Small city in Johnson County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro

Living in Cleburne, TX

C

109th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 43 of 100
114th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Cleburne earns a grade of C on our index, 109th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on safety and jobs and income, and trails on health and education levels.

  • Fast-growing
  • Getting around scores low (16 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (14 of 100)
{{w|Johnson County, Texas|Johnson County
Photo: Loadmaster (David R. Tribble), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
39,942+27.7% since 2020
Median rent
$1,3226% lower than Texas
Median home value
$221,10022% lower than Texas
Household income
$70,656Median
Average commute
25 minOne way
Violent crime
172Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Cleburne

Cleburne sits about 48 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 39,942 people lived here in 2025, up 27.7% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Buddy Stewart Park, Cleburne City Park and Winston Patrick McGregor Park.

The median age is 35.0, 37% of households have children, 60% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $70,656 a year (10% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Cleburne

  • Low violent crime. 172 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 55% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 28% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Cleburne

  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes and heat waves as very high here.

Who Cleburne suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 55% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 45% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 10% lower than the Texas median, with 153 restaurants and 11 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 46% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 20% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 55% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 91% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,322 is 6% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,322 is 6% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 51% for people on a budget.

Cleburne report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Cleburne with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B-

    Median rent $1,322, homes cost 3.1x income.

    60 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade B-

    Median household income $70,656, 2.0% unemployed.

    61 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C-

    10 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.

    38 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade B-

    172 violent crimes per 100k, 877 property crimes per 100k.

    61 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade C+

    5 grocery stores, 153 restaurants, 29 parks mapped in town.

    54 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade D-

    Average commute 25 min, 3.6% work from home.

    16 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D-

    20% have a bachelor’s degree.

    14 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D-

    20% of adults uninsured.

    11 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    60% of homes owner-occupied.

    29 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade C

    91% of homes have broadband.

    40 of 100 vs US cities

Where Cleburne stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 3.1x13% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • People below the poverty line: 10%4 points lower than Texas (14%)
  • Unemployment rate: 2.0%3 points lower than Texas (5.3%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 20%14 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $70,65610% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 60%2 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Cleburne

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Cleburne is $1,322 a month, 6% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $53,000 a year. Right now 53% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,481 for a one-bedroom, $1,745 for a two-bedroom and $2,284 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $221,100, 22% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,210 before tax, or $1,474 with property tax. That is $152 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Cleburne pays $3,162 a year, 25% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Cleburne

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in CleburneStudio$1,4611 bedroom$1,4812 bedrooms$1,7453 bedrooms$2,2844 bedrooms$2,866
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Fort Worth-Arlington, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent6% lower than Texas$1,322$1,403$1,413
Median home value22% lower than Texas$221,100$283,800$332,700
Home value to income13% lower than Texas3.1x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent1 points higher than Texas53%52%51%
Median property tax per year25% lower than Texas$3,162$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them2 points lower than Texas60%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,474
Mortgage payment
$1,210
Property tax
$264
Median rent, for comparison
$1,322

Based on a $221,100 home in Cleburne, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Cleburne safe?

In 2025, Cleburne Police Department reported 69 violent crimes and 351 property crimes. That works out to 172 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 55% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 877 property crimes per 100,000, 58% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 64% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Cleburne by yearTexas17220212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
172
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
877
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Cleburne by yearTexas87720212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Cleburne Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Cleburne

Cleburne has 10 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 50% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Cleburne ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Gerard Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 78 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
38
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
78
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AGerard ElementaryElementary, Cleburne ISD93 of 100
  • BCooke ElementaryElementary, Cleburne ISD85 of 100
  • BColeman ElementaryElementary, Cleburne ISD84 of 100
  • BIrving ElementaryElementary, Cleburne ISD84 of 100
  • BSanta Fe ElementaryElementary, Cleburne ISD82 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Cleburne

