A livable wage in Clarksville, Tennessee, varies depending on the number of adults in a household. For a single adult with no children, the livable wage is $19.99 per hour. If there are two adults in a household, both working and with no children, the livable wage is $13.89 per hour per adult.
Understanding the Livable Wage
The concept of a livable wage aims to provide individuals and families with enough income to cover basic necessities such as housing, food, transportation, childcare, and healthcare, without relying on public assistance or experiencing financial hardship. It differs from the minimum wage, which is the legally mandated lowest hourly wage an employer can pay.
Clarksville, TN Wage Overview
To put the livable wage in context, here's a comparison with the poverty wage and the current minimum wage in Clarksville, TN:
| Household Composition | Livable Wage (Hourly) | Poverty Wage (Hourly) | Minimum Wage (Hourly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Adult, 0 Children | $19.99 | $7.24 | $7.25 |
| 2 Adults (Both Working), 0 Children | $13.89 | $4.91 | $7.25 |
As illustrated, the livable wage is significantly higher than both the poverty wage and the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, highlighting the financial gap many individuals and families may face to meet their basic needs in Clarksville.
Factors Influencing a Livable Wage
The calculation of a livable wage takes into account various local cost factors. These typically include:
- Housing Costs: Rent or mortgage payments, utilities.
- Food Expenses: Groceries and dining.
- Transportation: Car payments, gas, public transport.
- Healthcare: Insurance premiums, out-of-pocket medical costs.
- Childcare: For households with children (though the provided data focuses on households with 0 children).
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Personal care, clothing, entertainment, savings.
These components are crucial for determining the hourly rate an individual or family needs to earn to cover their expenses and maintain a modest, yet decent, standard of living in the Clarksville area.
