Living in Clarksville TN gives residents affordable housing, a growing job market, and easy access to Nashville while still feeling like its own riverside city. Moving to Clarksville TN is especially popular with military families stationed at Fort Campbell, remote workers, and buyers who want more house for the money than they can find in larger Tennessee cities.
Planning on settling in Clarksville TN? Get a free quote or call 615-434-8272 now.
Table of Contents
Where Is Clarksville Tennessee?
Clarksville is in Montgomery County in northwestern Middle Tennessee and is also the county seat. The city covers about 95.5 square miles in total, with 94.9 square miles of land and 0.7 square miles of water.
The city of Clarksville is located on the edge of the Highland Rim, which surrounds the Nashville Basin. Clarksville is bordered by the cities and communities of Cumberland Heights, Sango, Port Royal, Woodlawn, and Fort Campbell. The northern edge of Clarksville borders the Tennessee Kentucky state line.
How Far Is Clarksville TN From Nashville TN?
It is about 49–50 miles from Clarksville TN to the northwest of Nashville, and most drivers cover the route in roughly 45–55 minutes via Interstate 24 when traffic is normal. That short commute makes Clarksville a realistic choice for people who want a quieter home base while still working or going out regularly in Nashville.
How Far Is Clarksville TN From Other Major Cities?
Dover: 35–40 miles (~45 minutes via US-79 W and local roads)
Lebanon: 75–85 miles (~1 hour 20 minutes–1 hour 40 minutes via I-24 E toward Nashville)
Trenton: 110–120 miles (~2–2.5 hours via I-40 W and connecting highways)
Jackson: 130–140 miles (~2.5 hours via I-40 W and US routes)
Memphis: 200–210 miles (~3.5–4 hours via I-40 W)
Knoxville: 220–230 miles (~3.5–4 hours via I-40 E across Tennessee)
Pigeon Forge: 255–275 miles (~4–4.5 hours via I-40 E through Knoxville)
Gatlinburg: 260–280 miles (~4–5 hours via I-40 E to the Smoky Mountains)
Clarksville TN Population & Demographics
The Clarksville population is currently 166,722, which is a 25% increase over the past decade! Clarksville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, which is one reason why Money.com named it the #1 place to live in 2019.
This population increase has made Clarksville the fifth-largest city in the state of Tennessee. Clarksville is also the principal central city of the Clarksville metropolitan area, which has a population of 329,864.
Clarksville is also a very young city, with an average age of 30. Young people are flocking to the city due to the high median household income ($58,838) and the many social opportunities the area brings.
Clarksville TN Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 50.2% male, 49.8% female
- Educational attainment: 93.6% high school degree (or higher), 28.7% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 5.3%
- 62.8% White (56.7% non-Hispanic)
- 22.7% Black or African American
- 8.6% two or more races
- 2.6% Asian
- 0.5% American Indian
Many people have called Clarksville home, including NASCAR driver Mark Day, guitarist Jimi Hendrix, and NBA player Howie Wright.
Transportation in Clarksville
There are many major roads and freeways that serve those living in Clarksville TN. U.S. Route 79 runs through the middle of Clarksville, providing access to nearby cities such as Cunningham and Guthrie, KY. Interstate 24 runs along the city’s northeast border, providing easy access from Clarksville to Downtown Nashville. Other major roads in the area are U.S. Route 41A, State Route 12, and State Route 13.
While the best way to get around the city is by car, you can also use the Clarksville Transit System. The CTS provides a system of buses that travel on eight different routes throughout the city. You can also take the Clarksville Express line directly into downtown Nashville.
Clarksville is served by the Nashville International Airport (BNA), which is 47 miles away from the city. BNA is served by 30 airlines and has nearly 600 flights departing and arriving every day from 101 airports across North America and Europe.
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Is It Safe in Clarksville TN?
Clarksville is considered moderately safe for a city its size range compared with many other large Tennessee communities, especially major metros.
According to recent FBI‑based rollups, the total Clarksville TN crime rate is about 2,042 total crimes per 100,000 residents, which is roughly 3.6 percent lower than the national average and more than 22 percent lower than the Tennessee statewide average.
The estimated violent crime rate in Clarksville is around 285.7 offenses per 100,000 residents, about 25 percent lower than the national average. The estimated property crime rate is about 1,889 offenses per 100,000 residents, roughly 3 percent higher than the national property crime rate.
