Tennessee Ranks Among the Nation’s Best in Several Key Areas

Tennessee has plenty of reasons to be proud when it comes to how the Volunteer State compares with others across the nation. From education and road quality to population growth and affordable electricity, Tennessee continues to demonstrate strengths that make it an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.

According to the 2025 State of Our State Dashboard released by ThinkTennessee, the state ranks among the top 10 nationally in several important categories. The report examines 143 different measures across nine areas, providing a broad look at how Tennessee performs compared with other states. 

One of Tennessee’s most impressive accomplishments is its high school graduation rate. The state ranked second in the nation, with 90.4 percent of public high school students graduating within four years. This achievement reflects the work of students, educators, parents, and communities that recognize the importance of education and preparing young people for the future. 

Tennessee also scored well in transportation and infrastructure. The state ranked sixth nationally in road quality, with 94.4 percent of its road inventory rated in good or fair condition. Good roads are important to residents traveling to work, families visiting neighboring communities, and businesses transporting goods across the state. With Tennessee serving as a major transportation hub, maintaining its road network remains an important advantage.

Population growth is another area where Tennessee stands out. The state ranked eighth nationally in population growth, reflecting its continued appeal to people looking for new opportunities. Tennessee's location, employment opportunities, natural beauty, and variety of communities help make it an appealing destination for newcomers.

The state's electricity rates also compare favorably with those in much of the country. Tennessee ranked ninth nationally for residential electricity prices in the 2025 report, based on data showing an average rate of 12.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. That was below the national average of 16.7 cents at the time of the report. More affordable electricity can help households manage monthly expenses and provide an advantage for businesses considering where to locate or expand. 

Tennessee also ranked 10th nationally in social connectedness with neighbors. This is an encouraging distinction for a state where community involvement, neighborly assistance, and local relationships remain important parts of everyday life. Strong connections among residents can help communities respond to challenges, support families, and maintain the welcoming atmosphere for which many Tennessee towns are known. 

These rankings demonstrate that Tennessee has several important advantages. Strong graduation rates, quality roads, competitive electricity prices, and continued population growth provide a solid foundation for the state's future.

While no state performs perfectly in every category, Tennessee's accomplishments offer plenty of reasons for optimism. By building on these strengths and continuing to invest in education, infrastructure, and economic opportunity, the Volunteer State can work toward an even brighter future for the people who call it home.

For Tennesseans, these national rankings serve as a reminder that the state has much to offer and many accomplishments worth celebrating.