Economic Impact

Nashville’s health care ecosystem represents a $68 billion industry annually and supports more than 333,000 jobs to the local economy annually, according to the results of a new economic impact study by the Nashville Health Care Council, in collaboration with local economist Murat Arik, Ph.D. 

Globally, Nashville’s healthcare industry generates more than $97 billion in revenue and nearly 500,000 jobs. And more than 500 healthcare companies have operations in Nashville and work on a multistate, national, or international basis. Nashville is also home to nearly 400 professional service firms (e.g., accounting, architecture, finance, legal) that provide expertise in the healthcare industry.

Despite the unique economic disruption that resulted from COVID-19 shutdowns, the Nashville MSA healthcare sector proved to be more resilient than many other industries and showcased a quicker recovery. As home to 17 major publicly traded health care companies, Nashville continues its growth as the health care industry hub.

Although the scope of the health care industry in Nashville is enormous, the two areas of focus in the Economic Impact Study are:

• Core health care industry – ambulatory services, hospitals, and nursing and residential care facilities that provide care in the Nashville MSA*
• Health care industry cluster – core health care industry and other related health care industries such as health care management companies, life sciences research and professional services firms that operate on a local, national, or international basis

View past reports:

• 2023 Economic Impact Study
• 2015 Economic Impact Study
• 2010 Economic Impact Study
• 2006 Economic Impact Study
• 2002 Economic Impact Study

*Nashville MSA includes Cannon, Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Macon, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Wilson, and Williamson counties.

The results of this latest study illustrate the continued growth of health care in Nashville since previous Council economic impact studies (conducted in partnership with the Business and Economic Research Center at Middle Tennessee State University) released in 2023, 2015, 2010, and 2006.

The 2002 study was conducted in partnership with Owen Graduate School of Management Vanderbilt University.

The Council and Chamber additionally promote international business opportunities for Nashville’s study missions and have helped promote Nashville as a center of the healthcare industry while serving as educational, networking, and business development opportunities for participants.

To learn more about relocation to Nashville, please contact the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.