Tennessee : Safety by CityWhen we hear about Tennesee, the attention often focuses on places such as Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.
However, a great number of Tennesseans call Clarksville home.
More people are moving to the area due to the cost of living.
Clarksville is a scenic city along the Red River Gorge in Northern Tennessee.
The city has plenty of attractions for tourists or those who live there as well as amenities that make it an ideal place to live.
The town was founded in 1784, making it one of the oldest towns in the state.
Clarksville is a city in Northern Tennessee with a rich history and many attractions for tourists or those who live there.
The city has an interesting blend of Appalachian and Art Deco architecture that gives it a unique feeling.
The one thing that many visitors might overlook about Clarksville is the amazing hiking trails that surround the area.
There are trails that follow the Cumberland River, the Red River Gorge, and many others.
These trails are perfect for hikers or those who like to camp.
Clarksville is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, but what about travel safety?
This article will explore how safe Clarksville, TN is for travel.
Though some cities might be more dangerous than others, crime does occur everywhere in this country.
Fortunately, while many might think that Nashville or Memphis are more dangerous places to live, Clarksville has a lower crime rate than those cities.
Warnings & Dangers in Clarksville
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Clarksville continues to have the lowest crime rate of the six largest cities in Tennessee. However, the city still has crime issues. Clarksville is in the 37th percentile for safety. During a typical year, the crime rate in Clarksville is 32.67 per 1,000 people. People living in Clarksville tend to consider the southeast section of the city to be the safest. According to Crimemapper.com, the crime index in Clarksville is 37% higher than the national average and 53% higher than the state average. Clarksville travel safety has a lot to offer those who live there as well as those who visit. The crime rate is lower than in many other major cities in the state. The natural disaster risk is higher if you are not used to the threat of tornadoes. Clarksville is a great place for visitors to visit as there are not many major risks of injury or damage.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transport in Clarksville, TN is low-risk. The city has many options for people to get around town, including the bus system, taxi cabs, and Uber. Transportation in Clarksville is relatively easy. There are 12 local bus routes throughout the city run by COAST Bus. You must purchase a ticket for $1 each way before boarding a bus with cash or credit.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets are likely to strike on the street, which has moderate risk. It is one of the more common forms of crime in the city. Avoid busy street corners and stick to well-lit venues.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
The state of Tennesee sometimes deals with natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Clarksville itself has a risk of tornado damage that is higher than the rest of Tennessee or the national average.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Clarksville, TN has a low mugging risk according to most sources. The most common form of crime in Clarksville is property crime, not violent crime.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The city has a low terrorism risk as it is simply not a target city. However, based on the country's history of the past few years, stay on alert for any potential domestic terrorism anywhere.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
In terms of scams, Clarksville has a medium risk, especially when it comes to employment scams. Anytime someone wants you to send money before they give you a job, it is a scam. Also, any time someone asks for money to get you a job or "pay fees" it is a scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Luckily, a tourist won't have to deal with employment scams.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Female travelers might want to be a little more cautious when going out alone at night or staying in certain neighborhoods. This is not because of the city itself, rather the people who might try to take advantage of women. However, this is not any different than traveling to other cities or countries throughout the world.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Clarksville water quality is moderate. The local department of health has not found any evidence of harmful bacteria in Clarksville, TN tap water. Though there are many sources of water in the area, including rivers and lakes, city tap water is safe.
Safest Places to Visit in Clarksville
The Customs House, located in downtown Clarksville, is one of the most popular museums.
The original building was built in 1854 and currently houses exhibits about the history of Clarksville and Montgomery County.
It features children’s exhibits and art.
Another historical attraction is the Fort Defiance Memorial Park.
This park commemorates the Battle of Fort Defiance and features a beautiful memorial.
The County Seat Plaza is Clarksville’s regional mall.
This large shopping center includes Dillards, Belks, and many other popular stores.
The Clarksville Natural History Museum is located on 101st Airborne Division Road and features exhibits that tell the story of the natural world from prehistoric times to the modern day.
The Clarksville Country Club is a great place for those who want to play golf.
This 6,000 square foot course also includes a pool, tennis courts, and more.
Rotary Park is Clarksville’s most popular park.
Hikers have access to over 5 miles of trails that are great for all skill levels.
Mountain bikers will also love riding through the scenic area.
