Nashville, TN - The Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) just landed in WalletHub’s Top 10 list of cities where auto loan delinquency is dropping the fastest. That’s good news for Middle Tennessee drivers—and the local economy.

WalletHub’s latest report, released this week, analyzed data from the first half of 2025 and ranked 100 major U.S. cities by how much their auto loan delinquency rates declined. Nashville’s MSA came in at #10, with a notable 11.12% drop between Q1 and Q2. That means fewer people are falling behind on car payments, and more are staying on top of their financial obligations.

Why does this matter? Falling behind on auto loans doesn’t just mean late fees—it can tank your credit score and even lead to repossession. And for many, losing a vehicle can mean losing access to work, school, or essential services.

Chip Lupo, an analyst with WalletHub, says the trend is encouraging. “This demonstrates either that economic conditions are improving or that people are prioritizing getting current with payments on secured debt like auto loans so they don’t get their property repossessed,” he said. “Whatever the root cause, it’s good news for consumers and the economy overall.”

The Nashville MSA includes not just the capital city, but also Murfreesboro, Franklin, and surrounding counties. The designation plays a key role in federal funding and regional planning—and now, it’s also a marker of financial resilience