Chamber Announces Nashville MSA Grew by 86 People Per Day in 2023

US Census Bureau releases latest population data, confirming Chamber Research Center’s early analysis

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 14, 2024) – The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has added 86 people a day to its population in 2023. According to recent data released today from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Nashville MSA added a total of 31,554 to its population through natural population changes as well as in migration.

The addition of 31,554 people equates to about 86 people a day. 20 of the daily population increases are through natural population changes, i.e., births, deaths. 24,246 people moved to the Nashville MSA in 2023.

“The Nashville region’s growth is not just a number; it’s a reflection of our region’s dynamic character and its potential for even greater achievements,” said Ralph Schulz, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “As we celebrate these milestones, our focus at the Chamber is to channel this growth into sustainable economic progress, ensuring that every new member of our community contributes to and benefits from the prosperity of our region.”

Roughly, 66 people a day people moved to Nashville in 2023. Adding more people to the workforce in Nashville’s MSA is critical as we have almost twice as many job openings in the region as those who are unemployed but looking for work. Learn more here.

This report confirms the Nashville Area Chamber’s Research Center’s earlier analysis to the Greater Nashville Realtors, which anticipated a significant population increase based on robust economic indicators. “The data released by the Census is right in line with our forecast – which is a testament to the great work the research center is doing – all focused on developing actionable research that supports a thriving and inclusive local economy,” said Bishoy Mikhail, Vice President of Research and Director of the Research Center at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We are thrilled to see the Nashville MSA continue to add to its population,” said Jeff Hite, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Job creators are pursuing talent, and Nashville has perfected the trifecta of attracting, growing, and retaining talent to our region. The population growth data, specifically the in-migration numbers, show that Nashville is a coveted destination for many people across the nation for its livability and quality of life.”

With this growth comes the opportunity to address the region’s workforce challenges. Presently, there are approximately 68,000 job openings in the region, with two positions open for every unemployed job seeker. Addressing this challenge head-on, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is taking proactive measures to foster a competitive labor market that benefits both job seekers and employers.

Continuing to add to the labor force through in-migration and reskilling and upskilling our longtime residents is a dual approach that the Nashville Chamber is devoted to addressing the workforce challenges in the region.

“We’re witnessing a remarkable surge in the Nashville area’s population, a testament to the vibrant economy and community we’ve built,” said Stephanie Coleman, Chief Talent Development Officer for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “This significant in-migration highlights Nashville’s appeal as a top destination for talent. As the Nashville Area Chamber, we’re committed to ensuring that the influx of new residents translates into a diverse and skilled workforce, ready to meet the needs of our local businesses.”

For more information on the Nashville MSA’s population growth and other economic data, please contact Malick Gaye at mgaye@nashvillechamber.com.

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About the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Research Center

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Research Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive data analysis and insights that drive informed decision-making and support sustainable economic growth in the Middle Tennessee region. By studying key economic indicators and trends, the Research Center plays a vital role in shaping the future of our region.

About Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Partnership 2030

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing more than 1,800 member companies. Belong, engage, lead, prosper embodies the Chamber’s focus on creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. Established in 1990 as an economic development and community enhancement initiative of the Chamber, Partnership 2030 is a regional cooperative dedicated to making Middle Tennessee among the nation’s best places to live, work and do business. Partnership 2030 is supported by a diverse group of public and private companies as well as governmental agencies from the organization’s 10-county service area. The work of the Chamber is supported by its members, Partnership 2030 investors and sponsors; the Chamber’s Pivotal Partners (a partnership at the highest level for all Chamber programs and events) are BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Community Health Systems, Gresham Smith, and Regions Bank. For more information, visit www.nashvillechamber.com.