We grade 15 areas inside Cleburne. The top three are Bellevue Place (A-), Heard (B+) and Westhill Terrace (B+). If price matters most, Heard has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $710 a month. Cross Creek Estates is the priciest, at $2,710. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Cleburne neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    15 Cleburne neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1A-Bellevue Place2,481 people, median rent $1,700, home $258,000100fit
    2. 2B+Westhill Terrace2,422 people, median rent $1,700, home $283,00093fit
    3. 3B+Heard1,506 people, median rent $710, home $162,00086fit
    4. 4BPlacid Acres1,380 people, median rent $1,710, home $476,00079fit
    5. 5BStephens1,654 people, median rent $1,310, home $156,00071fit
    6. 6BCross Creek Estates2,888 people, median rent $2,710, home $333,00064fit
    7. 7BScruggs3,071 people, median rent $1,510, home $182,00057fit
    8. 8CChamber East2,097 people, median rent $1,160, home $95,00050fit
    9. 9C-Lovelady1,903 people, median rent $1,330, home $159,00043fit
    10. 10C-Chisholm Hills1,927 people, median rent $1,530, home $233,00036fit
    11. 11D+Towne North Estates2,431 people, median rent $1,320, home $235,00029fit
    12. 12D+Hidden Village1,668 people, median rent $1,320, home $216,00021fit
    13. 13DEastern Heights1,068 people, median rent $1,570, home $132,00014fit
    14. 14FFox Meadows2,161 people, median rent $1,240, home $175,0007fit
    15. 15FNorth Anglin Heights2,634 people, median rent $1,210, home $171,0000fit
    All 15 Cleburne neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Cleburne

    Everyday places mapped inside Cleburne, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Buddy Stewart Park, Cleburne City Park, Winston Patrick McGregor Park.

    The average one-way commute is 25 minutes, 5% shorter than the Texas average. 4% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    Downtown Dallas is about 48 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Cleburne work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $70,656, income per person is $32,059, unemployment is 2.0% and 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    5
    Pharmacies
    7
    Restaurants
    153
    Cafes
    11
    Bars
    6
    Parks
    29
    Gyms
    8
    Hospitals and urgent care
    4
    Childcare
    7
    Libraries
    3

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income10% lower than Texas$70,656$78,476$80,734
    Income per person21% lower than Texas$32,059$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate3 points lower than Texas2.0%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line4 points lower than Texas10%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher14 points lower than Texas20%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher1 points lower than Texas85%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas20%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas91%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute5% lower than Texas25 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas3.6%14%15%
    Workers who work from home3.6%
    Workers who take transit0.2%
    Workers who walk0.4%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Cleburne

    Under 1826%
    18 to 3424%
    35 to 6435%
    65 and over15%

    Median age 35.0 years. 37% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White55%
    Hispanic or Latino32%
    Black6.0%
    Asian0.8%
    Other or more than one race5.9%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Cleburne

    Cleburne has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 33°F. There are about 105 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Cleburne30°50°70°90°57J61F68M76A83M90J95J95A89S78O67N58DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Cleburne, 3 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingModerate
    • HurricanesModerate
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailHigh
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsLow
    • Strong windHigh

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Cleburne

    Nearby, Keene gets a C-, Joshua gets a C and Godley gets a B-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. C-KeeneTown, 6,691 people5 mi
    2. CJoshuaTown, 8,550 people7 mi
    3. B-GodleyTown, 2,809 people9 mi
    4. DRio VistaTown, 1,312 people9 mi
    5. A-BurlesonCity, 52,918 people10 mi
    6. DAlvaradoTown, 6,307 people12 mi

    Cleburne in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

    How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
    3. 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
    4. 111CMabank5,187 people48 mito downtown
    5. 112CNewark1,177 people44 mito downtown
    6. 113CKennedale9,439 people28 mito downtown
    7. 114CCleburne34,344 people48 mito downtown
    8. 115CJosephine5,842 people32 mito downtown
    9. 116CBear Creek Ranch1,604 people16 mito downtown
    10. 117CRiver Oaks7,584 people37 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Cleburne: common questions

    Is Cleburne, TX a good place to live?

    Cleburne earns a grade of C on our index, 109th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on safety and jobs and income, and trails on health and education levels.

    How much does it cost to live in Cleburne?

    Median rent in Cleburne is $1,322 a month, 6% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $221,100, 22% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.1x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,474, including property tax.

    Is Cleburne safe?

    In 2025, Cleburne Police Department reported 172 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 55% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 877 per 100,000, 58% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Cleburne?

    We found 10 rated public school campuses inside Cleburne. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 38 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Cleburne?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Cleburne are Bellevue Place, Heard and Westhill Terrace. We score 15 areas in the city.

    Does Cleburne flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Cleburne as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Cleburne?

    Summers in Cleburne peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 33°F. Expect around 105 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Cleburne?

    The average one-way commute is 25 min, 5% lower than the Texas average. About 3.6% of workers work from home. It is about 48 miles from downtown Dallas.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.