Murfreesboro, TN - Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr is addressing the opportunities and challenges presented by the county's projected population of 388,909, making it the fourth largest county in Tennessee. According to recent data from the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research (BCBER) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Rutherford County has surpassed Hamilton County in population growth. This represents a 7.8 percent increase, with 28,290 new residents since 2022, and a 2.4 percent growth since 2024, as reported by BCBER's biennial population projections.
"My office has known for a while that Rutherford County has been growing nearly two times faster than the state of Tennessee," said Mayor Carr. "This data further justifies the need to improve our infrastructure, manage development, and enhance public safety efforts. Planning and managing future growth is why I've spearheaded specific projects like a solid waste transfer station and emphasized the need for a forensics center in Rutherford County."
BCBER projects further growth, with the population expected to reach 397,974 in 2026, 406,931 in 2027, and up to 511,987 by 2040. To manage this growth, Rutherford County has been updating its comprehensive plan, titled "PlanRutherford," over the past two years. Public meetings and open houses were held throughout 2024 to gather input. This plan serves as a blueprint for addressing the needs arising from the county's rapid growth.
