countyscore
53.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.6Cost of Living 89.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Cleveland County, Arkansas

Cleveland outpaces the national median

Cleveland County's composite score of 53.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in the upper-middle tier of American counties. Residents benefit from above-average livability compared to the typical county.

A solid performer within Arkansas

Cleveland ranks above Arkansas's state average of 47.9, placing it among the stronger counties statewide. The county's 5.4-point advantage over the state mean reflects a relatively livable community.

Exceptional risk mitigation and affordability

Cleveland's standout 90.6 risk score—the highest in this sample—indicates low environmental, economic, or health risks for residents. The cost score of 89.3 and median home value of $123,400 ensure broad housing accessibility.

Safety and health need strengthening

Safety scores just 18.6, suggesting elevated crime or community security gaps that warrant investigation. Health outcomes are also modest at 27.9, reflecting limited preventive care or chronic disease burden in the community.

Safe haven for budget-minded families

Cleveland County appeals to families and retirees seeking affordable housing and strong environmental protections despite modest safety and health infrastructure. The low-risk environment makes it attractive for those prioritizing stability and affordability over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax76.6Cost89.3Safety18.6Health27.9Schools50.1Income15.8Risk90.6Water86Weather50
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23
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

Dallas County
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57.6
Grant County
Arkansas
56.2
Jefferson County
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33.8
Lincoln County
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Calhoun County
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Drew County
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Bradley County
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Ouachita County
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47

Deep Dives

Cleveland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cleveland County

via TaxByCounty

Cleveland's taxes far below U.S. average

Cleveland County's effective tax rate of 0.580% sits in the bottom 15% nationally, with a median tax bill of just $716—less than one-quarter the U.S. median of $2,690. Affordable home values of $123,400 further reduce the tax burden for local homeowners.

Above-average rate for Arkansas

At 0.580%, Cleveland County has one of the highest effective tax rates in Arkansas, edging above the state average of 0.532%. The median tax of $716 exceeds the state median of $705, placing it in the upper tier of Arkansas counties for tax burden.

Highest rate among regional counties

Cleveland County's 0.580% rate tops neighboring Clay (0.521%), Chicot (0.546%), and Conway (0.524%), making it the most-taxed in its immediate region. However, its home values remain modest enough to keep absolute tax dollars manageable.

Plan for roughly $716 in annual taxes

A median-priced Cleveland County home valued at $123,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $716. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $776; without one, it drops to $675.

Don't assume your assessment is fair—appeal

Even though Cleveland ranks higher-tax in its region, individual properties may still be overassessed relative to market value. A free appeal process could reveal overpayments worth hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cleveland County

via CostByCounty

Cleveland excels on affordability ratios

Cleveland County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio beats both the state average of 18.1% and signals strong national affordability standing. The median household income of $50,509, while below the national median of $74,755, combines with low rents to create one of Arkansas's best housing values.

Cleveland leads state affordability rankings

Cleveland County ranks among Arkansas's most affordable counties, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio substantially below the state average. This advantage makes Cleveland an exceptional market for renters and budget-conscious relocators.

Cleveland's rents beat most neighbors

Cleveland's $635 monthly median rent is the lowest in its region—significantly below state average ($760) and undercuts nearby Clay ($696) and Conway ($721). This rental advantage, combined with reasonable income levels, makes Cleveland uniquely affordable.

Cleveland renters spend just 15%

Cleveland households earning $50,509 pay only $635 monthly for rent—just 15% of income, the lowest burden among comparable counties. Owner costs of $588 monthly and home values of $123,400 further strengthen Cleveland's affordability profile for both renters and buyers.

Cleveland County is the affordability winner

If housing affordability is your priority in rural Arkansas, Cleveland County delivers the best rent-to-income ratio in its region at 15.1%. Compare Cleveland's $635 rent against Chicot ($661), Clay ($696), and Cleburne ($853) to confirm it's your best financial fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cleveland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cleveland matches state economics

Cleveland County's median household income of $50,509 sits 32% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting patterns typical of rural Arkansas. The county earns nearly 1% below state average, showing resilience in a challenging regional economy.

Typical earner statewide

At $50,509, Cleveland ranks near the state median of $51,156, placing it firmly in the middle of Arkansas's income distribution. The per capita income of $27,496 falls slightly below state average, suggesting moderate income concentration.

Solid peer-level performance

Cleveland's $50,509 aligns with Conway ($51,212) and slightly exceeds Clark ($50,985) and Clay ($48,500). The consistency across neighboring counties suggests stable, interconnected regional labor markets.