Residents are served by the Clarksville Police Department, which patrols the city and provides crime mapping and safety information online for people researching neighborhoods. New residents often review these local tools and statewide crime dashboards before moving to Clarksville TN.
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Once you’ve decided Clarksville is right for you, get a no‑obligation moving estimate or call 615-434-8272 to discuss your move details.
Cost of Living in Clarksville TN
Clarksville Tennessee is very affordable compared with many other US cities and especially compared with Nashville. The Clarksville TN Cost of Living Index is about 88.8. This means the overall cost of living in Clarksville is roughly 11.2 percent lower than the national average of 100 and slightly below the Tennessee statewide index.
Housing, in particular, is where Clarksville wins on affordability, while groceries and utilities run close to state averages.
According to the Economic Policy Institute Family Budget Calculator, a family of four living in Clarksville TN would need to earn about $76,400 per year—or around $6,367 per month—to cover a modest yet comfortable budget for housing, food, transportation, and other essentials. The target income is lower than what many similar‑sized metros require.
Typical Clarksville Living Expenses:
- Average Clarksville utilities (basic for a 915 sq ft apartment): $140.04 per month
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15.00
- Cappuccino (regular): $5.33
- Gallon of gas (gasoline, 1 gallon): $2.89
- Fitness club membership (monthly fee for 1 adult): $26.00
- Preschool or kindergarten, full‑day private childcare (monthly for 1 child): $742.50
Source: Numbeo
Taxes in Clarksville TN
The official property tax rate in Clarksville is expressed as a dollar amount “per $100 of assessed value,” and recent budget documents show both city and county rates can change when new budgets or reappraisals are adopted.
The sales tax in Clarksville is 9.500%.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Tennessee State: 7.000%
- Montgomery County: 2.500%
- Clarksville: 0.000%
- Total: 9.500%
Luckily, Tennessee does not have an individual income tax. The Hall tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed starting with the 2021 tax year. So residents pay no state personal income tax on wages, salaries, or investment income.
Clarksville TN Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
Clarksville real estate is very affordable. According to Redfin, the median home sale price in Clarksville TN is about $312,000, up around 1.8% compared to last year, and still lower than the current national median home price of roughly $399,000. Townhouses in Clarksville have a median sale price of about $236,450. While condos sell for a median of about $249,500.
If you want to rent in Clarksville TN, then there are many amazing options to choose from. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Clarksville TN is about $1,253 per month. Rent in Clarksville is more affordable than in nearby cities such as Nashville (around $1,830 per month), Knoxville (around $1,735 per month), and Hendersonville (around $1,310–$1,315 per month).
A few of the best apartment complexes in Clarksville are Parc at Clarksville, Fountains at Meadow Wood, and Cumberland Ridge Apartments.
Clarksville Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Clarksville
No matter what type of lifestyle you are looking for, Clarksville has something for you! These are just a few of the best places to live in Clarksville TN.
Liberty Park | Serene Area Close to Popular Outdoor Attractions
Liberty Park is a neighborhood that is located in southwest Clarksville. This area is popular among retirees and small families who are looking for a laid-back living style plus nearby outdoor attractions such as the Clarksville Marina and King’s Run Bark Park.
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West Creek | Family-Friendly Area With Affordable Real Estate
West Creek is just a few miles away from Downtown Clarksville and is one of the best neighborhoods in Clarksville TN. West Creek has some of the most affordable real estate in the area, with many homes selling under the listing price.
Downtown Clarksville | Walkable Area Great for Young Professionals
Downtown Clarksville is one of the best areas to live in Clarksville for those who want to be in the middle of all of the action. The downtown area is incredibly walkable and full of hip cafes, cute boutiques, and numerous office buildings. Downtown Clarksville is also great for students and is home to Austin Peay State University.
Clarksville Tennessee Weather & Climate
Per the Köppen classification, Clarksville has a humid subtropical climate with hot, muggy summers, cool to cold winters, and partly cloudy skies throughout the year. Over the seasons, the Clarksville temperature typically ranges from around 30°F in winter to about 89°F in summer and is rarely below 14°F or above 96°F.
Annual precipitation averages around 55 inches, so residents can expect regular rainstorms and occasional thunderstorms, especially in late spring and summer. Summers often feel humid, particularly from June through August. While winters are generally chilly and wet rather than severely cold.
How Much Snow Did Clarksville TN Get?
