RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — New data from The State of the Child in Tennessee 2025 report highlights pressing challenges facing children and young adults in Rutherford County, while also underscoring broader issues impacting families and school systems across the state.

According to the report, the Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Continuum of Care identified 21 children and 19 young adults who were currently experiencing homelessness in Rutherford County. Young adults are defined as being  ages 18 to 24-years-of-age. During the most recent federally required “Point-in-Time” count conducted in January 2024, officials reported no unsheltered children locally, but 10 unsheltered young adults, indicating gaps in housing stability for transition-age youth even as shelter access for children remains relatively strong.

Statewide, the report found that 1,013 children and 514 young adults experienced homelessness across Tennessee during the same count, with hundreds living unsheltered. Continuum of Care data show wide variation among regions, with urban and fast-growing counties often seeing higher numbers of unsheltered young adults.

Beyond housing instability, the report also reveals significant school infrastructure needs. Across Tennessee, $6.6 billion is required to bring all existing public school facilities into good or excellent condition, averaging $6,885 per student. Rutherford County ranks fourth statewide for infrastructure funding needs at existing public schools, with an estimated $240 million required. Neighboring Wilson County ranks third at $241 million, while Shelby County ranks second with $432 million in needs. Davidson County tops the list, with an estimated $4 billion required for school infrastructure improvements.

Child care access is another area of concern for Rutherford County. The report shows there are three licensed child care centers per 1,000 children ages newborn to 12 in the county. That places Rutherford County in the same category as 39 other Tennessee counties. By comparison, 19 counties across the state have five or more child care centers per 1,000 children, while six counties have only two, and one county has just one facility per 1,000 children.

Statewide, Tennessee averages 3.7 child care centers per 1,000 children, and licensed facilities have an average capacity of 82 children, with a median capacity of 65. The report notes that workforce shortages can further limit available child care slots, even when facilities exist.

The findings illustrate how Rutherford County reflects many statewide trends—rapid growth placing pressure on schools, housing systems, and child care availability—while also facing its own distinct challenges. Report authors emphasize that data-driven planning and targeted investment will be critical to supporting children, families, and young adults both locally and across Tennessee in the years ahead.

• Read the entire report HERE.