How Much Is Rent in Clarksville, TN? Current Market Update

If you are looking for a rental in Clarksville, here is the first thing to understand: the “average rent” number you see online is a blend of every kind of rental in the city — studio apartments, duplexes, townhomes, and 5-bedroom houses all mixed together.

That blended number does not tell you what a specific type of home actually costs to rent. If you want a 3-bedroom house, a newer rental, a pet-friendly home, or a place closer to Fort Campbell, you need to look at that specific slice of the market.

This update uses local Multiple Listing Service rental data for Clarksville, TN, including current active and coming soon MLS rental listings, closed MLS rentals from the last three months, and closed MLS rentals from the same timeframe last year. I also compared the MLS data with broader rental sources, including Zillow Rental Manager, Zumper, Apartments.com, RentCafe, Rentometer, HUD, and U.S. Census data.

“Median” means the middle number. Half of comparable rentals are above that number, and half are below it.

So the better question is not just, “What is rent in Clarksville?” The better question is: What type of rental am I looking for, and what does that specific market look like?

Browse current listings here: Search Clarksville rentals. For a broader renter overview, visit my Clarksville Rental Guide.

Important Note About This Rental Data

The MLS generally includes rentals entered by participating real estate brokerages, local property management companies, and MLS subscribers. It may not include rentals advertised only through national property management company websites, apartment community websites, large rental platforms, social media, yard signs, or individual owner-managed rentals that are never entered into the MLS.

So when I refer to current rental inventory or closed rental activity in this article, I am referring to the MLS rental data reviewed, not every rental property available in Clarksville.

That does not make the MLS data less useful. It is valuable because it includes detailed local listing information and actual closed rental activity. But it should be read alongside broader rental sources to get a fuller picture of the market.

Why Rent Numbers Vary So Much Depending on Where You Look

Different websites show different rent numbers because they measure different parts of the rental market.

Some sources are more apartment-heavy. Some include houses, townhomes, condos, and apartments. Some measure asking rents. Some use advertised listings. Some include national property management listings or owner-managed rentals that may not appear in the MLS.

Current Market vs. Last 3 Months vs. Same Time Last Year

Compared with the same April 1–July 1 period last year, closed MLS rental count decreased from 1,285 to 1,239, median closed MLS rent increased from $1,395 to $1,450, average closed MLS rent increased from $1,465 to $1,485, and median days on market stayed almost the same, moving from 31 days to 30 days.

One thing worth noting: current 3+ bed / 2+ bath houses are asking about $100/month more than what similar homes closed for over the last three months. That can make sense for updated homes, newer homes, homes with garages, or stronger locations, but it is a number owners should check against before pricing too aggressively.

Single-Family Homes Are Renting Faster

Plain-language takeaway: Houses cost more and rent faster than apartments, townhomes, and duplexes in the MLS data reviewed.

If you are specifically looking for a house, expect more competition and less time to decide.

3+ Bedroom Houses: Current Market vs. Last 3 Months vs. Last Year

Plain-language takeaway: The recent closed market for 3+ bed / 2+ bath houses has been around $1,800/month, while the current asking median is closer to $1,900/month.

That does not automatically mean current listings are overpriced. Current listings may include homes that are newer, cleaner, larger, better updated, or in higher-demand areas. But renters and owners should both notice the gap.

For renters, it explains why today’s search can feel more expensive than recently leased homes. For owners, it means higher rent should be backed up by something the renter can see: condition, photos, layout, location, garage, yard, pet policy, or updates.

Can You Still Rent Something in Clarksville for Under $1,500?

Yes, if you are flexible on property type.

Plain-language takeaway: A $1,500 rental search is realistic in Clarksville, but it is much harder if you want a detached 3+ bedroom house.

About 63% of all current MLS rentals reviewed were under $1,500. But only about 8% of current 3+ bed / 2+ bath houses were under $1,500.

If a house is what you want at that price, expect to compromise on square footage, garage space, yard, age of the home, cosmetic updates, pet policy, location, or move-in date.

Rent by Number of Bedrooms

Plain-language takeaway: The rent jumps most sharply when you move from 2 bedrooms to 3 bedrooms, and again from 3 bedrooms to 4 bedrooms.

