II. State Data

5. WhatisthepopulationofTennessee?
6. WheredoesTennesseefallonthelistofsafeststatesinAmerica?
7. HowmuchdoesTennesseespendperchildoneducation?
8. HowmuchdoesTennesseespendtohouseaninmateinprison?
9. HowmanypeoplearecurrentlyincarceratedinTennesseeprisons?
10. What is the death penalty? What does the Constitution say about using the death penalty?
11. Does TN use the death penalty and for what crimes?
12. How many people are currently on death row in Tennessee? Where are these inmates housed?
13. What type of crimes have most prisoners in TN committed?

1 answer

Here are the answers to your questions based on information available as of October 2023:

  1. What is the population of Tennessee? As of the latest estimates, Tennessee's population is approximately 6.9 million people. However, this number may vary slightly due to ongoing changes in population data.

  2. Where does Tennessee fall on the list of safest states in America? Tennessee often ranks in the mid to lower tier when considering safety metrics such as violent crime rates and property crime rates. Specific rankings can vary by year and the sources of such rankings (e.g., WalletHub, SafeWise); it's advisable to check a recent source for the most current placement.

  3. How much does Tennessee spend per child on education? Tennessee's spending per pupil varies by district and year but is generally in the range of $10,000-$12,000 per student in public education. Current data should be checked for the most accurate figures.

  4. How much does Tennessee spend to house an inmate in prison? The cost to incarcerate an inmate in Tennessee is roughly estimated to be between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. This figure can vary based on the type of facility and the individual needs of inmates.

  5. How many people are currently incarcerated in Tennessee prisons? The number of individuals incarcerated in Tennessee prisons usually hovers around 30,000 to 35,000. The precise figure can change, so it's essential to refer to the Tennessee Department of Correction for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

  6. What is the death penalty? What does the Constitution say about using the death penalty? The death penalty, or capital punishment, is a government-sanctioned practice where a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime, typically murder or other serious offenses. The Constitution addresses capital punishment primarily in the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, thereby allowing for the possibility of the death penalty if implemented fairly and justly.

  7. Does TN use the death penalty and for what crimes? Yes, Tennessee uses the death penalty. It is primarily imposed for the crime of first-degree murder, along with certain other aggravated circumstances that can include cases involving multiple victims, murder of a child, or murders involving particularly heinous acts.

  8. How many people are currently on death row in Tennessee? Where are these inmates housed? As of the latest information, there are typically around 50 inmates on death row in Tennessee. These inmates are housed at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville.

  9. What type of crimes have most prisoners in TN committed? Most prisoners in Tennessee are incarcerated for offenses related to drug offenses, violent crimes (including murder), and property crimes. Violent crime, particularly aggravated assault and homicide, tends to account for a significant percentage of the prison population.

For the most accurate and updated statistics, please consult official state resources or recent studies.