TennesseePop. 176,456Mid-size cities
Is Clarksville a Good Place to Live? Clarksville, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Clarksville ranks #791 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #134 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #12 of 205) and low living costs (90.9, #27 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Clarksville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Clarksville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Clarksville?
Clarksville's cost of living index is 90.9, 9% below the US level of 100 and #238 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,307/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $319,419, 4% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Clarksville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 90.9#238 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $319,419#432 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,374/mo#233 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $263,600#430 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,307/mo#534 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.6%#737 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Clarksville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Clarksville is in the Clarksville, TN-KY metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Clarksville safe?
Clarksville recorded 366 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% above the US rate of 328 and 26% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #674 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #130 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clarksville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,289 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Clarksville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 366#674 of 1,085 | 492 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,289#355 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Clarksville?
The median household in Clarksville earns $69,303, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Clarksville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $69,303#828 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.3%#673 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Clarksville?
The median resident of Clarksville is 31 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #796 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Clarksville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 29.9%#796 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 55.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Clarksville's schools and health?
Clarksville's 32 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $10,645 spent per pupil. 39.3% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Clarksville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 18.2#853 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,645#1104 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.3%#1075 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 21.4%#1268 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.4%#907 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 29,660 students are enrolled in Clarksville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Clarksville?
The average commute in Clarksville is 27 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0.4% of workers take transit and 8.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Clarksville scores 6.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1265 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.9°F and winters 39.2°F, with 47.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Clarksville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27 min#931 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 11.3%#1124 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 79.7% | 75% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.5% | 12.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 6.7#1265 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46.2 | 27.7 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 50.8 | 30.6 | 3.9 |
| Mar | 60 | 37.9 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 70 | 46.7 | 4.6 |
| May | 77.8 | 56.7 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 85.6 | 64.4 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 88.5 | 67.9 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 88.7 | 66.2 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 82.4 | 58.7 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 71.5 | 47.1 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 59 | 37.2 | 4 |
| Dec | 48.9 | 31 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Clarksville Outlaw Airport.
| Measure | Clarksville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 76.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 39.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 47.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Clarksville Outlaw Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Clarksville?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 32, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Clarksville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 32#85 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.15%#695 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Montgomery County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Montgomery County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.028% | 88% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0033% | 82% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0046% | 72% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0048% | 69% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.082% | 51% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Clarksville compare with similar-size cities?
Clarksville is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #134 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 176,456.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #41 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #890 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 | 22 min |
| Santa Rosa, CAPop. 177,090 | #499 | 58.0 | $99,060 | $2,152/mo | 292 | 22.9 min |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #528 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 | 30.4 min |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #418 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 | 19.5 min |
| Springfield, MOPop. 169,954 | #1159 | 46.4 | $49,311 | $964/mo | 1,233 | 17.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Clarksville compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Clarksville ranks #13 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 53.4 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 4% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical Tennessee home.
| City | Rank in TN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #1 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #2 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #3 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #4 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #5 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #6 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #7 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #8 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 |
| Smyrna, TNPop. 56,692 | #9 | 58.3 | $81,926 | $1,461/mo | 333 |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #10 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #11 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #12 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #13 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #14 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #15 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #16 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #17 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #18 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #19 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #20 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 |
All 20 Tennessee cities we track, by overall score. Tennessee statewide: median income $71,997, violent crime 492.3 per 100,000.
How is Clarksville's score calculated?
Clarksville scores 53.4 out of 100, #791 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Tennessee's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Clarksville. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Clarksville's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
74.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Clarksville. Similar-size median 53.8.
39.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Clarksville's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
53.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Clarksville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
76.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Clarksville. Similar-size median 51.2.
47.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Clarksville. Similar-size median 42.1.
57.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Clarksville. Similar-size median 50.1.
36.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Clarksville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
30.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
61.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Clarksville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Clarksville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Clarksville
Is Clarksville, TN a good place to live?
Clarksville ranks #791 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #134 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94%, #12 of 205) and low living costs (90.9, #27 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Clarksville?
Clarksville's cost of living index is 90.9, 9% below the US level of 100 and #238 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,307/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $319,419, 4% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Clarksville?
Clarksville recorded 366 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% above the US rate of 328 and 26% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #674 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #130 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clarksville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,289 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Clarksville?
The median household in Clarksville earns $69,303, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Clarksville?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,307/mo (Census), #534 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,374/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Clarksville?
The typical home value in Clarksville is $319,419, up 0.3% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $263,600.
How are the public schools in Clarksville?
Clarksville's 32 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $10,645 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Clarksville?
The average commute is 27 minutes, #931 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 11.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Clarksville?
Clarksville averages 58.4°F over the year, 76.9°F in summer and 39.2°F in winter, with 47.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Clarksville walkable?
Clarksville scores 6.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1265 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Clarksville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Clarksville?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 32, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Clarksville?
Clarksville has 176,456 residents. The median resident of Clarksville is 31 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #796 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Clarksville compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Clarksville ranks #13 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 53.4 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 4% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 4% below the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Clarksville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Clarksville's population of 176,456 are Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), Aurora, IL (#376 overall), Cary, NC (#41 overall), Salem, OR (#890 overall), and Santa Rosa, CA (#499 overall). Clarksville is #791.