If you are budgeting by bedroom count, plan for those jumps instead of assuming rent increases gradually.

Current Rent by Price Band

For all MLS rental types, most options are under $1,500. For 3+ bed / 2+ bath houses, the strongest concentration is between $1,750 and $2,250.

Newer Rentals and Single-Story Rentals

Some renters are not just searching by bedroom count. They are searching by layout, age, and everyday convenience.

Newer rentals may appeal to renters who want modern finishes, newer systems, updated floor plans, or less immediate maintenance concern. If that is your priority, browse newly built rentals in Clarksville.

Single-story rentals can also be a strong search category for renters who prefer fewer stairs or a simpler floor plan. You can browse single-story homes for rent in Clarksville.

Just remember: newer construction, single-story layouts, garages, fenced yards, and pet-friendly terms can all affect rent and competition.

Rent by ZIP Code: 37040, 37042, and 37043

Looking at all current MLS rentals, the ZIP code difference is not huge:

But when you isolate 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath single-family homes, the difference becomes much clearer:

Plain-language takeaway: 37043, including areas commonly associated with Sango and Rossview searches, rents noticeably higher for larger single-family homes than 37040 or 37042 in this MLS data.

That does not mean every home in 37043 is expensive, and it does not mean every home elsewhere is cheaper. It is a general pattern, not a rule for any specific address.

For school zoning and commute times, verify directly with the school district, employer, and listing details. ZIP codes and school zones do not always line up neatly.

3-Bedroom and 4-Bedroom Houses by ZIP Code

For current MLS-listed single-family homes with 3+ bedrooms and 2+ baths:

For renters, this helps set expectations. For owners and investors, it shows why ZIP-level analysis matters. A citywide average is too broad.

Monthly Rental Trend: Last 3 Months

Closed MLS rental activity from April through June 2026, plus July 1 entries, showed this pattern:

For 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath single-family homes:

The house rental segment has been leasing around the $1,800–$1,850 median range recently, while current MLS asking rent is closer to $1,900. That is an important pricing signal.

Pet-Friendly Rentals in Clarksville

Pet-friendly rentals are one of the most common rental searches, and the MLS data shows why renters should read the details carefully.

About half of the larger single-family rentals reviewed clearly allowed pets.

But “pets permitted” does not mean every pet is automatically approved. Pet rules, deposits, fees, and monthly pet rent are set by the individual property owner or property manager.

Have this ready before you apply:

• Pet type
• Breed
• Weight
• Age
• Number of pets
• Pet deposit or pet fee
• Monthly pet rent, if required
• Vaccination records, if requested

Before paying an application fee, ask whether your pet meets the property’s requirements.

Renters Connected to Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell has a major influence on the Clarksville rental market.

If your commute to post matters more than a specific ZIP code, start here: homes for rent near Fort Campbell.

For service members, lease timing can be just as important as rent price. You may be comparing commute time, BAH budget, lease start date, pet policy, garage or parking, fenced yard, utilities, and application timing.

Fort Campbell’s Housing Services Office advises all service members, regardless of grade or marital status, to report to the HSO before entering into an agreement to rent, lease, or purchase off-post housing.

If you are moving on PCS orders, build that HSO check-in into your timeline early.

Utilities Included: Ask Before You Assume

“Utilities included” is a common search, but renters should not assume utilities are included unless the listing clearly says so.

For single-family homes, renters should usually expect to set up and pay utilities separately unless stated otherwise.

Before applying, ask:

• Who pays electric?
• Who pays water?
• Who pays gas?
• Who pays trash?
• Is lawn care included?
• Is pest control included?
• Is there an HOA?
• Are there parking rules?
• Is internet available at the property?
• Is renter’s insurance required?

Rent is not the full monthly housing cost. Utilities, lawn care, pet rent, renter’s insurance, and deposits can change the real budget.

