurance Demographics</a> - Tennessee Life Protection, March 2025 Income & Home Values by Tennessee Region
Average demographic data grouped by Tennessee's 5 geographic regions.
Middle Tennessee
Nashville metropolitan area including Franklin, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and surrounding communities in Davidson, Williamson, and Rutherford counties.
West Tennessee
Memphis metropolitan area including Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and Shelby County communities.
East Tennessee
Knoxville and Chattanooga metropolitan areas including Maryville, Oak Ridge, Cleveland, and surrounding Knox, Hamilton, and Blount County communities.
Northeast Tennessee
Tri-Cities area including Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and surrounding Sullivan and Washington County communities.
Rural Tennessee
Smaller Tennessee communities including Cookeville, Sevierville, and towns outside major metropolitan areas.
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<a href="https://www.tennesseelifeprotection.com/tennessee-life-insurance-statistics/#regional-income">Tennessee Regional Income Data</a> - Tennessee Life Protection, March 2025 Career & Employment Life Insurance Data
Employment and income data for 55 Tennessee careers across 12 industry categories.
Top 15 Careers by Tennessee Employment
| Career | Category | Risk Level | Avg. Income | TN Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel & Hospitality Worker | Music Industry & Hospitality | Low | $30,000 - $55,000 | 300,000 |
| Veteran | Military & Veterans | Low | $40,000 - $100,000 | 200,000 |
| Restaurant Server & Bartender | Music Industry & Hospitality | Low | $35,000 - $75,000 (including tips) | 130,000 |
| Retail Worker | Retail & Service | Low | $28,000 - $45,000 | 120,000 |
| Construction Worker | Construction & Trades | High | $40,000 - $75,000 | 100,000 |
| Freelancer & Gig Worker | Small Business & Self-Employed | Low | $25,000 - $100,000+ (highly variable) | 100,000 |
| Small Business Owner | Small Business & Self-Employed | Low | $50,000 - $500,000+ (highly variable) | 75,000 |
| Warehouse & Distribution Worker | Transportation & Logistics | Moderate | $32,000 - $55,000 | 50,000 |
| Registered Nurse | Healthcare | Moderate | $75,000 - $110,000 | 30,000 |
| Rideshare Driver | Transportation & Logistics | Moderate | $25,000 - $60,000 | 30,000 |
| Entertainment Worker | Music Industry & Hospitality | Moderate | $35,000 - $150,000+ | 25,000 |
| Software Engineer | Technology | Low | $90,000 - $180,000 | 25,000 |
| Truck Driver | Transportation & Logistics | High | $45,000 - $80,000 | 25,000 |
| Teacher | Education | Low | $45,000 - $75,000 | 25,000 |
| Customer Service Representative | Retail & Service | Low | $30,000 - $50,000 | 25,000 |
Showing top 15 of 55 careers by Tennessee employment count. Income figures represent median ranges. Risk levels reflect occupational hazard classifications that may affect life insurance underwriting.
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<a href="https://www.tennesseelifeprotection.com/tennessee-life-insurance-statistics/#career-data">Tennessee Career Life Insurance Data</a> - Tennessee Life Protection, March 2025 Business Life Insurance in Tennessee
Insurance needs data for 155 Tennessee business types across 18 industry categories.
Business Types by Industry
Medical practices, dental offices, clinics, veterinary, and healthcare services in the Healthcare Capital of America
Recording studios, record labels, music venues, publishing, and artist management in Music City
Tennessee whiskey distilleries, craft spirits producers, tasting rooms, and whiskey bars
Restaurants, bars, breweries, catering, and food service businesses from Nashville hot chicken to Memphis BBQ
Law firms, accounting, financial advisory, and consulting serving Tennessee businesses
Stores, shops, and retail establishments across Tennessee
Contractors, builders, and skilled trade businesses serving Tennessee's booming construction market
Dealerships, repair shops, and automotive services in Tennessee's auto manufacturing state
Salons, spas, barbershops, and personal care services across Tennessee
Software companies, IT services, and tech startups in Nashville and Chattanooga's growing tech scenes
Hotels, tour companies, event planning, and travel services for Tennessee's 130+ million annual visitors
Cleaning, pest control, lawn care, and home maintenance for Tennessee homeowners
Trucking, delivery, logistics, and transportation services anchored by Memphis's FedEx hub
Production facilities, fabrication shops, and manufacturing operations including Tennessee's auto industry
Property management, development, and real estate services in Tennessee's booming markets
Farms, ranches, equine operations, and agricultural businesses across Tennessee
Franchise operations across various industries in Tennessee's business-friendly environment
Churches, ministries, faith-based nonprofits, and religious organizations headquartered in Tennessee
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<a href="https://www.tennesseelifeprotection.com/tennessee-life-insurance-statistics/#business-data">Tennessee Business Insurance Data</a> - Tennessee Life Protection, March 2025 Health Conditions & Life Insurance Insurability
Rate impact data for 12 health conditions across 6 medical categories.
