Deep Dive Relocation Report: Clarksville, TN (2026)

1. Clarksville: The Data Profile (2026)

Clarksville presents a distinct economic profile for 2026, characterized by a cost-of-living advantage that offsets a slight income deficit. The city supports a population of 180,705, categorizing it as a mid-sized urban center. The median household income sits at $67,246, which is -9.8% below the national average of $74,580. However, the cost of living index for housing is significantly lower at 82.5, creating a purchasing power parity that attracts remote workers and service industry professionals.

Educational attainment is nearly identical to the national mean, with 32.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher (US avg: 33.1%). The statistical target demographic for Clarksville in 2026 is the "Value-Seeking Hybrid Worker"—individuals earning between $60,000 and $90,000 who prioritize housing affordability and lower utility costs over high-density urban amenities.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate cost of living in Clarksville remains 7.5% lower than the national average. This advantage is driven primarily by utility costs, specifically electricity, which averages 12.42 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

• Disposable Income Analysis: A single resident earning the median income of $67,246 takes home approximately $4,050 monthly after taxes. With a total budget of $2,465, this leaves a disposable income surplus of $1,585, which is 18% higher than the surplus available in the average US metro.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary financial draw of Clarksville. The median home price is roughly $285,000, significantly undercutting national trends. The decision to buy or rent is heavily skewed toward buying due to a Price-to-Rent ratio of 17.6 (based on median home price and average 2-bedroom rent), which generally favors purchasing.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

• Buy vs. Rent Verdict: For 2026, buying is statistically advantageous. With a monthly mortgage payment on a $285,000 home (20% down, 6.5% rate) hovering around $1,800, the cost is only marginally higher than renting a 3BR unit ($1,650), while building equity. Renters face a -17.5% index advantage, but buyers lock in long-term asset appreciation at a 30.8% discount to the national median.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote work era (RTO) has stabilized the Clarksville economy. While the median income is $67,246, the low unemployment rate of 3.6% (vs US 4.0%) indicates a tight labor market with high demand for local services.

• Commute & RTO: Average commute times have settled at 24.5 minutes, well below the national average of 28 minutes. For hybrid workers, the proximity to Fort Campbell and Nashville (approx. 45 miles) offers a strategic "commute hub" location. However, local industry is heavily reliant on manufacturing and logistics; volatility in these sectors poses a higher risk than in diversified tech hubs.
• Unemployment Analysis: The 3.6% unemployment rate suggests that while wages are lower, job security is statistically higher than the national average. The labor force participation rate is robust, driven by the lower barrier to entry for housing.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Quality of life in Clarksville is a mixed bag of excellent environmental metrics and concerning health indicators. The city excels in air quality and economic stability but struggles significantly with lifestyle-related health risks.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, Air Quality, Unemployment)

• Safety: Safety is a primary concern. Violent crime stands at 567 per 100k residents (US avg: 380), and property crime is 2,890 per 100k (US avg: 2,000). Residents must budget for higher insurance premiums and security measures.
• Air Quality: The environment is a major asset. An AQI of 32 and PM2.5 levels of 6.0 µg/m³ are significantly cleaner than the US average, reducing long-term respiratory risks.
• Schools & Weather: Public school performance hovers near the 50th percentile nationally. Weather is currently 52.0°F with rain showers; the region experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A -30.8% discount on median home prices compared to the US average.
• Air Quality: Exceptional environmental metrics (AQI 32).
• Job Security: Unemployment is lower than the national average at 3.6%.
• Utilities: Electricity costs are 22.5% cheaper than the national average.

Cons:

• Crime Rates: Violent crime is 49% higher than the US average.
• Health Risks: Obesity rates are 23% higher than the national average.
• Income Ceiling: Median income is $7,246 below the national average.

Recommendation:
Clarksville is a High-Yield/High-Risk relocation destination for 2026. It is highly recommended for remote workers who can import a national-level salary into a local economy with 82.5 housing costs. It is not recommended for families prioritizing safety metrics or those dependent on local wages for wealth accumulation. The data supports a "rent-first" approach for 12 months to assess neighborhood safety before committing to a home purchase.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Clarksville?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 allows for a comfortable budget with savings, given the low housing index of 82.5. For a family of four, $90,000 is recommended to maintain a similar standard of living.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Nashville?
Clarksville offers a -30.8% discount on home prices versus the national average, while Nashville sits +25% above it. You gain approximately $250,000 in purchasing power by moving 45 miles north, though you sacrifice the high-income job market of Nashville.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate for 2026?
Yes, the data indicates Violent Crime at 567/100k and Property Crime at 2,890/100k. This is statistically HIGH. It is advisable to research specific zip codes, as crime is not evenly distributed across the 180,705 population.

4. Is the current weather typical?
Today's temperature of 52.0°F is typical for early spring. Clarksville generally sees highs in the 90s during July and August, with occasional winter lows dipping into the 20s. The region receives significant rainfall, as evidenced by current "Rain Showers."