NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A recent survey conducted by the Vanderbilt Poll reveals that the issues of education, safety, and immigration continue to dominate the concerns of Nashville residents. The poll, which tracks public opinion on various local issues, sheds light on the prevailing attitudes in the city as 2025 approaches.
Education remains one of the top priorities for Nashvillians, as it has been for several years. The poll shows that public education continues to be a source of concern, particularly in the areas of preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools. For the past several years, these institutions have consistently received a C grade from the majority of respondents. However, there has been a notable shift toward more favorable evaluations in 2025, with a slight increase in the number of residents who have assigned A and B grades to local schools.
In 2023, just 7% of respondents gave an A grade to their district’s lower schools, but this figure rose to 12% in 2025. Similarly, the percentage of those assigning a B rating increased from 20% to 28%. Despite these improvements, public schools in Nashville still have room for growth in the eyes of many residents.
When it comes to the state legislature’s use of school vouchers, opinions are mixed. The poll reveals that 20% of respondents strongly support the use of school vouchers, while 36% are strongly opposed. The remaining 44% of residents hold more moderate views on the issue.
The approval rating for Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, stands at 60%. Notably, those with children in public schools have the highest approval, with 75% in favor of her leadership. Support is also strong among parents of children in private schools, at 69%. However, those without children in K-12 schools tend to be less favorable, giving her a 57% approval rating.
The issue of safety has seen a significant increase in concern among Nashvillians. According to the poll, 64% of residents believe that reducing crime should be a top priority for Mayor Freddie O’Connell. Safety continues to be a central issue for many, with 76% of respondents reporting that they feel somewhat or extremely safe living in Nashville. However, 24% of residents expressed feeling somewhat or extremely unsafe.
Despite overall safety perceptions, the poll also highlights persistent fears about crime. Over the last five years, more than 60% of respondents have indicated that there is at least one area within a mile of their homes where they would feel uncomfortable walking alone at night.
Immigration is another divisive issue among Nashville residents. The city’s sizable immigrant population has prompted debate over the federal government’s stance on deportation. The poll reveals sharp differences in opinion based on political affiliation. A significant majority of Democrats—62%—believe Nashville should resist federal efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, while 61% of Republicans favor the city’s active cooperation in these deportation efforts.
The poll also delves into public opinion on individual deportation cases. When it comes to immigrants with a criminal history, 61% of respondents support deportation, though this stance is split along party lines. A majority of Republicans—87%—support deportation in such cases, while only 46% of Democrats agree. Conversely, only 26% of residents support deportation for immigrants without a criminal record, with 70% of Republicans in favor compared to just 9% of Democrats.
Despite the concerns raised by the poll, overall sentiment in Nashville remains relatively positive. John Geer, Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Poll, emphasized that Nashville residents are generally responding favorably to the state of the city. “Overall, Nashville’s doing pretty well. Residents are reacting favorably to what’s going on in the city,” Geer said. “That should be taken as some good news.”
As Mayor O’Connell prepares to address key concerns in the city, including crime reduction and educational improvements, the results of this poll offer a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities facing Nashville as it moves forward into 2025. With strong approval for city leadership on certain issues, but persistent concerns about safety and education, the coming year will likely see continued debate over the city’s priorities.
