Moving from Fargo, ND to Clarksville, TN
Relocating 1056 mi from Fargo to Clarksville is a 19h 42m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1056 mi Β· 19h 42m by car Β· TN β KY β IL β WI β MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β IL β WI β MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 51, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Madison, St Paul, Minneapolis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.871 vs 90.947 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $314,973 vs $318,206.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 53.5" |
Expect 17.8Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Clarksville gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.65 |
Median household incomes in Fargo ($66,029) and Clarksville ($66,786) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clarksville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,310 | $37,690 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,100 | $27,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,880 | $30,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,830 | $37,170 |
| Production Occupations | 8,750 | $43,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Dakota and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Clarksville averages 53.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 1.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 1.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 0.1% higher than Fargo (90.947 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Clarksville, TN from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 1056 mi and the route typically takes 19h 42m via I 94 and US 51. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1056 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Clarksville, TN.