What to Have Ready When You Apply

Every property manager and landlord may have different requirements, but renters should usually be ready with:

• Government-issued ID
• Recent pay stubs or proof of income
• Employment information
• Rental history
• Contact information for previous landlords
• Pet information, if applicable
• Application fee
• Security deposit funds
• First month’s rent
• Utility setup information
• Move-in date

With current MLS 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath houses showing a median of about 22 days on market, good rentals do not always sit long.

Every property manager sets their own requirements, so confirm specifics before you tour or apply.

How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Clarksville?

Many property managers use an income guideline around 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent, though requirements vary.

Using a 3x rent guideline, here is what the income math looks like:

This does not mean every renter must fit the same box. It does mean renters should ask about screening criteria before applying, especially if income, credit, rental history, pets, or move-in timing may be a concern.

Security Deposits and Move-In Costs

In the current MLS rental data reviewed, the typical security deposit was around one month’s rent.

That matters because renters may need more than just the monthly rent to move in.

Possible upfront costs may include:

• Application fees
• Security deposit
• First month’s rent
• Pet deposit or pet fee
• Utility deposits
• Renter’s insurance
• Moving costs

Tennessee law requires landlords who collect security deposits to keep those funds in a separate account used only for that purpose. Tennessee Code § 66-28-301 also includes timelines tied to damage claims. This is not legal advice, just a general summary of the statute.

Before signing a lease, renters should understand the security deposit amount, pet deposit or pet fee, move-in inspection process, maintenance request process, lawn care responsibilities, utility responsibilities, renewal terms, early termination terms, and HOA rules, if applicable.

A rental is not just a monthly payment. It is a contract.

Rental Assistance and Affordable Housing Resources

Some renters may need help beyond a standard rental search.

The City of Clarksville offers a Rental Assistance Program designed to provide rental subsidies for income-eligible households. HUD Fair Market Rents are also used for housing programs such as Housing Choice Voucher payment standards and other housing assistance programs.

If you need rental assistance, check program requirements directly and apply through official sources.

Renting vs. Buying in Clarksville

Renting may be the right move if you need flexibility, are new to Clarksville, are waiting on a PCS timeline, or are not ready for the responsibilities of homeownership.

But if you are paying $1,800–$2,400/month for a single-family rental and plan to stay in Clarksville for a while, it may be worth comparing that to what a monthly mortgage payment could look like.

That is not a case for buying over renting. It is simply a comparison worth running with real numbers instead of guessing.

Mortgage rates, credit, down payment, closing costs, maintenance, taxes, insurance, and how long you plan to stay all matter.

For Property Owners

Homes currently listed for rent are asking about $100/month more than what similar 3+ bed / 2+ bath homes actually closed for over the last three months.

That gap can make sense for a home in strong condition with updated finishes, newer construction, a garage, a fenced yard, a strong location, or a flexible pet policy.

But the asking price needs to be backed up by something a renter can see in the photos and showing.

A practical owner checkpoint

After 7–14 days: Review showing activity, photos, listing description, and online exposure.

After 21–30 days: Compare directly against current competition by price, condition, pet policy, availability date, and move-in costs.

After 45+ days: The market is probably giving feedback. Consider whether price, condition, access, restrictions, or presentation are limiting applications.

Current MLS 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath single-family homes had a median days on market of 22 days. If a comparable house sits much longer than that, the issue may not be “the market.”

If renting a specific property is not making financial sense, it may be worth comparing rental income to a potential sale.

For Investors

For investors, the biggest mistake is analyzing Clarksville rentals using one average rent number.

A one-bedroom apartment and a 4-bedroom single-family home are different investments with different renter demand, turnover expectations, maintenance costs, and acquisition prices.

Plain-language takeaway: Single-family homes have less available inventory relative to how fast they are renting, compared with apartments. That suggests steadier demand for houses in the MLS data reviewed.

37042 has the most current MLS rental house activity. 37043 has the highest rent ceiling.

Rent per square foot stays fairly consistent across many segments, so returns still come down to what you pay to buy the property, not just how high the rent can go.

Investors still need to compare purchase price, rent potential, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, repairs, property management, vacancy, maintenance, tenant demand, and exit strategy. A higher rent does not always mean a better return. The acquisition price still matters.

The Bottom Line

Clarksville’s rental market is steady. Rents are up modestly compared with the same time last year, and rentals are not moving dramatically faster or slower.

