Local Economy

The local economy remains strong in Rutherford County and Murfreesboro.  Rutherford County ranks 37^th in the U.S. in job growth.  Forbes Magazine ranked the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro metropolitan area 15th on the list of 'Best Places for Business and Careers' in March of 2008.  Of the top 200 major U.S. cities, it ranks 22nd in creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth.  County Mayor Earnest Burgess said folks are attracted to the county because of its "quality of life, good public educational system, presence of a great university (MTSU) and the opportunity for a wide range of jobs." Manufacturing provides 23.5% of the jobs and almost 13% from retail trade.  Other industries include health services, education, construction, and finance, insurance and real estate.

Growth is evident everywhere, especially in the retail sector where sales were over $4 billion in 2007.  The Avenue Murfreesboro, an open air shopping center opened its 1 million square foot development in October 2007.  The Oaks shopping center recently completed phase II almost doubling its size and the Stones River Mall is almost complete with a $50 million dollar expansion/renovation project. Smyrna's newest shopping center, Colonial TownPark offers 24 stores on the north side of the county.  Check out Things To Do for more on shopping in the area. 

The population has been steadily growing for the last several years creating a 25.73% increase since 2000. 

Cost of Living Comparisons and Calculator
http://www.rutherfordchamber.org/economic-development/bic/quality-of-life/cost-of-living.php

Rutherford County Economic Guide
http://rceconomicguide.com/

Images of Rutherford County Virtual Magazine
http://www.imagesrutherford.com/

Rutherford County Largest Employers

    Company                                               Product/Service                     Employees

 1. Nissan North America, Inc.                                   Small Trucks & Cars                            6,700

     983 Nissan Blvd.
     Smyrna, TN  37167
     (615) 459-1400

2. Rutherford County Government                           Government                                           3,350

    Courthouse Suite 101
    Murfreesboro, TN  37130
    (615) 898-7745

3. Middle Tennessee State University                     State University                                     2,006

    110 Cope Administration Bldg.
    Murfreesboro, TN  37132
    (615) 898-2300

4.  Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.                                    Vehicle Tires                                         1,850

      1201 Bridgestone Pkwy.
      La Vergne, TN  37086
     (615) 793-7581

 5.  Ingram Book Company                                          Books, Magazines                               1,658

     One Ingram Blvd.
     La Vergne, TN  37086
     (615) 793-5000

 6.  State Farm Insurance Companies                      Insurance                                              1,550

      2500 Memorial Blvd.
      Murfreesboro, TN  37130
      (615) 898-6000

7.  Alvin C. York Veterans Administration                VA Medical Center                               1,150

      3400 Lebanon Rd
      Murfreesboro, TN  37130
      (615) 893-1360

8.  Asurion                                                                        Wireless Device                                  1,137
                                                                                              Refurbishing        

     1850 Midway Lane
     Smyrna, TN  37167
     (615) 459-7460

 9.  Middle Tennessee Medical Center                      Medical Center                                    1,100

     400 North Highland Ave
     Murfreesboro, TN  37130

10.  Verizon Wireless                                                 Wireless Phone                                     1,083
                                                                                       Customer Service

      300 River Rock Blvd.
      Murfreesboro, TN  37128
      (615) 372-2000