Metropolitan Government and Knoxville, both located in Tennessee, each offer a unique living experience. Metropolitan Government, also known as Nashville, is the capital and is renowned for its vibrant music scene and diverse cultural heritage. On the other hand, Knoxville prides itself on its natural beauty, vibrant arts, and close-knit community feel. The comprehensive comparison of these two cities allows potential relocators and tourists to make informed decisions based on various factors ranging from cost of living to culture and sports teams.
Knoxville has a higher crime rate compared to the Metropolitan Government. Both areas have implemented strict measures to enhance safety, but like many larger cities, they both struggle with crime to some extent. Metropolitan Government has various community programs aimed at crime reduction, while Knoxville police frequently interact with community members to foster trust and cooperation. Tourists are advised to stay in the more populated areas and stick to well-lit parts of the city at night.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Metropolitan Government, due to its larger size and popularity, is generally higher than in Knoxville. Everything from housing to groceries tends to be more expensive in the Metropolitan Government. However, Knoxville residents benefit from lower housing costs and overall lower living expenses.
Income Tax
Tennessee is one of the few states with no state income tax, making it appealing for working professionals. This no state income tax policy applies equally to both the Metropolitan Government and Knoxville.
Property Tax
Due to much higher property values, residents of the Metropolitan Government typically pay more in property taxes compared to Knoxville residents. However, the property tax rates themselves are similar in comparison.
Sales Tax
Tennessee's state sales tax applies equally to both cities, currently at 7 percent. However, the Metropolitan Government adds a 2.25 percent local sales tax while Knoxville adds a 2.5 percent local sales tax. This makes Knoxville slightly more expensive in terms of sales tax.
Income
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Estimated median household income
$65,348
$45,700
Estimated per capita income
$43,994
$31,855
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.9
86.5
If you make $50,000 in Knoxville, you will have to make $56,590 in Metropolitan Government to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The Metropolitan Government is situated in the central part of the state on the Cumberland River, offering a blend of urban and riverside living. Knoxville is nestled in the Great Appalachian Valley and enjoys proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, making it a nature lover's delight.
Geographical information
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Land area
502.3 sq. miles
92.7 sq. miles
Population density
1,236.2 people per sq. mile
2,079.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Metropolitan Government, TN Knoxville, TN
Education
Metropolitan Government is home to several esteemed educational institutions like Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. On the other hand, Knoxville hosts the University of Tennessee, which is renowned for its research programs. Both cities exhibit strong commitment to education, with several opportunities for primary, secondary, and higher education.
The Metropolitan Government boasts a robust economy with strength in health care, music, and entertainment industries. Knoxville’s economy is diverse as well, with key industries being energy, technology, and retail. Both cities offer various employment opportunities to residents and newcomers.
Biggest Employers
In the Metropolitan Government, the largest employers include Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the state government. In Knoxville, the University of Tennessee and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory are among the biggest employers, providing many opportunities in both education and research sectors.
In Metropolitan Government (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Knoxville (Knox County), 34.5% voted for Democrats and 63.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
2020
65.0%
41.8%
32.6%
56.9%
2.3%
1.3%
2016
60.1%
34.9%
34.1%
58.8%
5.7%
6.3%
2012
58.5%
34.5%
39.9%
63.7%
1.6%
1.8%
2008
60.0%
37.8%
39.0%
60.9%
1.0%
1.3%
2004
54.9%
37.0%
44.6%
62.1%
0.4%
0.9%
2000
57.9%
40.6%
40.4%
57.9%
1.7%
1.5%
1996
79.3%
22.6%
18.1%
74.4%
2.6%
3.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.1%
29.7%
19.6%
32.9%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4.9%
5.1%
2.3%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.5%
1.0%
1.8%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.1%
0.3%
1.7%
1.3%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
1.0%
0.0%
0.5%
0.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.2%
1.4%
0.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.4%
0.9%
0.7%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.3%
1.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
0.9%
0.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.5%
0.8%
0.9%
Weather
Both cities experience a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and relatively mild winters. Knoxville, being closer to the Appalachian Mountains, tends to have slightly cooler temperatures than the Metropolitan Government. Both cities experience moderate rainfall throughout the year, offering fresh and lush greenery.
