Quick Fact
Cleburne sits in north central Texas, serving as Johnson County's county seat. The city's roughly 35,000 residents (as of 2026) live just 55 miles southwest of Dallas and 29 miles south of Fort Worth. Its coordinates land at about 32.3510° N, 97.3925° W.
Where exactly is Cleburne located in Texas?
Cleburne is in the north central region of Texas. It sits on the southwestern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, giving it that unique small-town-meets-big-city vibe. Honestly, this is one of those places where you get the best of both worlds.
How does Cleburne's location compare to major Texas cities?
Cleburne is closer to Fort Worth than Dallas. You'll find it 29 miles south of Fort Worth and 55 miles southwest of Dallas. That makes weekend trips to either city pretty straightforward.
What region of Texas does Cleburne belong to?
Cleburne is part of the Texas Prairies and Lakes region. The landscape here shifts from Cross Timbers woodlands to blackland prairie, which shaped the area's early farming days. That geography still influences the city's character today.
Is Cleburne considered part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex?
Yes, Cleburne is considered part of the Metroplex. While it maintains its own identity, it functions as a residential and commercial extension of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth urban area. Now, don't expect the same traffic you'd find in downtown Dallas.
What's the elevation of Cleburne, Texas?
Cleburne sits at 764 feet above sea level. That's high enough to avoid most flooding issues but not so high that you'll need to worry about altitude adjustments.
What's the land area of Cleburne?
Cleburne covers 35.70 square miles. That's about 92.46 square kilometers of land area, give or take a few acres.
What's the main ZIP code for Cleburne?
The core ZIP code for Cleburne is 76033. Most of the city's official mail and services route through this code.
What area code serves Cleburne?
Cleburne uses area code 817. You'll see this code on local phone numbers throughout the city.
Which counties border Johnson County?
Johnson County borders Tarrant, Dallas, Ellis, Hill, and Somervell counties. That central Texas location puts it right in the middle of everything.
What's the history behind Cleburne's name?
The city is named after Confederate General Patrick R. Cleburne. Many local settlers fought under him during the Civil War. Interestingly, the name actually comes from an old English place name meaning "stream by the cliff or bank." The railroad era really cemented this identity.
How did railroads shape Cleburne's development?
The arrival of major railroads in the 1920s transformed Cleburne. The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad turned this sleepy county seat into a busy rail hub. Thousands of jobs poured in, and the city's growth exploded. You can still see that railroad heritage in the downtown district today.
What's the climate like in Cleburne?
Cleburne has classic North Texas weather. Summers hit around 95°F in July, while winters stay mild with barely any snow—less than an inch per year on average (NOAA). If you hate shoveling snow, this might be your kind of place.
How's the cost of living in Cleburne compared to Dallas-Fort Worth?
Cleburne's cost of living is more affordable than the core Metroplex. You'll find lower housing costs and a stronger sense of community here. That's why it's attracting new residents who want to stay close to DFW without the big-city price tag.
What are the major highways serving Cleburne?
Cleburne sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 67 and State Highway 174. These roads make travel to Fort Worth, Dallas, and beyond pretty convenient.
What attractions should visitors check out in Cleburne?
Visitors love the restored Layland Museum and Cleburne Railroad Square. The Layland Museum offers a great look at local history, while Railroad Square captures the city's railroad heyday. Honestly, these spots really show off Cleburne's unique character.
How does Cleburne's crime rate compare to the national average?
Cleburne's crime rate has historically been higher than the national average. While the city promotes community policing, FBI statistics show this trend in recent years. That's something prospective residents should weigh when considering a move.
