Cleburne County
AL · Pop. 15,254 · Suburban County
Cleburne County, Alabama covers 560 square miles with a population of 15,254 and a density of 27.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, haylage. The median home price is $144,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.29%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 205-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F and average winter lows of 31.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.1 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Stringfellow Memorial Hospital is 17.7 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 29.3% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 205-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.29% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $144,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.6% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Broadband reaches only 29.3% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, is 17.7 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Cleburne County, AL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 58/100
- Median home price
- $144k
- Property tax
- 0.29%
- Growing season
- 205 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 55.1"
- Broadband
- 29.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, 17.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cleburne County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cleburne County?
- Cleburne County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 205-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F, and average winter lows of 31.3°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $144,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.29%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 29.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Stringfellow Memorial Hospital is 17.7 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Alabama Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Alabama
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The closest counties to Cleburne County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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