Moving from Elgin, IL to Clarksville, TN
The 433 mi from Elgin to Clarksville translate to about 9h 23m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
433 mi · 9h 23m by car · TN → KY → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 41, SR 63, US 150 |
| Major cities en route | Evansville, Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 90.947, putting Clarksville roughly 12.2% below Elgin on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $329,682 vs $318,206 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 53.5" |
Climate warms by 10.2°F on the annual average — 49.0°F → 59.2°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Clarksville — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.65 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.2% between Elgin and Clarksville (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 Illinois 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
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 — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.2°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
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Clarksville?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.2°F in Clarksville vs 49.0°F in Elgin (10.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.5 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 53.5 in vs 39.9 in.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 12.2% lower than Elgin (90.947 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 3.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 433 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Clarksville, TN from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 433 mi and the route typically takes 9h 23m via US 41 and SR 63. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 24.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Clarksville, TN.