But “steady” hides a real difference by property type.

Apartments and smaller rentals are still findable under $1,500. Houses — especially 3+ bedroom homes — are more likely to land in the $1,700–$2,250 range and rent in about three weeks.

If you are a renter, shop by property type, not the citywide average.

If you are an owner, price against what has actually closed recently, not just what other listings are asking.

And if you are paying house-level rent for the long haul, it may be worth running the numbers on buying before assuming renting is automatically the cheaper path.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Clarksville, TN

What is the average rent in Clarksville, TN?

Based on current MLS rental listings reviewed, the median rent for all current MLS rentals reviewed is about $1,385/month. Broader rental marketplace data from Zillow showed Clarksville’s average rent around $1,450/month.

Why do different websites show different Clarksville rent numbers?

Different sources measure different parts of the rental market. Some focus mostly on apartments, some include houses, some include national property management listings, and some include owner-managed rentals. MLS data is useful, but it does not include every rental in Clarksville.

Does MLS rental data include every Clarksville rental?

No. MLS rental data generally includes rentals entered by participating brokerages, property managers, and MLS subscribers. Rentals marketed only through national management company websites, apartment websites, rental platforms, social media, yard signs, or individual owners may not be included.

How much is a 3-bedroom house for rent in Clarksville?

For current MLS 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath single-family homes reviewed, the median asking rent is about $1,900/month.

Can I find a rental in Clarksville under $1,500?

Yes. About 63% of all current MLS rentals reviewed were under $1,500. However, only about 8% of current MLS 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath single-family homes reviewed were under $1,500.

Are rents going up in Clarksville?

Compared with the same April 1–July 1 period last year, the median closed MLS rent increased from $1,395 to $1,450, or about 3.9%. The market is firmer, but not sharply rising across every segment.

Are single-family rentals more competitive than apartments?

In the current MLS data reviewed, yes. Single-family rentals had a median rent of $1,850 and median days on market of 22 days, compared with apartment buildings at $1,097.50 and 49 days.

Which Clarksville ZIP code has the highest single-family rental prices?

In the current MLS 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath single-family rental data reviewed, 37043 had the highest median asking rent at about $2,395/month.

Where can I search for larger rental homes in Clarksville?

You can search 4-bedroom houses for rent in Clarksville or 5-bedroom houses for rent in Clarksville.

Where can I search for rentals near Fort Campbell?

You can browse homes for rent near Fort Campbell.

Where can I search for homes for rent in 37043?

You can browse homes for rent in 37043, including Rossview and Sango area searches.

How much income do I need to rent in Clarksville?

Many property managers use income guidelines around 2.5x to 3x monthly rent, though requirements vary. At 3x rent, a $1,900/month rental would require about $5,700/month in gross income, or about $68,400/year.

Are pet-friendly rentals available in Clarksville?

Yes, but renters should read the details carefully. About 49% of current MLS 3+ bedroom, 2+ bath single-family rentals reviewed clearly said pets were permitted. Breed, weight, number of pets, pet fees, pet deposits, and monthly pet rent may still apply.

Should I rent or buy in Clarksville?

It depends on your timeline, credit, savings, income, and plans. If you are renting a single-family home for $1,800–$2,400/month and expect to stay in the area, it may be worth comparing renting versus buying with real numbers.

Helpful Clarksville Rental and Housing Links

Sources and References

• Local Multiple Listing Service rental data reviewed for Clarksville, TN current active/coming soon rentals, closed rentals from April 1–July 1, 2026, and closed rentals from April 1–July 1, 2025.
• Zillow Rental Manager Clarksville Rental Market Trends
• Zumper Clarksville Rent Research
• Apartments.com Clarksville Rent Market Trends
• RentCafe Clarksville Average Rent Market Trends
• Rentometer Clarksville Average Rent Data
• U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Clarksville, Tennessee
• Fort Campbell Housing Services Office
• Fort Campbell Housing Info & Resources
• Tennessee Code § 66-28-301: Security Deposits
• City of Clarksville Rental Assistance Program
• HUD Fair Market Rents