Best-in-class affordability metrics

Cleveland boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at just 15.1%, providing exceptional housing affordability. This advantage creates real opportunity for households to direct income toward savings and asset building.

Capitalize on affordability advantage

With lowest housing costs in the region, Cleveland households should aggressively redirect savings into diversified investments and home equity. The affordability cushion makes Cleveland an attractive place to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cleveland County

via CrimeByCounty

Cleveland County remains safer than average

Cleveland County holds a safety score of 96.6, slightly better than many other counties across the United States. Its total crime rate of 2,159.5 per 100K sits below the national average of 2,385.5.

Better than the Arkansas state average

The county's 2,159.5 crime rate is lower than the Arkansas average of 2,326.8 per 100K. This contributes to a safety score that is marginally higher than the state's average score of 96.3.

Mixed results compared to nearby counties

Cleveland County is safer than Columbia County but sees more crime than Chicot County's 1,719.7 rate. It maintains a relatively stable position within the southern Arkansas safety landscape.

Violent crime remains well below average

The violent crime rate is 304.7 per 100K, lower than the national benchmark of 369.8. Most local crime is property-based, occurring at a rate of 1,854.8, which is also below the national average.

Defending against property-related incidents

Since property crime is the primary concern here, residents should focus on securing sheds and outbuildings. Good exterior lighting and locked gates are effective ways to prevent local trespassers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cleveland County

via HealthByCounty

Cleveland lags national health benchmarks

Cleveland County's 71.5-year life expectancy falls 4.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 26.2% reporting poor/fair health—9 percentage points above the national average—the county faces substantial health challenges common to rural Arkansas.

Below-average health outcomes for Arkansas

Cleveland's 71.5-year life expectancy trails Arkansas's 72.3-year average by 0.8 years, ranking it in the lower half of state counties. The 26.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds most state peers, signaling persistent population health concerns.

Struggles compared to surrounding counties

Cleveland ranks near the bottom among peers: 3.8 years behind Cleburne (75.3) and 2.9 years behind Craighead (74.4). The 8.3% uninsured rate is the best in this group, yet population health metrics suggest underlying structural barriers beyond coverage.

Provider data unavailable; care access unclear

Cleveland County's primary care and mental health provider data is not currently available, limiting visibility into local capacity. Residents should contact the county health department or local clinics directly to understand available services and whether travel to neighboring counties may be necessary.

Keep insurance active for continuity

Cleveland's strong uninsured rate (8.3%) suggests good insurance awareness, but the remaining uninsured should verify coverage status and explore renewal options. Maintaining continuous coverage ensures access, whether care is received locally or in nearby health systems.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cleveland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient and Effective Rural Education

Cleveland County operates four public schools split between two districts, serving a total of 1,312 students. The streamlined system consists of two elementary and two high schools, focusing on core primary and secondary education.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

The county boasts a 96.1% graduation rate, which is one of the highest in the region and far exceeds the national average. Despite a per-pupil spend of $5,648, the county earns a composite school score of 53.8, outperforming the state average.

Rison and Woodlawn Districts

The Cleveland County School District in Rison serves 739 students, while the Woodlawn School District supports 573 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring all 1,312 students attend traditional public institutions.

Quiet Campuses in Completely Rural Locales

Every school in Cleveland County is classified as rural, providing a consistent and quiet learning environment for all students. Rison Elementary is the county's largest school with 377 students, while Woodlawn High School is the smallest with 274.

Quiet Living with Top-Tier Schools

For families seeking a 96% graduation rate in a rural setting, Cleveland County is a standout choice. Real estate in the Woodlawn or Rison areas provides direct access to these high-performing, tight-knit school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cleveland County

via RiskByCounty

Cleveland County: Exceptionally Safe Community

Cleveland County's composite risk score of 9.48 ranks among the lowest in the entire nation—an exceptional achievement in natural disaster safety. You're 94% safer than the average American county and face minimal exposure across nearly every hazard category. This outstanding position reflects Cleveland's fortunate geography and hazard distribution.

Arkansas's Safest County by Far

Cleveland's 9.48 score dwarfs the state average of 55.51 by 83%, making it the safest county in Arkansas by a dramatic margin. No other Arkansas county approaches your level of protection. Your location offers genuine security advantages that most of your state peers simply cannot match.

Far Safer Than Regional Peers

Cleveland's 9.48 is less than one-quarter the risk of nearby Columbia County (42.08) and less than one-fifth of Chicot's 43.77—a dramatic safety advantage. Even Clark County at 41.09 faces over four times your risk exposure. This superiority reflects Cleveland's unique geographic blessing.

