countyscore
57.6
County Score
Property Tax 98.6Water Quality 86Cost of Living 76.7

County Report Card

About Cleburne County, Alabama

Cleburne County outperforms national livability standard

With a composite score of 57.6, Cleburne County exceeds the national median of 50.0, landing in the top third of U.S. counties by livability. This strong performance reflects well-rounded strengths across most dimensions.

Above-average livability within Alabama

Cleburne County scores 57.6 versus Alabama's state average of 52.9, ranking solidly in the upper tier of state counties. It represents a genuinely above-average place to live regionally.

Strong schools and excellent tax position

Cleburne County stands out with the highest school score in this sample (59.2), suggesting quality public education. A tax score of 98.6 (effective rate 0.289%) and strong risk management (72.5) combine with affordable housing at $792/month median rent and $144,200 median home value to create genuine livability.

Income growth and health services lag

Income (21.3) and health (23.8) scores remain below ideal levels, with median household income of $53,319 limiting wealth-building potential. Healthcare accessibility may need strengthening to match the strong school infrastructure.

Best for education-focused families with modest incomes

Cleburne County excels for families prioritizing strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and low taxes over high earnings. Young professionals seeking robust job markets or ambitious income growth should look to larger metropolitan areas.

2040608010098.676.731.323.859.221.372.58672.2Tax98.6Cost76.7Safety31.3Health23.8Schools59.2Income21.3Risk72.5Water86Weather72.257.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Cleburne County DNA

Foverall

How Cleburne County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cleburne County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.6/100) but notably weak in Income (21.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.6+46.599999999999994
Cost
76.7+28.700000000000003
Safety
31.3-23.7
Health
23.8-26.2
Schools
59.2
Income
21.3-29.7
Risk
72.5+25.5
Water
86+28
Weather
72.2+16.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$144,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$792/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$144,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,319/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Calhoun County
Alabama
44.2
Haralson County
Georgia
46.6
Randolph County
Alabama
56.9
Carroll County
Georgia
42
Clay County
Alabama
60.4
Polk County
Georgia
43.6
Talladega County
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46.9
Heard County
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51.1

Deep Dives

Cleburne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cleburne County

via TaxByCounty

Cleburne taxes rank among lowest nationally

Cleburne County's 0.289% effective rate places it in the bottom 6% nationally, with homeowners paying just $417 annually compared to the U.S. median of $2,690. This means Cleburne residents pay less than one-sixth the national property tax burden.

Below Alabama's state average rate

At 0.289%, Cleburne County sits below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, ranking in the lower-middle tier among state counties. The county's median tax of $417 is $94 less than Alabama's median of $511.

Mid-range for east-central Alabama

Cleburne's 0.289% rate sits between Clay County's 0.225% and Chilton County's 0.336%, reflecting moderate variation across the region. Compared to higher-tax neighbors like Cherokee at 0.388%, Cleburne offers meaningful savings.

Median tax of $417 per year

On Cleburne County's median home value of $144,200, homeowners pay approximately $417 annually in property taxes. With mortgage escrow factored in, the total reaches $508—a manageable expense for most residents.

Appeal overvalued assessments today

Cleburne County homeowners should review their assessments for potential overvaluation, which is common throughout Alabama. The county's free appeal process can help reduce your tax bill if your home is assessed above fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cleburne County

via CostByCounty

Cleburne balances income and rental costs well

Cleburne County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits just below Alabama's state average of 18.0% and well below the national norm, with a median household income of $53,319 and monthly rent of $792. The county offers solid affordability for a mid-income Alabama community.

Slightly better than Alabama average affordability

Cleburne County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio edges below the state average of 18.0%, ranking it among Alabama's more affordable counties. Median rent of $792 sits just below the state average of $799, combining modest costs with reasonable regional incomes.

Mid-range costs with solid income base

Cleburne's $792 rent falls between Cherokee ($750) and Chilton ($855), while its $53,319 median income provides a strong earnings foundation compared to rural peers. The 17.8% rent-to-income ratio reflects this balanced positioning within the region.

Reasonable housing burden for regional standard

Monthly rent of $792 consumes 17.8% of Cleburne's $53,319 median household income, while homeownership averages $563 per month on $144,200-valued homes. Total housing costs represent roughly 24–25% of income—solidly within the comfortable range.

Cleburne balances cost and income opportunity

Choose Cleburne County if you want mid-range housing costs ($792 rent, $563 ownership) paired with income potential near $53,000. Its 17.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Chambers and Clarke while remaining stable against state benchmarks.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cleburne County

via IncomeByCounty

Cleburne County earns 29% below national median

Cleburne County's median household income of $53,319 trails the national median of $74,755 by $21,436, placing it in the lower-income band nationally. Per capita income of $29,569 approximates Alabama's state average of $29,701, reflecting typical rural income distribution.

Nearly matches Alabama's statewide average

At $53,319, Cleburne County sits just 2% below Alabama's state median of $54,196, ranking it solidly in the middle of the state's 67 counties. Per capita income of $29,569 practically equals the state average, indicating balanced wealth distribution.

Mid-range income in northeast Alabama cluster

Cleburne County's $53,319 sits between Clay County ($51,852) and Chilton County ($61,873), part of a five-county northeast Alabama region with $50,000–$62,000 incomes. The county's position reflects moderate economic strength for rural Alabama.

Housing costs stay comfortably affordable

Cleburne County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% lies well below the 30% affordability ceiling, leaving meaningful income for other household needs. Median home values of $144,200 remain accessible to households earning the county median income.

Solid income supports disciplined investing

On $53,319 annually, Cleburne County residents can comfortably save 3–6 months of expenses, then allocate 12–15% to retirement accounts. Start with employer 401(k) matching, then maximize Roth IRA contributions for tax-free long-term growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cleburne County

via CrimeByCounty

Cleburne County Safety in Context

Cleburne County holds a strong safety score of 97.4, indicating it is safer than most of the United States. The total crime rate of 1617.8 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These metrics suggest a secure environment for the county's residents.

Beating the Alabama Safety Average

Cleburne’s safety score of 97.4 sits slightly above the Alabama state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1617.8 per 100K is also better than the state benchmark of 1731.0. This places Cleburne in the upper tier of Alabama counties for overall safety.

Comparing Cleburne to its Peers

Cleburne County is notably safer than nearby Cherokee County, which has a safety score of 96.0. While it trails the exceptional 98.6 score of Clay County, it remains a very secure choice for the region. Its crime rate is nearly 1,000 points lower than the national average.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

The county boasts an impressively low violent crime rate of 151.9 per 100K. Property crime is also managed well at 1465.9 per 100K, which is far below the national average of 2015.7. Residents can feel confident about both their personal safety and their belongings.

Securing Your Cleburne Home

To maintain low crime rates, residents should focus on standard deterrents like good exterior lighting. Ensuring that all outbuildings and vehicles are locked remains the best defense against property crime. A vigilant community is the county's greatest asset for long-term safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cleburne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Rural Schools in Cleburne

Cleburne County operates nine public schools for its 2,507 students, all managed under a single district. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools and four high schools, offering broad coverage across the region.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the State

Cleburne County is a standout with a 97% graduation rate, far surpassing both state and national averages. This success is paired with a strong 55.7 school score and a per-pupil investment of $6,316.

A High-Performing Single District

The Cleburne County district manages every public student in the area, providing a unified and highly successful educational experience. No charter schools exist in the county, focusing all efforts on these top-tier traditional schools.

Consistent Rural Excellence

Every one of the county's nine schools is located in a rural setting, emphasizing the region's quiet character. Class sizes are comfortable, with an average of 358 students per school and Cleburne County High leading at 570 students.

Move Near Alabama's Top-Tier Schools

With a 97% graduation rate, Cleburne County is a premier destination for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Browse homes today to join a community that clearly values and achieves educational excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cleburne County

via RiskByCounty

Cleburne County Among Safest in America

Cleburne County's composite score of 27.48 places it in the Very Low risk category, substantially below the national average. Residents benefit from exceptional protection across multiple natural disaster hazard types.

Alabama's Lowest-Risk County Tier

At 27.48, Cleburne County ranks as Alabama's safest county, far below the state average of 61.54. This distinction reflects consistently low exposure across flood, wildfire, tornado, and earthquake hazards.

Safest County in East-Central Alabama

Cleburne County's 27.48 score makes it notably safer than neighboring Clay County (26.69), Chilton County (54.71), and Cherokee County (63.33). Its geographic position provides natural protection from most major natural disaster hazards.

Tornado Risk Tops Cleburne's Limited Threats

Tornado risk (70.04) represents Cleburne County's highest hazard, though it remains below state average levels. Wildfire risk (67.27) and hurricane risk (65.42) present secondary concerns, all moderate compared to regional and national benchmarks.

Standard Insurance Provides Adequate Protection

Cleburne County homeowners typically need only basic homeowners insurance to address your county's minimal natural disaster risks. Consider standard wind coverage for tornado protection, but your exceptional safety profile means comprehensive specialized policies aren't typically necessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cleburne County

via WaterByCounty

Clean Drinking Water Record in Cleburne

Cleburne County earns a Grade A for its drinking water systems with zero health violations in the five-year lookback. Its 0.0 violation rate is better than the Alabama average of 14.1 per 100,000 residents. The county's utilities successfully maintain all Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Cleburne Watersheds Below State Impairment Average

In Cleburne County, 18.5% of the 27 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the state average of 27.7%. The 2022 reporting cycle identified E. coli and biochemical oxygen demand as the primary concerns. Five specific water bodies currently fail to meet Clean Water Act standards.

Moderate Monitoring Support

There are 15 active monitoring sites in Cleburne County that have recorded 4,839 measurements over the last five years. Most measurements track physical characteristics and inorganic metals. This monitoring density allows for effective oversight of the five impaired water bodies.

Tallapoosa River Running Significantly Low

The USGS gauge on the Tallapoosa River near Heflin currently records a discharge of 180 cfs. This is only 28% of the long-term mean of 634 cfs. This substantial flow deficit can impact everything from aquatic life to the dilution of treated wastewater.

Maintain Awareness During Low Flows

While tap water is consistently safe, the 28% typical flow in the Tallapoosa River requires community attention to water conservation. Residents should also be aware of E. coli levels in the 18.5% of impaired local streams. Continue to support local watershed protection to keep the drinking water grade high.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cleburne County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild subtropical climate profile

Cleburne County’s annual average temperature of 60.2°F reflects a milder subtropical climate. This temperature is higher than the national median but remains moderate compared to the rest of the Gulf Coast region.

Cooler than most of Alabama

Cleburne is one of the cooler counties in the state, sitting well below the Alabama average of 63.2°F. This is largely due to its northern, elevated terrain.

Milder than its southern neighbors

Compared to Chilton County’s 62.9°F, Cleburne is significantly cooler year-round. It experiences only 37 extreme heat days, which is fewer than nearby Cherokee County’s 55 days.

Refreshing summers and snowy peaks

Winter brings 1.2 inches of snow and a January average of 41.5°F. July is relatively mild for Alabama, averaging 77.7°F, which keeps the extreme heat more manageable.

Equip for rain and winter

The county receives 57.4 inches of annual precipitation, requiring excellent drainage systems. Residents should keep a winter kit ready for the occasional snow and ice that northern Alabama receives.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cleburne County

via SoilByCounty

Uncovering the Identity of Cleburne Soil

Specific local pH values are not available, but Alabama's average of 5.21 points toward a naturally acidic environment. This is significantly lower than the 6.5 national median, making soil testing a priority for local growers. Understanding the taxonomic order is the first step in mastering your local land.

Texture and Particle Composition Metrics

The balance of sand, silt, and clay remains unmapped for Cleburne County in our current dataset. This texture determines how the soil behaves under your feet and how it supports plant roots. Knowing whether you have sandy loam or heavy clay will dictate your gardening strategy.

Fertility and Organic Matter Potential

While specific county-level data is missing, the state's 1.74% organic matter average provides a useful benchmark for Cleburne County. Higher organic matter levels improve available water capacity, helping plants survive dry spells. Local growers should strive to meet or beat the state water capacity average of 0.138 in/in.

Hydrology and Local Drainage Patterns

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this county are not currently available. These metrics tell you how water moves through your property, which is essential for planning both crops and construction. Assessing your soil's drainage helps prevent issues with standing water and erosion.

Gardening in Cleburne's Zone 8a

Cleburne County resides in Hardiness Zone 8a, allowing for a vast variety of vegetables and fruits to thrive. The climate is particularly well-suited for heat-loving plants that enjoy a long summer. Embrace the local climate and start your garden to see the rewards of Alabama soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cleburne County

via LawnByCounty

Cleburne County Leads the State in Ease

Cleburne County is one of the easiest places in Alabama to grow a lawn, with a difficulty score of 42.8. This is much higher than the state average of 29.5 and approaches the national median of 50.0. Residents in this Zone 8a area enjoy a more temperate climate that favors healthy turf growth.

Temperate Conditions for Northern Lawns

With only 37 extreme heat days per year, Cleburne County has some of the coolest summers in Alabama. The county receives 57.4 inches of rain annually, providing a steady supply of moisture. The growing season is solid, with a frost-free period stretching from April 6 to October 31.

Optimizing Soil for Peak Performance

Soil data is limited for Cleburne County, so a professional analysis is the best way to determine your lawn's specific needs. Because the area receives high rainfall, lime applications may be necessary to keep the pH within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Healthy soil structure will help your grass take full advantage of the 4,671 growing degree days.

Managing Moderate Drought Risks

Over the past year, the county faced 21 weeks of drought, and currently, 6.4% of the area is in severe drought. While the entire county is abnormally dry, the lower heat levels help grass survive these periods more easily than in the south. Using a rain gauge can help you ensure your lawn gets the 1 inch of water it needs weekly.

Selecting Your Cleburne County Turf

Tall Fescue can often work in shaded areas here, but Bermuda and Zoysia remain the gold standard for full sun in Zone 8a. Target mid-April for your planting projects to ensure the soil is warm enough for quick germination. Your lawn will benefit from the relatively mild summer temperatures this county offers.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cleburne County's county score?
Cleburne County, Alabama has a composite county score of 57.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Cleburne County rank among counties in Alabama?
Cleburne County ranks #19 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Cleburne County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Cleburne County is $417, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns Cleburne County a tax score of 98.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cleburne County?
The median household income in Cleburne County, Alabama is $53,319 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cleburne County earns an income score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cleburne County, Alabama a good place to live?
Cleburne County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Cleburne County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Cleburne County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.