Explore the elevation of Nashville—standing at 597 feet above sea level in the heart of Tennessee. As the state capital and a world-renowned music mecca, Nashville combines rich American history, cultural diversity, and a moderate elevation with scenic riverfront charm.

Table of Contents

Where is Nashville?

  • Location: Nashville is located in Davidson County in the center of Tennessee.
  • River: The Cumberland River flows through the city.

City Profile

  • Capital status: Nashville is the capital city of Tennessee.
  • Population: Over 690,000 residents in the city; around 1.9 million in the metro area.
  • Size: Covers approximately 525.94 square miles.
  • National ranking: 24th largest U.S. city by population.
  • Nickname: Known as “Music City” for its deep country music roots.

Elevation Basics

  • City elevation: Nashville is situated at an elevation of 597 feet (182 m) above sea level.
  • Founding year: Nashville was founded in 1779, named after General Francis Nash.
  • Growth timeline: Expanded due to its strategic transportation location, recovered after Civil War setbacks to become a cultural and business hub.
  • Music heritage: Birthplace of legends, home to the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • National comparison: Nashville’s elevation is lower than the U.S. average of 2,500 feet (760 m).
  • State average: Tennessee’s average elevation is 900 feet (274 m), slightly higher than Nashville’s.
  • State extremes:
    • Highest point: Clingmans Dome – 6,643 ft (2,025 m)
    • Lowest point: Mississippi River near the border – 178 ft (54 m)
    • Elevation span: 6,466 ft (1,971 m)
  • Other Tennessee cities:
    • Knoxville: 886 ft (270 m)
    • Memphis: 337 ft (103 m)
    • Chattanooga: 676 ft (206 m)
    • Clarksville: 476 ft (145 m)
  • Highest incorporated town: Mountain City – 2,418 ft (737 m)
  • Highest unincorporated community: Trade, TN – 3,100 ft (955 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Humid subtropical climate.
  • Summer temperatures: July is the warmest month, with average highs of 89°F (32°C).
  • Winter temperatures: January is the coldest month, with lows averaging 28°F (-2°C).
  • Snowfall: Occasional snow during winter months.
  • Rainfall: Receives more than 47 inches of precipitation annually.
  • Top tourist draws:
    • Country Music Hall of Fame
    • Grand Ole Opry
    • Multiple music venues, live shows, and honky-tonks
  • For history buffs: Explore museums and Civil War landmarks.
  • Other attractions: Enjoy galleries, bars, film festivals, and outdoor parks.

Plan Your Trip