Minimal Hazard Exposure Overall

Even your highest risk—earthquakes at 62.91—remains well below your county's already-low composite score, indicating balanced, manageable exposure. Tornadoes reach 40.36 and floods just 13.93, placing Cleveland in the safest quartile nationwide for these hazards. Your entire risk portfolio stays remarkably contained.

Standard Coverage Provides Excellent Protection

Your exceptional safety profile means standard homeowner's insurance provides robust protection against Cleveland County's minimal natural disaster threats. Consider earthquake riders as an affordable enhancement given your 62.91 score, but flood and wind coverage needs are genuinely low. Your risk profile allows flexibility in insurance selection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cleveland County

via WeatherByCounty

Sultry Southern Warmth

Cleveland County is warm and humid with an annual average temperature of 63.1°F. This is nearly 10 degrees warmer than the national median temperature.

Beating the State Average

The county ranks as one of the warmer spots in Arkansas, sitting two degrees above the state average of 61.0°F. The heat profile is consistent with the southern delta region.

Hotter than the State Average

Its 71 extreme heat days are fewer than Clark County's 77 but reflect a very hot local climate. Winter averages 45.3°F, keeping it milder than most of its northern neighbors.

Intense Summer Heat Cycles

Summers are intense with an 80.2°F average and 71 days hitting the 90-degree mark. While specific snowfall data is limited for this area, winters are generally short and mild.

Planning for Extreme Sun

Focus on high-efficiency cooling to manage the 71 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should prepare for a July average of 81.4°F during the peak of summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cleveland County

via SoilByCounty

Sharply Acidic Soils in Cleveland

The soil here is quite acidic with a pH of 5.30, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of 5.56. This profile is much sharper than the national 6.5 median, making it naturally suited for native pine and acid-thriving species. While specific taxonomic names aren't provided, the pH suggests highly weathered land.

A Silty and Sandy Mix

A strong 47.0% silt presence is balanced by 40.3% sand and a low 12.7% clay component. This ratio creates a soil that is relatively easy to work but prone to surface erosion if not covered by vegetation. The low clay content means the soil feels gritty and does not stick together easily when wet.

Strong Water Retention Despite Low OM

At 1.52%, the organic matter is well below the state average of 4.15%. However, the soil maintains a water capacity of 0.176 in/in, which exceeds the state average of 0.148 in/in. This capacity gives your plants a vital buffer during the intense heat of the Arkansas summer.

Planning for High Runoff Potential

The land is categorized under Hydrologic Group D, signifying high runoff potential and slow water movement through the soil. While specific drainage classes are unspecified, this group suggests that water tends to pool or flow over the surface. Homeowners should plan for proper drainage around building foundations.

Southern Gems in Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers a long, warm season for southern favorites like camellias, gardenias, and peppers. Enhancing your soil with compost will help overcome the low organic matter and make the most of the high water-holding capacity. Your garden can flourish here with a little attention to the soil's natural acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cleveland County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Cleveland County

Cleveland County is one of the more challenging places for lawn care, with a difficulty score of only 23.0. This is significantly harder than the state average of 37.3, requiring Zone 8a residents to be proactive with maintenance.

Intense Heat and Long Seasons

With 71 extreme heat days, your lawn spends much of the summer battling temperatures above 90°F. While local precipitation data is limited, the 5,591 growing degree days indicate a very long and active season for turf growth.

Correcting Very Acidic Soils

A soil pH of 5.30 is quite low, potentially locking out essential nutrients from your grass. With 40.3% sand, the soil provides decent drainage but may struggle to hold onto the moisture your lawn needs during hot spells.

Managing Sustained Drought Stress

The county has spent 31 weeks in drought over the last year, with 87.2% of the area currently facing severe conditions. Using moisture-retentive compost and keeping grass height higher during summer can help protect the soil from drying out.

Maximize the Long Growing Season

A March 17 spring frost date allows for an early start on warm-season grasses like Bermuda. These varieties are best suited for the long season that doesn't see a frost until mid-November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cleveland County's county score?
Cleveland County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 53.3 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 Cleveland County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Cleveland County ranks #18 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 Cleveland County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Cleveland County is $716, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Cleveland County a tax score of 76.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cleveland County?
The median household income in Cleveland County, Arkansas is $50,509 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cleveland County earns an income score of 15.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cleveland County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Cleveland County scores 53.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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.