Clarksville does get snow, but most winters bring only light accumulations. Clarksville typically sees around 1 to 5 inches of snow spread across the season, with many events producing just dust and melting quickly after falling. Occasionally, stronger winter storms drop 3 to 5 inches of snow across the area, but those larger events are less common and often make local news.
Clarksville TN Restaurants
Are you on the hunt for restaurants in Clarksville TN or trying to decide where to eat in Clarksville TN after a long day of unpacking? Whether you are craving barbecue, seafood, or New American cuisine, there are plenty of the best restaurants in Clarksville TN to try.
Harbor Cafe
Harbor Cafe is an award-winning steak and seafood restaurant in Clarksville. In 2021, Harbor Cafe won the Leaf-Chronicle Reader’s Choice Awards of ‘Best Local Eatery,’ ‘Best Family Restaurant,’ ‘Best Cocktail Hour,’ and ‘Best Bartender.’ This cozy restaurant is open seven days a week.
2131 Lowes Dr, Clarksville TN 37040, 931-906-0188
Catfish House
Catfish House is one of the best places to eat in Clarksville TN. You’ll feel right at home in this family-owned establishment that serves up catfish, steaks, and other Southern-style dishes.
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1461 Zinc Plant Rd, Clarksville TN 37040, 931-648-2121
Liberty Park Grill
Liberty Park Grill is the place to be for watching the big game, going on a date, or grabbing a quick beer after work. This casual eatery serves casual American dishes and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
125 Marina Wy, Clarksville TN 37040, 931-919-2444
Things to Do in Clarksville TN
If you are wondering what are the best things to do in Clarksville, you will find a long list of fun things to do in Clarksville TN, for all ages, from vineyards and art studios to family entertainment centers and riverside parks.
Top Clarksville Attractions
- Beachaven Vineyards & Winery: Stop by Beachaven Vineyards and sample one of their 25 original wines!
- The City Forum: The City Forum is one of the most fun things to do in Clarksville TN. This amusement center is complete with an arcade, go-karts, mini golf, bowling, and more!
- Miss Lucille’s Marketplace: This 52,000-square-foot marketplace is located just off of Exit 11 and is home to over 200 vendors selling everything from antique furniture to coffee beans!
- Swirlz Art Studio: If you are looking for a fun evening out, then stop by Swirlz Art Studio. This studio offers beginner and intermediate acrylic painting classes.
Clarksville Museums, Entertainment, and Arts
- Customs House Museum and Cultural Center: This 35,000-square-foot museum and cultural center offers a variety of hands-on art and science exhibits aimed at children.
- Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center: This outdoor attraction is one of the best things to do in Clarksville, Tennessee. Stop by and learn about the history of pre-Civil War agriculture and industry in Clarksville.
- Roxy Regional Theatre: The Roxy Regional Theatre hosts a variety of musical performances and plays in an intimate setting.
Clarksville Parks & Outdoors
- Dunbar Cave State Park: This 110-acre protected area is the 280th largest cave complex in the world! Stop by and check out the hiking trails, picnic area, and playground.
- McGregor Park & Cumberland Riverwalk: Grab the kids and head to McGregor Park. This cozy park is located along the Cumberland River and has a picnic area, a museum, and a boat ramp.
- Heritage Park Sports Complex: Heritage Park Sports Complex consists of eight soccer fields, four softball fields, four baseball fields, and two basketball courts. It also has a skate park and a splash pad that is open in the summertime!
Shopping in Clarksville
- Governor’s Square Mall: This shopping complex has dozens of stores and restaurants. The mall also hosts seasonal events throughout the year.
- Two Rivers Mall Shopping Center: The Two Rivers Mall is an indoor/outdoor shopping center with a wide variety of stores, boutiques, and eateries. The complex gets its name due to the fact that it is at the intersection of the Cumberland and Red Rivers.
Map of Clarksville Things to Do
Check out this map of what to do in Clarksville TN.
Jobs in Clarksville TN
Some of the top employers in Clarksville include Amazon, American Standard, and Bridgestone. Because of its close proximity to Nashville, many people living in Clarksville choose to commute for work.
According to PayScale, the average pay in Clarksville is about $18–$19 per hour, which works out to roughly $38,000 per year for a full‑time worker. The highest-paying jobs in the Clarksville area yield annual earnings ranging from the low-to-mid $100,000s for sales managers and local pharmacists up to $230,000 or more for specialized physicians, with local primary-care doctors averaging in the low-to-mid $200,000s.