Weather and climate
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Temperature - Average
58.4°F
57.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.9%
76.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
38%
39%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
49 in
52.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.8 in
18 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.1%
16.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.7%
62.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
26%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
42%
41%
Wind speed - Average
7.7 mph
6.5 mph
Average climate in Metropolitan Government, Tennessee
Average climate in Knoxville, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
2018
71
71
0.40
0.17
13.8
0.6
24.1
28.8
N/A
N/A
15.2
17.0
9.2
9.4
0.2
0.6
2017
70
68
0.38
0.16
14.4
0.6
26.8
30.6
N/A
N/A
15.3
16.5
8.7
8.5
0.1
0.2
2016
90
71
0.42
0.18
16.1
0.8
26.4
32.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.1
10.1
N/A
0.0
0.5
2015
68
68
0.43
0.17
15.5
0.8
23.6
28.8
N/A
0.009
N/A
26.0
10.8
N/A
0.1
1.8
2014
66
62
N/A
0.14
N/A
N/A
26.3
29.2
N/A
0.011
N/A
23.7
9.8
N/A
1.4
1.6
2013
62
60
N/A
0.14
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.3
9.7
N/A
N/A
0.6
2012
81
92
N/A
0.16
N/A
N/A
28.3
32.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.9
11.0
N/A
2.3
0.4
2011
81
91
N/A
0.20
N/A
N/A
25.9
34.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.1
11.0
N/A
1.7
0.6
2010
80
94
N/A
0.18
N/A
0.9
24.3
32.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.2
12.2
N/A
2.2
0.9
2009
72
66
N/A
0.17
N/A
0.7
22.5
28.7
N/A
0.018
N/A
23.6
11.5
N/A
2.4
0.7
2008
81
96
N/A
0.18
N/A
N/A
25.7
33.2
N/A
0.023
N/A
32.5
13.4
N/A
2.5
1.5
2007
99
105
N/A
0.16
N/A
N/A
27.4
35.5
N/A
0.017
N/A
36.0
15.5
N/A
2.7
1.6
2006
93
98
0.69
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.9
30.2
N/A
0.024
N/A
36.3
14.9
N/A
2.9
2.3
2005
104
108
0.56
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.5
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.6
16.9
N/A
3.1
N/A
2004
83
103
0.61
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.0
24.9
0.006
0.015
N/A
41.2
N/A
N/A
2.6
N/A
2003
93
112
0.67
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.5
23.4
0.005
0.010
N/A
40.7
15.8
N/A
3.8
2.8
2002
92
112
0.68
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.2
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
35.1
15.3
N/A
4.3
3.4
2001
95
109
0.90
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.5
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
35.6
15.6
N/A
4.5
3.3
2000
97
122
0.75
N/A
N/A
11.8
19.8
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.2
N/A
N/A
4.1
2.5
Natural disasters
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
169%
64.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
296.3%
177.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
13%
Transportation
Metro Transit Authority provides public transportation in the Metropolitan Government, while Knoxville Area Transit takes care of Knoxville's needs. Both cities also have a network of highways and interstates for easy commuting. While public transit is more prevalent in the Metropolitan Government, Knoxville promotes bike-friendly neighborhoods.
Transport
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
0
366
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Bicycle
0.1%
0%
Bus
1.6%
0.6%
Carpooled
13.3%
5.5%
Car alone
78.6%
91.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.3%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Average
23.7 min
26.5 min
Real Estate
The real estate market in both cities is dynamic. The Metropolitan Government, due to its popularity and growth, tends to have higher real estate prices than Knoxville. However, Knoxville offers affordable options in diverse neighborhoods, suited for various lifestyles.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a mix of suburban and urban living. In the Metropolitan Government, neighborhoods like East Nashville and The Gulch are popular. Knoxville's Old City and Market Square offer a blend of historic and modern, attracting both residents and tourists.
Houses and residents
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
Houses
252,977
94,457
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.2
Houses occupied
237,405 (93.8%)
85,151 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
131,384 (55.3%)
40,535 (47.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
106,021 (44.7%)
44,616 (52.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,207
$882.25
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$226,967
$134,979
Estimated median house or condo value
$350,700
$193,600
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
6.2
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
503.7
1,019.4
Household income disparities
45.5%
47.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
32,597 (28.1%)
497 (1.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
342 (0.3%)
1,206 (4.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
83,416 (71.9%)
25,330 (98.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
8,009 (6.9%)
167 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,691 (8.4%)
1,649 (6.4%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.7%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,090
6,351
State government workers
13,081
7,257
Unpaid family workers
668
197
Industries and Occupations
The Metropolitan Government's main industries include healthcare, music, education, and government. In contrast, Knoxville's economy is driven by sectors like energy, retail, technology, and manufacturing. Both cities offer diverse job markets with multiple opportunities.
Both cities have excellent healthcare facilities. The Metropolitan Government is home to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, while Knoxville boasts of the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Both cities have a high concentration of doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
The Metropolitan Government boasts well-developed infrastructure including modern roads, bridges, public buildings, and parks. Knoxville has invested substantially in infrastructure over the last decade, particularly in the downtown area. Both cities offer impressive historical architecture and modern developments side by side.
Infrastructure
Type
Metropolitan Government
Knoxville
TV stations
19
15
Culture and Food
Known as the 'Music City', the Metropolitan Government is famous for its country music scene with institutions like the Grand Ole Opry. Knoxville, often labelled as a 'hidden gem', offers a thriving arts scene and unique culinary experiences that blend southern comfort with modern flair.
Sports Teams
The Metropolitan Government is host to professional teams like the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and Nashville Predators (NHL). Knoxville, while it doesn't have its own professional team, is home to the University of Tennessee's Volunteers, who have a massive and passionate following in college football.
Metropolitan Government, TN
Knoxville, TN
Metropolitan Government, TN and 
Knoxville, TN : 158.2 miles
