Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Clarksville, TN
The drive from Minneapolis, MN to Clarksville, TN runs 817 mi β about 15h 14m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
817 mi Β· 15h 14m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 51, MN 55 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Madison, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Clarksville is 13.2% cheaper than Minneapolis overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Minneapolis and Clarksville are within 5% of each other ($330,882 vs $318,206 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 53.5" |
Climate warms by 13.4Β°F on the annual average β 45.8Β°F β 59.2Β°F.
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: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 33 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.65 |
Income steps down 13.2%: $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $66,786 in Clarksville.
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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
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 (13.4Β°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
Is Clarksville more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 13.2% lower than Minneapolis (90.947 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 16.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Clarksville, TN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 817 mi and the route typically takes 15h 14m via I 94 and US 51. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 3.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 817 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Clarksville, TN.