| Condition | Category | Rate Impact | Typical Rate Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diabetes | Diabetes | Moderate Impact | Standard, Standard Plus, Table 2-4 (if complications) |
| High Blood Pressure | Cardiovascular | Minimal Impact | Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard |
| High Cholesterol | Cardiovascular | Minimal Impact | Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard |
| Heart Disease | Cardiovascular | Significant Impact | Standard, Table 2-6, Table 8+ |
| Depression & Anxiety | Mental health | Moderate Impact | Standard Plus, Standard, Table 2-4 |
| Asthma & COPD | Respiratory | Minimal Impact | Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard |
| Thyroid Conditions | Metabolic | Minimal Impact | Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard |
| Weight Loss | Metabolic | Moderate Impact | Standard Plus, Standard, Table 1-4 |
| Sleep Disorders | Chronic | Minimal Impact | Standard Plus, Standard, Table 1-2 |
| Chronic Pain | Chronic | Case-by-Case | Standard, Table 2-4, Table 4-8 |
| Cancer Survivors | Chronic | Case-by-Case | Standard, Table 2-4, Table 4-8+ |
| Autoimmune Conditions | Chronic | Moderate Impact | Standard, Table 2-4, Table 4-8 |
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<a href="https://www.tennesseelifeprotection.com/tennessee-life-insurance-statistics/#health-conditions">Tennessee Health Condition Insurability Data</a> - Tennessee Life Protection, March 2025 Retirement & Life Insurance Strategies
17 retirement strategies across 4 categories, with 99 unique FAQs answered.
Retirement Account Conversions
Convert taxable retirement accounts into tax-advantaged life insurance vehicles for greater control and legacy value.
Retirement Income Strategies
Generate tax-free retirement income using permanent life insurance and strategic distribution planning.
Annuity Strategies
Explore fixed, indexed, and guaranteed annuity options for predictable retirement income in Tennessee.
Wealth Transfer & Legacy
Convert taxable retirement assets into tax-free inheritance for the next generation.
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<a href="https://www.tennesseelifeprotection.com/tennessee-life-insurance-statistics/#retirement-strategies">Tennessee Retirement Strategy Data</a> - Tennessee Life Protection, March 2025 Life Insurance Types Available in Tennessee
5 major policy types available to Tennessee residents through A-rated (A.M. Best) carriers.
Term Life Insurance
Affordable protection for life's most important years
Whole Life Insurance
Lifetime protection with guaranteed cash value accumulation
Universal Life Insurance
Flexible permanent coverage that adapts to your life
Indexed Universal Life Insurance
Market-linked growth potential with downside protection
Final Expense Insurance
Affordable coverage for life's final chapter
Additional Data Coverage
Further resources available on Tennessee Life Protection
Tennessee Life Insurance Data FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about life insurance statistics in Tennessee.
The average annual life insurance premium in Tennessee is $620, which translates to roughly $52/month. Actual costs vary significantly based on age, health, coverage amount, and policy type. For example, a healthy 35-year-old male can find term coverage for as little as $$8/month per $100,000 of coverage.
Germantown has the highest median household income among Tennessee cities we track, at $120,000. The statewide median is $59,695. Higher-income households often require larger coverage amounts to maintain their family's standard of living.
No. Tennessee has no state income tax, which makes life insurance an even more powerful financial tool here. Death benefits are already federally tax-free, and Tennessee residents keep more of their income for premium payments. This also makes cash value life insurance and IUL policies attractive for tax-advantaged wealth accumulation. IUL cash value growth is linked to market indexes with a 0% floor and cap rates (typically 8-12%); policy fees and cost of insurance charges apply.
The Tennessee Insurance Guaranty Association provides a safety net for policyholders if an insurance company becomes insolvent, as governed by TCA 56-12. Coverage limits apply. This is administered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). Per TCA 56-12-118, the existence of the guaranty association may not be used as an inducement to purchase insurance. Contact TDCI at (615) 741-2693 for details.
Our data covers 55 specific careers across 12 industry categories, representing approximately 1,653,500 Tennessee workers. High-risk professions (12 careers) include construction, manufacturing, and certain transportation roles that typically face higher premiums.
Tennessee provides a 10-day free look period on new life insurance policies, as mandated by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). During this window, you can cancel your policy for any reason and receive a full refund of premiums paid. The 2-year contestability period also applies, during which the insurer can investigate claims for material misrepresentation.
Tennessee's median home value of $260,000 means most families need at minimum that amount in life insurance just to cover their mortgage. The highest home values in the state are in Franklin ($650,000). Financial advisors generally recommend coverage of 10-15 times annual income plus outstanding debts.
Our data covers 12 health conditions across 6 categories. Of these, 5 conditions have minimal rate impact, 4 have moderate impact, and 1 have significant impact. Many conditions that were once uninsurable now have standard or preferred-rate options available through specialized carriers.
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