Beacon Center of Tennessee has released its new City Freedom Index for the first time in five years, ranking Tennessee’s 30 largest cities on how local policies impact residents’ everyday lives. The report evaluates areas such as taxes, property rights, business regulations, and individual liberty, offering a fresh look at how local governments affect Tennesseans beyond statewide policies.
Thousands move to Tennessee each year, many drawn by the state’s pro-growth policies. But while state laws set the stage, local regulations often shape daily life even more. Beacon first launched the City Freedom Index in 2020 to shine a light on how municipal rules influence taxpayers and businesses. With new local policies adopted over the past five years, this updated index gives an important snapshot of where cities stand today.
Here’s how local cities fared in the 2025 rankings:…