Clarksville is an excellent destination for tourists who want to experience what life in Tennessee is like.
The city has an excellent arts district, museums, and more for people to enjoy.
Places to Avoid in Clarksville
If you come to Clarksville, TN, you may want to avoid New Providence.
Especially at night, due to high levels of crime and loitering.
Making the rounds throughout downtown Clarksville after dark may be a little more dangerous than expected.
The Oak Street neighborhood is also an area to avoid.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Clarksville
- Be mindful of how much money you have. Only bring enough money and credit cards for your stay, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Keep an eye on your belongings. Before exiting a store, make sure you can keep an eye on your valuables at all times.
- Watch where you walk and when. Be mindful of your surroundings and who may be around. Avoid walking in dark areas if possible.
- Trust your intuition, and be flexible. If something isn’t feeling right, leave the area.
- Keep a copy of important documents. In case you do become a victim of theft, take a copy of your passport, driver’s license, and credit card.
- Stay alert about tornadoes. Keep tabs on the weather throughout your trip to ensure you’re able to stay safe during a tornado or thunderstorm. There is a moderate threat of flooding in the city under certain conditions.
- Avoid driving at night. The majority of accidents in Clarksville occur at night. Make sure you are not driving between the hours of 12 am and 5 am to avoid these accidents.
- Don’t drink and drive. If you’re planning on drinking alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver or call an Uber.
- Don’t wear expensive items of clothing. Don’t wear expensive jewelry, watches, or don costly clothing if it will draw attention to you.
- Keep your phone charged. Be sure to have your phone charged at all times, and consider having a backup battery available.
Finally, you can enjoy your trip to Clarksville, TN, and have a safe journey.
If you do happen to become a victim of crime, make sure to contact the police as quickly as possible.
Always report any crime you are a witness to, even if it is minor.
So... How Safe Is Clarksville Really?
Clarksville has some crimes to be mindful of, such as theft and robbery, but it’s mostly very safe.
The city has a high income (with high household incomes above $50k), a low unemployment rate, and a high number of college graduates.
You have a 1 in 169 chance of being a victim of violent crime in Clarksville.
If you book a trip today, there is a 1 in 345 chance of being a victim of property crime.
Clarksville consistently ranks as being safer than larger cities like Nashville and Memphis.
This is quite shocking considering that Clarksville has a smaller police department than Nashville and Memphis.
Violent crime in the city of Clarksville has declined by 30% since 2012, but property crimes are on the rise.
The biggest problem with robberies is due to the city having one of the largest retail districts in Tennessee outside of Nashville.
The city also has several car thieves but under 300 per year.
With its long history of being a safe and livable community and more and more people moving there every day, Clarksville is one of the top places to live in Tennessee.
How Does Clarksville Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Clarksville | 72 |
| New Orleans | 57 |
| Baltimore | 56 |
| Boston | 67 |
| Washington DC | 56 |
| New York City | 67 |
| Detroit | 56 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
Useful Information
Visas
The state of Tennessee is in the United States. So you will need to get a US Visa to visit from most countries. However, no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days for citizens of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Switzerland, and more.
Currency
The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. There are coins for 1¢ (penny), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), 50¢ (half-dollar) and $1, while banknotes come in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Get currency at many ATMs or banks throughout the country. You can also exchange currency when you arrive at the airport.
Weather
The weather in Clarksville is moderate. In the summer, highs are in the 80s and lows in the 60s. In the winter, highs are in the 40s and lows around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The city is humid with a lot of rain throughout most of the year.
Airports
The closest airports in Clarksville, TN include Nashville International Airport (BNA), Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is always a good idea for tourists. Consider insurance from Allianze that covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, and more. Property insurance can cover the loss of your luggage and belongings.
Clarksville Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 10 | 16 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 28 | 22 | 16 | 10 |
| Low °C | -4 | -2 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| High °F | 46 | 50 | 61 | 72 | 79 | 86 | 90 | 90 | 82 | 72 | 61 | 50 |
| Low °F | 25 | 28 | 37 | 46 | 55 | 64 | 68 | 66 | 59 | 46 | 37 | 30 |
Tennessee - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Chattanooga | 69 |
| Clarksville | 72 |
| Knoxville | 57 |
| Memphis | 54 |
| Murfreesboro | 78 |
| Nashville | 58 |
