According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 2.0 square miles (5.3 km2), all of it land.

Clarksburg has been settled in stages dating back as early as the 1850s when Merritt Island was first cleared and developed for agricultural uses.

[3] In the 1920s the New Holland Land Company began subdividing the tracts in the area and formally established Clarksburg as an unincorporated community.

Clarksburg is unique among small California towns in that many of the families who initially settled the area are still present, thus lending a small-town charm to the community.

The community is mostly centered on the two churches in town, the Holland Market, the volunteer fire department, the three schools, and the public library.

The project is currently stayed by the Delta Protection Commission until it is made compliant with their Resource and Management Plan.

[citation needed] Appeals were made to this State of California commission by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Concerned Citizens of Clarksburg.

The Bogle Winery on Merritt Island has become the most famous of the Clarksburg appellation vintners with their wines being sold worldwide and being served at the White House as of 2007.

Thus, some older citizens that still reside in the community still refer to that adjoining area of Sacramento County as Clarksburg.

Agriculture in the area principally includes wine grapes, dichondra grass seed, and tomatoes.