The Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council (EDC) is proud to share that Clarksville-Montgomery County climbed two more spots in the ranks, amid the national competition for talent - recognized by Lightcast (formerly EMSI) in fourth place for talent attraction, just behind three major cities, Phoenix, Dallas, and Austin.

The Lightcast annual Economic Development Talent Attraction Scorecard study measures how well counties develop their talent pool. Rankings are based on migration data, job growth, educational attainment, skilled jobs, and job openings per capita, with Clarksville-Montgomery County ranking in the number four spot among large counties across the nation.

This rise to the number four spot, from six in 2022 and 115 in 2017, was based on statistics marking twenty-eight percent growth in educational attainment, a ten percent rise in jobs, a fifteen percent increase in skilled jobs and the highest percentage migration change from 2016 to 2020.

“Talent attraction is critical to ensuring sustainable growth and the success of Clarksville-Montgomery County. Our strong educational foundation and robust local partnerships create a steady and prepared workforce. As Clarksville-Montgomery County grows, our talent pool continues to expand, with people drawn to the wealth of opportunities and extraordinary quality of life available in our community.” said Buck Dellinger, Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council CEO.

“This recognition is due to the strategic and focused efforts of people in our community working together to support and expand K-12 and higher education opportunities and bring highly skilled jobs to Montgomery County. Moving from a national ranking of 115 in 2017 to four is a result of hard work and dedication on the part of our School System, Austin Peay State University, Nashville State of Clarksville, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council. The leadership in these groups and other individuals in the community have made the difference,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden.

"It is gratifying to get confirmation of what we already know," said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts. "Our success in retaining and recruiting business in our community is a direct result of our people. They have outstanding talents and skills, and a work ethic that is second to none," Pitts said