Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Clarksville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clarksville, you need to earn at least $53,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $62,688, which means the typical resident is $8,768 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 167,882

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$944	$3,147	$37,760	$-24,928
1 Bedroom	$1,119	$3,730	$44,760	$-17,928
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,348	$4,493	$53,920	$-8,768
3 Bedroom	$1,645	$5,483	$65,800	+$3,112
4 Bedroom	$2,022	$6,740	$80,880	+$18,192

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Clarksville's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$62,688

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$53,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,768

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Clarksville

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Clarksville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,567

Studio

$944/mo

1 BR

$1,119/mo

2 BR

$1,348/mo

3 BR

$1,645/mo

4 BR

$2,022/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Clarksville.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Clarksville's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Clarksville

Renting in Clarksville, Tennessee is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $53,920/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $62,688, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,119/month) or studio ($944/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Clarksville pushes the required income to $65,800.

For comfortable living in Clarksville without financial stress, target a household income of at least $80,880 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Tennessee's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Clarksville, Tennessee.

With a total population of 167,882, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 69,936 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $53,920 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

69,936

Active civilian employees in Clarksville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Clarksville

What salary do I need to live in Clarksville, Tennessee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clarksville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $53,920. The median household income in Clarksville is $62,688.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Clarksville on $62,688?

The affordability verdict for Clarksville is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.8%, meaning median earners have a $8,768 surplus.

What is the average rent in Clarksville compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Clarksville is $1,119/month. With a median household income of $62,688, residents spend approximately 25.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Clarksville?

A studio in Clarksville rents for approximately $944/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,760 to afford this.

Is Clarksville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,768 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Clarksville is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $53,920 to the local median household income.

How Clarksville Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements