countyscore
48.2
County Score
Property Tax 89.3Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 64.7

County Report Card

About Cleburne County, Arkansas

Cleburne meets the national livability benchmark

Cleburne County's composite score of 48.2 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the middle of American counties. Residents experience broadly average livability compared to the national baseline.

Marginally above Arkansas average

Cleburne scores 48.2, barely edging Arkansas's state average of 47.9, keeping it in the middle of the state's county rankings. The county is neither a clear leader nor a laggard statewide.

Tax burden and incomes lead the way

Cleburne boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this sample at 0.466%, earning an 89.3 tax score—the highest among these eight counties. Median household income of $55,979 is also competitive, with the county's 27.6 income score reflecting relative earning strength.

Safety is a serious concern

Cleburne's safety score of just 6.5 is alarmingly low, indicating significant crime or public security issues that residents should understand. Housing affordability is also reduced, with a median home value of $174,600 and $853 monthly rent—higher than most peers.

Best for those who can afford security

Cleburne suits higher-income individuals and families attracted to low taxes and decent incomes who can afford private security and gated communities if needed. Prospective residents must carefully investigate neighborhood safety and crime patterns before deciding.

Score breakdown

Tax89.3Cost63Safety6.5Health40.5Schools52.5Income27.6Risk27.3Water86Weather64.7
🏛89.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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41.7
Independence County
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Stone County
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57.5
Van Buren County
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Izard County
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Faulkner County
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Jackson County
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Woodruff County
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Deep Dives

Cleburne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cleburne County

via TaxByCounty

Cleburne's rate ranks among the nation's lowest

At 0.466%, Cleburne County has one of the lowest effective tax rates in the United States, well below the national median. Despite higher median home values of $174,600, residents pay just $814 annually—less than one-third the national median tax.

Arkansas's lowest-tax county

Cleburne County's 0.466% effective rate is the lowest among all Arkansas counties, falling well below the state average of 0.532%. The median tax bill of $814 sits above the state median due to higher home values, but the rate itself offers exceptional value.

Significantly lower rate than regional peers

Cleburne County's 0.466% rate is substantially lower than Conway (0.524%), Craighead (0.545%), and Clay (0.521%) counties. Even with the county's highest median home values in the cluster at $174,600, the ultra-low rate keeps annual taxes competitive.

Median property tax: $814 annually

A Cleburne County home valued at the median $174,600 generates an estimated annual property tax of $814. Homeowners with mortgages and those without pay nearly identical amounts: $824 and $804 respectively.

Appeal opportunities exist even with low rates

Cleburne's low tax rate doesn't guarantee fair assessments—properties can still be valued above market in individual cases. Filing an appeal is free and may uncover assessment errors that save hundreds over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cleburne County

via CostByCounty

Cleburne renters exceed national affordability

Cleburne County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, indicating tighter affordability than many U.S. markets. Despite a median household income of $55,979 below the national median of $74,755, rental demand here remains competitive.

Cleburne sits just above state average

Cleburne County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above the state average, ranking in the mid-to-upper tier of Arkansas counties for housing affordability. The $174,600 median home value reflects its position as a more developed region in the state.

Cleburne's rents rise above region

At $853 monthly, Cleburne's median rent significantly outpaces the state average of $760 and exceeds most neighboring counties, including Clay ($696) and Conway ($721). This higher rental market reflects Cleburne's relatively stronger economy and development.

Cleburne rents claim 18% of income

Cleburne households earning $55,979 annually spend $853 monthly on rent—approximately 18% of income, slightly tighter than state norms. Homeowners average $662 monthly payments on homes valued at $174,600, requiring more substantial financial commitment than neighboring counties.

Cleburne suits established relocators

If you're moving to Arkansas with higher income and seeking a more developed county, Cleburne's higher rent and home values reflect its stronger market. Compare carefully with neighboring Clay or Conway counties to ensure Cleburne's premium pricing aligns with available employment and lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cleburne County

via IncomeByCounty

Cleburne closes the national gap

Cleburne County's median household income of $55,979 outpaces most Arkansas counties but remains 25% below the national median of $74,755. The county shows stronger earnings than rural peers, signaling more diverse economic activity.

Strong performer among Arkansas counties

At $55,979, Cleburne ranks in the upper third of Arkansas counties, 9% above the state average of $51,156. The per capita income of $32,380 exceeds the state average by 15%, indicating well-distributed earning power.

Leader in regional income landscape

Cleburne's $55,979 leads most nearby counties, exceeding Clay ($48,500) by $7,500 and Clark ($50,985) by nearly $5,000. Only Craighead County ($57,615) edges ahead, marking Cleburne as a solid regional wage center.

Housing costs rise with income

The 18.3% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy, though higher median home values of $174,600 reflect strong property markets. Households still maintain comfortable margins for savings and discretionary spending.

Scale investments with rising income

Cleburne's above-average income positions households to maximize retirement contributions and diversified portfolios. Consider tax-advantaged strategies like 401(k) catch-ups and HSAs to accelerate long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cleburne County

via CrimeByCounty

Cleburne County faces higher crime rates

Cleburne County reports a total crime rate of 3,194.7 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, its safety score of 95.0 falls below the national standard.

Trailing Arkansas state safety benchmarks

The county's safety score of 95.0 is lower than the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 3,194.7 is also significantly higher than the state average of 2,326.8.

Local comparison shows higher incident rates

Cleburne County has a higher crime rate than neighboring Conway County, which reports 3,166.2 per 100K. These figures suggest a more active law enforcement environment compared to nearby rural areas.

Elevated violent crime rates noted

Violent crime is a concern at 950.0 per 100K, which is more than double the national average of 369.8. Property crime also exceeds national norms, reaching 2,244.7 incidents per 100K residents.

Proactive security is vital for homeowners

With elevated violent and property crime rates, residents should invest in robust home security systems. Using alarm services and reinforced locks can provide an essential layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cleburne County

via HealthByCounty

Cleburne leads Arkansas on life expectancy

Cleburne County's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks among the best in Arkansas and trails the U.S. average of 76.4 by just 1.1 years—an exceptional outcome for a rural county. With only 22.8% reporting poor/fair health, the county demonstrates notably stronger population health than state peers.

Top-tier health outcomes in Arkansas

Cleburne's 75.3-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Arkansas's 72.3-year average by 3 full years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. The 22.8% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among this peer group, indicating sustained wellness across the population.

Clear health leader in the region

Cleburne outperforms all neighboring counties on life expectancy—3.5 years ahead of Craighead County (74.4) and 5.5 years ahead of Chicot (69.8). The county's 10.0% uninsured rate mirrors the state average, maintaining broad access to preventive and primary care.

Strong primary care, limited mental health capacity

Cleburne offers 68 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, supporting robust preventive care access. Mental health support lags at 126 providers per 100,000—modest by state standards—yet the county's overall health outcomes suggest residents access care effectively elsewhere or maintain strong community wellness.

Stay covered to maintain Cleburne's health edge

With 90% of residents insured, Cleburne's strong health outcomes reflect good coverage and care access. The 10% uninsured should explore marketplace and Medicaid options to join the majority and maintain access to the county's primary care network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cleburne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Cleburne County's Expansive Rural Schools

Ten public schools serve the families of Cleburne County, totaling 3,381 enrolled students. These schools are distributed among four districts and include four elementary, two middle, and four high schools.

High Performance and Strategic Spending

With a 93.6% graduation rate, Cleburne County students perform well above the 87% national average. The county invests $6,488 per pupil, exceeding the state average, which contributes to a strong composite school score of 54.3.

Heber Springs Leads as Educational Hub

The Heber Springs School District is the largest in the county, educating 1,620 students across three campuses. Quitman School District follows with 882 students, and the county currently operates without any charter school alternatives.

Rural Roots with Modern School Sizes

The school landscape is predominantly rural, with seven of the ten schools located in country settings. Campus sizes vary significantly, from the 756-student Heber Springs Elementary to the smaller 288-student West Side Elementary.

Investing in Homes Near Heber Springs

Heber Springs offers the most robust educational infrastructure in the county, making it a top choice for homebuyers with children. The combination of high graduation rates and localized town amenities makes the area highly desirable.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cleburne County

via RiskByCounty

Cleburne Faces Above-Average Disaster Risk

Cleburne County's composite risk score of 72.71 exceeds the national average significantly, yet still rates as "relatively low" due to its risk distribution across multiple hazard types. Your county confronts genuine exposure to tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, and floods—a complex hazard portfolio. No single catastrophe dominates; instead, multiple moderate-to-high threats demand attention.

Arkansas's Higher-Risk Communities

At 72.71, Cleburne exceeds the state average of 55.51 by 31%, placing it in the upper quarter of Arkansas counties by risk. You face more disaster exposure than roughly three-quarters of your state peers. This elevation reflects both geography and the convergence of multiple hazard pathways through your county.

Riskier Than Most Surrounding Counties

Cleburne's 72.71 substantially exceeds nearby Conway (56.55), Chicot (43.77), and Clark (41.09), making you one of north-central Arkansas's riskier communities. Only Craighead County (91.79) to the north carries greater composite risk in your region. Your neighbors' lower scores underscore Cleburne's elevated hazard exposure.

Tornado, Wildfire, and Earthquake Threats

Tornadoes pose your most acute risk at 88.77, followed closely by wildfires at 75.80 and earthquakes at 86.74—a triple threat few Arkansas counties face. Floods add another dimension at 73.31, creating a complex four-hazard exposure profile. Your preparedness strategy must address all four to be effective.

Comprehensive Coverage Across Multiple Perils

Your 88.77 tornado score demands premium wind and hail protection; your 75.80 wildfire risk requires verified coverage for structure fires from wildland sources. Add earthquake riders for your 86.74 seismic exposure, and confirm flood coverage for your 73.31 flood risk. This multi-layered approach protects your home against Cleburne's diverse hazard landscape.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cleburne County

via WeatherByCounty

A Lush Temperate Environment

Cleburne’s 59.8°F average temperature puts it well above the national median for a temperate climate. The area is lush, receiving 53.4 inches of annual precipitation.

Mid-Spectrum Arkansas Heat

At 59.8°F, the county is about one degree cooler than the Arkansas state average. It ranks as a mid-to-cool county within the state's diverse climate spectrum.

More Rain than Northern Neighbors

Cleburne sees 54 days of extreme heat, mirroring Clay County to the north. However, it experiences more rain than Clay, totaling 53.4 inches annually.

Cool Winters and Crisp Summers

July peaks at an average of 80.2°F, while January dips to a chilly 38.1°F. Snowfall is light but present, averaging 2.6 inches each year.

Managing Humidity and Spikes

Ensure HVAC systems are serviced for 54 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F. Outdoor plans should account for rainfall that is slightly above the state average of 52.4 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cleburne County

via SoilByCounty

Loamy Ultisols of the Foothills

These loamy Ultisols have a pH of 5.35, making them more acidic than both the state average and the 6.5 national median. The dominant loam texture provides a versatile foundation for various land uses in the county. Most traditional crops will require lime applications to thrive in this acidic environment.

High Sand Content for Aeration

Sand leads the mix at 57.6%, combined with 28.9% silt and 13.5% clay. This high sand content ensures the soil is easy to dig and provides excellent aeration for plant roots. Because sand doesn't hold moisture well, these soils may require more frequent watering than the state's heavier clays.

Maintaining Nutrient Levels

Organic matter content is 1.76%, trailing the state average but remaining close to the 2.0% national benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.129 in/in is below the state average of 0.148 in/in. To improve fertility, consider adding organic mulches to help the sandy loam retain more moisture.

Moderately Well Drained Highlands

Classified as moderately well drained, the soil belongs to Hydrologic Group C. This indicates slow infiltration rates, meaning the soil can become saturated during heavy rains. Prepare for moderate runoff and ensure your garden beds are slightly elevated to improve surface drainage.

Acid-Loving Plants for Zone 7b

In Zone 7b, this loamy soil is perfect for blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs like rhododendrons. The workable texture makes it easy for home gardeners to establish new beds. Dig in today and use the easy-to-work loam to build a beautiful backyard sanctuary.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cleburne County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the Cleburne County Challenge

Cleburne County holds a lawn difficulty score of 34.0, which is slightly more difficult than the Arkansas state average of 37.3. Homeowners in this Zone 7b region must navigate specific soil and drought hurdles to keep their lawns green.

Mild Summers with Moderate Rain

The county experiences 54 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the state average of 64. Annual precipitation of 53.4 inches provides plenty of water, though it is slightly above the national ideal range for turf.

Managing Sandy Loam and Acidity

Soil here is highly sandy at 57.6% and very acidic with a pH of 5.35, well below the preferred 6.0 minimum. These conditions require regular fertilization and lime amendments to keep nutrients available for your grass.

Facing Widespread Severe Drought

Currently, 100% of Cleburne County is in severe drought, part of a 29-week trend over the past year. Prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and help your grass survive these high-stress periods.

Planning Your Planting Schedule

Frost risks usually clear by March 31, providing a solid start for new grass in the spring. With 4,824 growing degree days, you have until the first frost on November 6 to mature your lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cleburne County's county score?
Cleburne County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 48.2 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 Arkansas?
Cleburne County ranks #40 among all counties in Arkansas 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, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Cleburne County is $814, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Cleburne County a tax score of 89.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cleburne County?
The median household income in Cleburne County, Arkansas is $55,979 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cleburne County earns an income score of 27.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cleburne County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Cleburne County scores 48.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Arkansas. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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