Is Clarksville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clarksville

Clarksville, Tennessee, situated in Montgomery County, offers a blend of Southern charm and growing urban amenities. This city, located about 50 miles northwest of Nashville, is a significant hub in Middle Tennessee, known for its rich history and dynamic present. As the state’s fifth most populous city, Clarksville continues to attract new residents drawn by its economic opportunities and quality of life.

The city’s strategic location along the Cumberland River and its proximity to Fort Campbell, a major U.S. Army installation, have shaped its development and economic base. Clarksville presents a diverse landscape, from its historic downtown to developing suburban areas, catering to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences. Understanding the various facets of living in Clarksville is essential for anyone considering a move to this vibrant Tennessee city.

Is it Safe to Live in Clarksville?

Clarksville’s overall crime rate has seen a consistent decline for seven consecutive years, indicating a positive trend in public safety (as reported by Clarksville Now). In 2024, the city recorded 64.5 major crime reports per 1,000 residents, a decrease from 65.9 in 2023 (as reported by Clarksville Now). This downward trend is attributed by the Police Chief to strong community-police relationships and proactive enforcement efforts (as reported by Clarksville Now).

While the overall crime rate has improved, it’s important to note specific crime statistics. Violent crime in Clarksville is 56.3% above the national average, with 166.0 incidents per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI crime data). Conversely, property crime is 6.6% below the national average, with 152.8 incidents per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI crime data). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Clarksville is approximately 1 in 49 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The Clarksville housing market presents a median sale price of $307,000 as of March 2026, showing a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Clarksville typically sell after about 98 days on the market, a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $173, which is down 4.7% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices in Clarksville are generally lower than the national average. The average rent in Clarksville is approximately $1,415 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is 25% lower than the national average rent of $1,895 per month (as reported by Trulia). Month-over-month rent changes have been modest, with a 0.2% increase, and a 1.1% year-over-year increase (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Clarksville’s economy is significantly influenced by Fort Campbell, the largest employer in the region, providing jobs for over 26,000 active military members and thousands of civilian employees (as reported by Nashville Realtor). Other major employers include the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Gateway Health System, and Austin Peay State University (as reported by Nashville Realtor). The city also boasts a diverse industrial sector with companies like LG Electronics and Google establishing a presence (as reported by Clarksville Industrial Development Board).

The average hourly wage in the Clarksville, TN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area was $24.84 in May 2024, which is lower than the national average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The unemployment rate in Clarksville was 4.10% as of the most recent data, which is lower than the long-term average but consistent with the previous month and year (as reported by YCharts).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Clarksville experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, muggy summers and cold winters (as reported by Wikipedia). Temperatures typically range from 30°F in January to 89°F in July, with rare excursions below 14°F or above 96°F (as reported by Time and Date). The city receives an average of 210 sunny days per year, with precipitation occurring on approximately 117 days annually (as reported by Visit Clarksville TN).

The hot season generally spans from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 81°F (as reported by Time and Date). Conversely, the cold season runs from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures falling below 55°F (as reported by Time and Date). While Clarksville enjoys distinct seasons, residents should be aware of the potential for severe weather, including tornadoes and floods, which have impacted the region historically (as reported by Wikipedia).

Education and School System

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) serves the city’s student population, with over 39,000 students in grades PK through 12 (as reported by Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 and is ranked as above average within Tennessee (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 31% of students are proficient in math and 39% in reading (as reported by Niche).

CMCSS is recognized for its diversity, ranking among the most diverse school districts in Tennessee (as reported by Niche). While the district receives positive feedback for its caring teachers and community support, some reviews mention concerns regarding safety and the need for increased resources in college readiness programs (as reported by Niche). The average graduation rate is 88% (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population Trends

Clarksville is home to an estimated population of 176,456 residents as of the most recent U.S. Census data, making it the fifth most populous city in Tennessee (as reported by Census Dots). The city’s population has shown consistent growth, with projections indicating it will reach 187,312 by 2026 (as reported by CUBIT). The demographic makeup of Clarksville is diverse, with White residents constituting 54.6% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 21.8%, and Hispanic residents at 12.9% (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Clarksville is 31.0 years (as reported by CUBIT). In terms of household income, the median is $69,303 (as reported by CUBIT). The homeownership rate in Clarksville is approximately 55.6% (as reported by Data USA). The majority of residents commute by driving alone, with an average commute time of 27 minutes (as reported by Data USA).

Cost of Living

Clarksville offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. Overall living expenses are estimated to be 7% lower than the U.S. national average and 32% lower than Tennessee’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant factor, being approximately 32.1% lower than the national average, with a median rent around $1,415 per month (as reported by Zillow and Salary.com).

Food expenses in Clarksville are about 25.1% below the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs are also generally lower than the national average, contributing to Clarksville’s affordability (as reported by Salary.com and 6th Man Movers). These combined factors make Clarksville an attractive option for those seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to many other U.S. cities.