Source: BLS.
If you are on the hunt for jobs in Clarksville, Tennessee, then check out the city job board or try a search for ‘Clarksville TN jobs’ on Indeed.
Clarksville Schools
The primary Clarksville school district is the Clarksville‑Montgomery County School System (CMCSS), which operates dozens of campuses across the city and the surrounding county.
CMCSS currently runs 23 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 7 high schools, along with magnet, alternative, virtual, and early‑college options, serving more than 37,000 students overall.
High schools in Clarksville include Kenwood High School, Northeast High School, and other CMCSS campuses that serve specific parts of the city. Families searching for private schools in Clarksville TN often look at Clarksville Academy or Little Scholars Montessori for smaller class sizes and specialized programs.
What College Is in Clarksville TN?
The main college in Clarksville TN is Austin Peay State University, a public university located near downtown that offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of fields. Residents also have access to campuses for Nashville State Community College, Miller‑Motte Technical College, and other institutions that provide workforce training and associate degrees.
When living in Clarksville, you will also have access to the Montgomery County Public Library system, which offers books, media, meeting spaces, and educational programs for all ages.
Clarksville TN Statistics & Information
These are the basic statistics you should know when living in Clarksville TN:
- County: Montgomery County
- Clarksville TN area: 95.5 square miles (94.9 land, 0.7 water)
- Clarksville TN ZIP codes: 37040–37044
- Clarksville TN area code: 931
- Clarksville TN elevation: about 476 feet above sea level
- Clarksville TN time zone: Central Time Zone (CST/UTC‑6, CDT/UTC‑5)
- Closest airport to Clarksville TN: Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 47 miles away
FAQs About Living in Clarksville TN
What to Do in Clarksville TN?
You can explore the Cumberland RiverWalk and McGregor Park, visit the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, tour Fort Defiance Civil War Park, and hike at Dunbar Cave State Park. Historic Collinsville, downtown shops, live performances at the Roxy Regional Theatre, Beachaven Vineyards, and Old Glory Distilling offer more ways to spend a day in Clarksville.
What County Is Clarksville TN?
Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, Tennessee. The city sits near the Kentucky border at the confluence of the Cumberland and Red Rivers, approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville.
What Is There to Do in Clarksville TN?
In Clarksville, visitors can enjoy riverfront walks, Civil War and local-history sites, museums, theater, parks, caves, wineries, breweries, and downtown events. Popular stops include the Cumberland RiverWalk, Fort Defiance, Dunbar Cave, the Customs House Museum, Historic Collinsville, and the Roxy Regional Theatre.
What Is Clarksville TN Known For?
Clarksville is known for its riverfront location, 1784 founding, Civil War history, Fort Campbell connection, and historic downtown. It is also recognized for the Customs House Museum, Dunbar Cave, the Cumberland RiverWalk, and its role in the region’s tobacco-trade history.
Where to Eat in Clarksville TN?
Downtown Clarksville (especially Franklin Street and Strawberry Alley) is the city’s main dining hub, with locally owned restaurants, cafés, breweries, gastropubs, and Southern cuisine. For specific local options, try Strawberry Alley Ale Works for chef-driven pub fare and craft beer, Silke’s for German bread and pastries, Yellowtail Robata Grill for sushi, or local spots serving barbecue and catfish.
Clarksville TN Map | Where Is Clarksville TN on the Map?
If you want to visualize neighborhoods, schools, and things to do in Clarksville TN, use a Clarksville TN map before or after your move.
Are You Ready to Start Living in Clarksville TN? Get Started With a Free Moving Quote
Clarksville TN is one of Middle Tennessee’s most appealing cities, thanks to its affordable cost of living, strong job growth, riverfront parks, historic downtown, and proximity to Nashville. Whether you are from a military base, a remote worker, or a first‑time homebuyer, living in Clarksville Tennessee, can offer more space and value without giving up big‑city access.
If you are planning a move and want experienced help, call 615‑434‑8272 and put 6th Man Movers on your team. As a trusted Clarksville moving company, 6th Man Movers completes thousands of Middle Tennessee moves with trained, full‑time crews who know the area and how to keep your relocation on schedule. Request a free Clarksville moving quote today and reserve professional Clarksville movers for your ideal move date.
