Memphis, Tennessee sits at 90 meters (295 ft) above sea level on the Chickasaw Bluffs above the Mississippi River. The city's elevated bluff position – 30 to 50 metres above the river – protected early settlers from Mississippi flooding.
Key Facts at a Glance
| City centre elevation | 90 m |
|---|---|
| Lowest point (Mississippi River flood plain) | 60 m |
| Highest point | 160 m |
| Coordinates | 35.1495° N, 90.0490° W |
| Country / Region | Tennessee, USA |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Downtown (Beale Street) | 85–95 m |
| Midtown / Cooper-Young | 90–110 m |
| East Memphis | 100–130 m |
| Germantown (east suburb) | 110–140 m |
| South Memphis | 75–95 m |
| Bartlett / North | 105–140 m |
Compare: Memphis and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | 182 m |
| Little Rock, AR | 100 m |
| Jackson, MS | 91 m |
| St. Louis, MO | 141 m |
Interesting Facts About Memphis's Elevation
- Memphis sits on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff, a natural terrace of windblown loess soil rising 30–50 m above the Mississippi River flood plain.
- Beale Street, the birthplace of the blues, sits at about 87 m above sea level – just above the historic flood line.
- The Memphis-Arkansas Bridge carries Interstate 55 across the Mississippi at just 64 m above sea level.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Memphis
What is the elevation of Memphis, Tennessee?
Memphis sits at approximately 90 metres (295 feet) above sea level on the Chickasaw Bluffs above the Mississippi River.
Does Memphis flood?
The downtown bluff area of Memphis rarely floods, as it sits 30–50 metres above the Mississippi River. However, the low-lying areas to the west and south can flood during major Mississippi floods.
Why is Memphis on the Mississippi?
Memphis was founded on the Chickasaw Bluffs in 1819 because the bluffs provided both a natural flood defence and a commanding position overlooking the river – ideal for trade and military control.