About Cleburne County
Cleburne County is located in north-central Arkansas, established on February 20, 1883, and named after Confederate General Patrick Cleburne. The county seat is Heber Springs, a city renowned for its proximity to Greers Ferry Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. Cleburne County encompasses approximately 592 square miles and has a population of around 24,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county is bordered by Stone, Independence, White, Van Buren, and Searcy counties.
Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River are major landmarks that define the county's geography and economy, attracting tourists year-round for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. The county's history includes early settlement by pioneers and later development following the construction of Greers Ferry Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s.
Key county offices include the Cleburne County Clerk located at 301 West Main Street in Heber Springs, the Cleburne County Assessor's Office at the same address in the courthouse, and the Cleburne County Circuit Clerk who maintains court records. The Cleburne County Recorder of Deeds handles land transactions and property records. The area's natural beauty, combined with a small-town atmosphere and access to water recreation, makes Cleburne County a popular retirement and vacation destination.
The county also maintains historical significance through landmarks such as the Cleburne County Courthouse and various sites related to early Arkansas settlement.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to public safety through patrols, investigations, and community programs. Notable divisions within the sheriff's office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics Unit, which focus on solving crimes and combating drug-related offenses within the county.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Cleburne County is provided by the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Heber Springs Police Department and the Greers Ferry Police Department. The sheriff's office handles law enforcement in rural areas, while city police departments focus on urban areas within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, located at 300 West Main Street in Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (501) 362-8143 and maintains responsibility for operating the Cleburne County Detention Center, serving warrants, and providing court security. Inmates housed at the Cleburne County jail can be located through the detention center by calling the facility directly or visiting in person during business hours.
- Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-101 et seq., arrest records are generally considered public information and can be requested from the arresting agency.
- Citizens may submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or local police departments for arrest reports, booking records, and related documentation.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through direct request to the detention center, though some information may be restricted if it involves ongoing investigations or protected individuals.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
- Sex offender registry information for Cleburne County residents can be accessed through the Arkansas Crime Information Center website maintained by the Arkansas State Police.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Cleburne County maintains a comprehensive system of criminal records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and a sex offender registry. The sheriff's office and local police departments are responsible for maintaining these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Arkansas State Police, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Arkansas Crime Information Center offers additional resources for accessing criminal records and ensuring public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cleburne County are maintained by the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. An arrest record in Cleburne County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to governmental records.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Cleburne County Detention Center, located in Heber Springs, is the primary facility for housing inmates in the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the arrestee, and information about current inmates can be accessed through the sheriff's office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. In Arkansas, the bond and bail process allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and details on how to post bail can be obtained from the detention center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cleburne County are taken and retained by the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be searched through the sheriff's office website or by visiting the office in person. Arkansas does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may seek legal advice for potential removal under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Cleburne County is served by the Cleburne County Circuit Court, located at 301 West Main Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $25,000, criminal felony cases, domestic relations matters, probate proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's office can be reached at (501) 362-4620 and maintains records for all circuit court proceedings.
- Arkansas has a unified court system, and Cleburne County also operates District Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $25,000, and preliminary felony hearings.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for statutory fees, typically $5-10 per document plus certification fees.
- Online access is limited to case summaries and docket information, with full case files requiring in-person inspection or written requests.
The county has Justice of the Peace courts that handle small claims and minor civil disputes. Court records in Arkansas are governed by Arkansas Code Annotated § 16-13-201 et seq. and Administrative Order Number 19, which establish public access to court documents with certain exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and cases involving protected information.
Case searches can be conducted through CourtConnect, Arkansas's statewide online case management system accessible at courtconnect.arkansas.gov, which provides free public access to civil and criminal case information, though some documents may require in-person requests. The court also maintains marriage records through the Circuit Clerk, and probate matters including wills and estate proceedings are filed and maintained at the courthouse.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Cleburne County are maintained by the Cleburne County Recorder of Deeds office, located in the Cleburne County Courthouse at 301 West Main Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543. The Recorder's office, which can be reached at (501) 362-4968, maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. Arkansas law requires recording of property transfers to establish chain of title and provide public notice of property interests.
- The Assessor's office provides property valuations used to calculate property taxes collected by the County Collector.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's office for statutory fees, typically $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
- Recording fees for new documents vary based on page count and document type.
The office maintains both current and historical records dating back to the county's establishment in 1883. Property records can be searched in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Cleburne County Assessor's Office, located at the same courthouse address and reachable at (501) 362-4976, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel information, and ownership data for tax purposes.
Cleburne County offers online property tax search capabilities through the Arkansas.gov Property Tax Search portal, which allows users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to find assessment information and tax payment status. The county may also provide GIS mapping services through the county government website or planning department, showing parcel boundaries and ownership information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Cleburne County, Arkansas, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both the Cleburne County Clerk's office and the Arkansas Department of Health Division of Vital Records. The Cleburne County Clerk, located at 301 West Main Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543, phone (501) 362-4620, can provide certified copies of birth certificates for individuals born in Cleburne County and death certificates for deaths occurring in the county. Birth certificates typically cost $12 for a certified copy, while death certificates cost $10.
