Cleveland County ranks among top counties nationally
Cleveland County's composite score of 74.8 ranks in the top 25% nationally, sitting 25 points above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional score places it ahead of Arkansas's state average of 70.3 and reflects comprehensive livability strength.
2 / 5
Best performer among these eight Arkansas counties
Cleveland County leads this peer group with a score of 74.8, outperforming the state average by 4.5 points. This is the highest composite score across all eight counties examined.
3 / 5
Outstanding affordability and lowest rent in the group
Cleveland County combines excellent cost (88.2) and tax efficiency (86.0) with the lowest median gross rent ($635/month) among all eight counties. The median home value of $123,400 offers reasonable entry points for homebuyers seeking affordable Southern living.
4 / 5
Low income potential tempers strong affordability
Despite its top composite score, Cleveland County's income score (16.4) and median household income ($50,509) lag behind peers like Cleburne. The risk score (90.6) stands out as unusually high—warranting investigation into specific vulnerabilities that may offset the county's other strengths.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-minded families seeking great value
Cleveland County suits households earning $45,000–$60,000 who prioritize minimal housing costs and tax burden over highest earning potential. The exceptionally low rent makes it particularly attractive for renters and those seeking maximum disposable income despite moderate salaries.
Cleveland County ranks among top counties nationally
Cleveland County's composite score of 74.8 ranks in the top 25% nationally, sitting 25 points above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional score places it ahead of Arkansas's state average of 70.3 and reflects comprehensive livability strength.
Best performer among these eight Arkansas counties
Cleveland County leads this peer group with a score of 74.8, outperforming the state average by 4.5 points. This is the highest composite score across all eight counties examined.
Outstanding affordability and lowest rent in the group
Cleveland County combines excellent cost (88.2) and tax efficiency (86.0) with the lowest median gross rent ($635/month) among all eight counties. The median home value of $123,400 offers reasonable entry points for homebuyers seeking affordable Southern living.
Low income potential tempers strong affordability
Despite its top composite score, Cleveland County's income score (16.4) and median household income ($50,509) lag behind peers like Cleburne. The risk score (90.6) stands out as unusually high—warranting investigation into specific vulnerabilities that may offset the county's other strengths.
Perfect for budget-minded families seeking great value
Cleveland County suits households earning $45,000–$60,000 who prioritize minimal housing costs and tax burden over highest earning potential. The exceptionally low rent makes it particularly attractive for renters and those seeking maximum disposable income despite moderate salaries.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.