Memphis, Tennessee and Northeast Jefferson, Colorado both provide unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. Whether it's the bustling cultural hub known for its ties to music in Memphis or the more quiet, residential vibe of Northeast Jefferson, both places offer a variety of lifestyle choices. In this comparison, we'll explore the two cities in terms of crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, biggest employers, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, city/state taxes, culture/food, sports teams, geographical conditions, and health care.
Memphis's population is larger by 39%. Its population has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) since 2000.
Population | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
Population | 628,127 | 451,811 |
Female / male percentage | 52.8% / 47.2%
|
50.6% / 49.4%
|
Historically, Memphis has suffered from a higher crime rate compared to national averages, which can be a point of consideration for those seeking to relocate or visit. However, the city is making concerted efforts towards improving safety. On the other hand, Northeast Jefferson boasts a relatively lower crime rate, making it a safer choice, especially for families.
Memphis has a relatively lower cost of living which can be appealing for those considering relocation. Northeast Jefferson, however, tends to be higher especially in terms of real estate and certain living expenses.
Tennessee, including Memphis, does not charge state income tax, which can be an advantage, but the Colorado state income tax rate is also relatively low.
Property taxes in Memphis tend to be higher, but homeowners in Northeast Jefferson can expect significantly high property taxes due to the value of real estate.
Consumers will face higher sales tax in Memphis, where the combined state and local rate is quite high. In contrast, the sales tax in Northeast Jefferson is moderate.
Income | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
Estimated median household income | $44,317 | $91,025 |
Estimated per capita income | $28,571 | $46,835 |
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) | 85.5 | 119.7 |
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $70,000 in Northeast Jefferson to maintain the same standard of living.
Memphis, sitting on the banks of the Mississippi, offers river views and flat landscapes while Northeast Jefferson includes rolling hills and is near to the Rocky Mountains.
Geographical information | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
Land area | 279.3 sq. miles | 172.8 sq. miles |
Population density | 2,248.8 people per sq. mile | 2,615.1 people per sq. mile |
Education opportunities differ as well. Memphis offers a large array of educational institutions including the University of Memphis. In contrast, Northeast Jefferson falls within the Jefferson County School District, one of the best-rated in Colorado.
Education level (25-year-olds and older) | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.3% | 33.4% |
Graduate or professional degree | 10.7% | 10.4% |
High school or higher | 87.2% | 91.1% |
The economy of Memphis is buoyed by several Fortune 500 companies, while Northeast Jefferson, part of the Denver metro area, profits from diverse industries such as technology, aerospace, and tourism.
In Memphis, FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone are some of the biggest employers. Northeast Jefferson, on the other hand, sees employment opportunities from companies like Lockheed Martin and major retail outlets.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans.
Weather-wise, Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Northeast Jefferson, being closer to the mountains, has a cooler, semi-arid climate with significant temperature variations between seasons.
Weather and climate | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
Temperature - Average | 61.9°F | 47.9°F |
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity | 74% | 50.6% |
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity | 33% | 20% |
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 85% | 55% |
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 52% | 35% |
Precipitation - Yearly average | 54.3 in | 17.2 in |
Snowfall - Yearly average | 8.6 in | 114 in |
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds | 19.7% | 19.2% |
Sunshine amount - Average | 68.7% | 75.6% |
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year | 24% | 10% |
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly | 74% | 74% |
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly | 50% | 64% |
Wind speed - Average | 8.8 mph | 8.6 mph |
Natural disasters | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average | 198.6% | 118.6% |
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average | 474% | 826.6% |
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average | 18% | 12% |
Transportation in both cities is efficiently managed. Memphis has MATA (Memphis Area Transit Authority) for public transit, while Northeast Jefferson relies on Denver’s RTD system.
Transport | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
Amtrak stations | 1 | 0 |
Amtrak stations nearby | 1 | 1 |
FAA registered aircraft | 1 | 0 |
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers | 52 | 0 |
Real estate in Memphis is relatively affordable compared to Northeast Jefferson, where housing can be significantly pricier due to the desirability of living near the Denver metro area.
Memphis neighborhoods like Downtown and Midtown offer urban living while Northeast Jefferson boasts quiet, family-friendly suburban communities.
Houses and residents | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
Houses | 288,491 | 180,978 |
Average household size (people) | 2.5 | 2.4 |
Houses occupied | 256,968 (89.1%) | 176,726 (97.7%) |
Houses occupied by owners | 119,622 (46.6%) | 125,208 (70.8%) |
Houses occupied by renters | 137,346 (53.4%) | 51,518 (29.2%) |
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units | $760.83 | $1,659 |
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos | $201,932 | $884,573 |
Estimated median house or condo value | $142,800 | $522,903 |
Median number of rooms in apartments | 4.8 | 4 |
Median number of rooms in houses and condos | 6.6 | 7.3 |
Renting percentage | 48.1% | 31.3% |
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) | 1,032.8 | 1,047.5 |
Household income disparities | 48.2% | 40.7% |
Housing units without a mortgage | 1,461 (2%) | 21,689 (19.3%) |
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan | 3,970 (5.4%) | 469 (0.4%) |
Housing units with a mortgage | 71,386 (98%) | 90,716 (80.7%) |
Housing units with a home equity loan | 322 (0.4%) | 9,124 (8.1%) |
Housing units with a second mortgage | 5,907 (8.1%) | 16,287 (14.5%) |
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities | 5.7% | 0.6% |
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities | 4.6% | 0.3% |
Major industries in Memphis include shipping, manufacturing, and service whereas Northeast Jefferson benefits from the growing tech industry and tourism-related jobs thanks to its proximity to Denver.
Health (county statistics) | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) | 3.2 | 3.6 |
Average weight of females (lbs) | 171 lbs | 156.3 lbs |
Average weight of males (lbs) | 202.5 lbs | 190.9 lbs |
Residents visited a dentist within the past year | 60.4% | 72.3% |
Residents exercised in the past month | 64.6% | 79.1% |
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days | 42.2% | 62.4% |
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives | 41.4% | 41.8% |
Infrastructure-wise, both cities offer ample public amenities. Memphis is recognized for its music-related infrastructure such as the famous Beale Street, while Northeast Jefferson provides abundant green spaces.
Infrastructure | ||
Type | Memphis | Northeast Jefferson |
---|---|---|
TV stations | 14 | 19 |
Culturally, Memphis prides itself on a rich music (especially blues) and food scene. Northeast Jefferson, while being more residential, affords easy access to Denver's vibrant cultural and food scene.
Memphis is home to the Grizzlies (NBA) and the Redbirds (AAA Baseball), while Northeast Jefferson residents can cheer for Denver teams such as the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), and the Rockies (MLB).