- Processing time for in-person requests is usually immediate during business hours, while mail requests may take 2-3 weeks.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $60, with a reduced fee available for couples who complete premarital counseling.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor, at arkansas.gov/health/vital-records, though additional service fees apply for expedited processing and delivery.
Under Arkansas Code Annotated § 20-18-101 et seq., vital records access is restricted to authorized individuals including the registrant (for births), immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal authority. The Arkansas Department of Health Division of Vital Records, located at 4815 West Markham Street in Little Rock, serves as the central repository for all Arkansas vital records and can provide certificates for events occurring anywhere in the state.
Marriage licenses must be obtained in person from the Cleburne County Circuit Clerk's office before the ceremony, with both parties present and providing valid identification. Divorce decrees are maintained by the Circuit Clerk as part of court records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Cleburne County involves multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. The Cleburne County Clerk's office at 301 West Main Street, Heber Springs, maintains DBA (Doing Business As) registrations and fictitious name filings for businesses operating under names other than their legal entity name. These filings are public records and can be searched by contacting the County Clerk at (501) 362-4620.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search tool at sos.arkansas.gov where anyone can search for registered businesses by name, registered agent, or filing number.
- This database includes formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Arkansas Secretary of State Business and Commercial Services Division. Sales tax permits are issued by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and are required for businesses selling tangible goods or certain services. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, healthcare providers, and others are issued by respective Arkansas state licensing boards.
Building permits and zoning compliance in unincorporated Cleburne County are handled by the Cleburne County Planning and Zoning Department, while the City of Heber Springs maintains its own building inspection and permitting office for properties within city limits. Businesses can contact the county judge's office at (501) 362-4936 for information about county business regulations and permits. The Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 1001 West Main Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543, website at heber-springs.com, provides resources for new and existing businesses including networking opportunities, economic development information, and business directory services.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cleburne County, Arkansas, are administered by the Cleburne County Clerk, who serves as the county's chief election official. The County Clerk's office, located at 301 West Main Street, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543, can be reached at (501) 362-4620 for election-related inquiries. Voter registration in Arkansas can be completed online through the Arkansas Secretary of State's website at sos.arkansas.gov/elections/voter-registration, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
- Arkansas requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- In the 2024 general election, Cleburne County typically sees voter turnout ranging from 55-65% of registered voters in presidential election years, with lower turnout in midterm and local elections.
- Absentee ballots in Arkansas can be requested for specific reasons including absence from the county on election day, illness or physical disability, or being a U.S.
Residents must be U.S. citizens, Arkansas residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not currently serving a felony sentence or adjudicated mentally incompetent. Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by visiting the Arkansas Voter View website at arkansas.gov/election-information or by contacting the County Clerk.
Cleburne County typically has multiple polling locations in Heber Springs and throughout the county for in-person voting on election day. Early voting is available at designated locations, usually including the county courthouse, beginning several days before each election. Election records that are public under Arkansas law include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Arkansas Ethics Commission, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results.
The Arkansas Secretary of State's website publishes county-by-county election results after each election. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. Congressional midterm elections, Arkansas state legislative races, and various county offices.
military member or overseas citizen. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the County Clerk, and applications are available on the Secretary of State's website. Arkansas law provides for public inspection of many election materials, and citizens can request information about voter rolls, election equipment testing, and results documentation under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Economy & Demographics
Cleburne County's economy is heavily influenced by tourism, recreation, and retirement-related services, driven largely by Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River. The lake and river attract fishing enthusiasts worldwide, particularly for trout fishing, making tourism and hospitality major economic sectors. Retail trade, accommodation, and food services employ a significant portion of the county's workforce. According to U.S. Census data, median household income in Cleburne County is approximately $45,000 to $48,000, somewhat below the Arkansas state average.
The county has experienced steady growth in its retirement-age population due to its natural amenities and recreational opportunities. Major employers include the Heber Springs School District, Cleburne County government, Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs, and various tourism-related businesses including marinas, resorts, and recreational services. Manufacturing maintains a presence in the county with several small to medium-sized facilities.
Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production, continues as a traditional economic activity in rural areas. The unemployment rate in Cleburne County typically tracks slightly above the Arkansas state average, ranging from 4-6% depending on economic conditions and seasonal tourism variations. Economic development efforts focus on attracting retirees, promoting tourism infrastructure, and supporting small business growth.
The construction industry remains active due to ongoing residential development around the lake. Healthcare services have expanded to meet the needs of the growing retiree population. Eden Isle, a resort community on Greers Ferry Lake, represents a significant residential and commercial development within the county.
The Cleburne County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and support existing enterprises.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (CourtConnect) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Cleburne County provides good access to court and property records through state portals, though some records require direct contact with county offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Cleburne County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Cleburne County, Arkansas.
Nearby Counties
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