Median Income
$49,000
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,600
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
280/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.0%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$763
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.9%
60% higher than US avg
How Van Buren Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population858
Median Age49.2 yrs
Density1,479/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$49,000
Per Capita$25,041
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty19.9%
County GDP$3,220M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,600
Rent$763
Ownership80.3%
Zillow$151,434
Housing Units444
Rent Burden19.6%
Crime
F
Violent280/100K
Property2,765/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking17.4%
Depression29.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation844 ft (257 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.0%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.48
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute25 min
Broadband81.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Van Buren a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Van Buren receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Van Buren has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Van Buren is $49,000, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Van Buren is $65,600, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Van Buren is below the national average at 280 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,765 per 100,000, 41% above the national average.
Education
11.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Van Buren experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches, including 24.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Van Buren has a population of 858 with a density of 1,479 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 49.2 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%), with 5.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.2yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Van Buren vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Van Buren vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Van Buren is $49,000, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,041 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $979, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,280 business establishments, including 132 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Van Buren vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,000 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,041 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $979 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,014 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.9% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,280 |
| County GDP | $3,220M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 132 |
| Healthcare | 170 |
| Retail | 215 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,512 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Van Buren is $65,600, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,434, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $763 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 444 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $2,512 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,600 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,434 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $763 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.7% |
| Housing Units | 444 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,512 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.83% |
In Van Buren, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 29.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,367. The dentist ratio is 1:1,572. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Van Buren vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 29.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,367 |
| Dentists | 1:1,572 |
| Mental Health | 1:339 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 14,895/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 170 |
Van Buren has a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,765 per 100,000, 41% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Van Buren receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Van Buren vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 279.8/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,765.4/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Van Buren experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches. The area receives 24.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 844 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 844 ft (257 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,479/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6158°N, 85.5039°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.8"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
58 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
96 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
73 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
559 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 49 fatalities, 1,522 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
65 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
13 km |
4 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
8 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Van Buren has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Van Buren. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Buren
What is the population of Van Buren?
Van Buren has a population of 858 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,479 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Van Buren expensive to live in?
Van Buren is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,000, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,600 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Van Buren safe?
Van Buren is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 280 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,765 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Van Buren receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Van Buren?
Van Buren has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches, with 24.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Van Buren?
Van Buren has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $979. There are 1,280 business establishments in the area, including 132 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Van Buren?
The median home value in Van Buren is $65,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,434. For renters, the median monthly rent is $763. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,512.
How are the schools in Van Buren?
Schools in Van Buren score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.0% of adults in Van Buren hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Van Buren?
The obesity rate in Van Buren is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 29.3% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,367.
What is transportation like in Van Buren?
The average commute in Van Buren is 25 minutes. 80.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Van Buren?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Buren is 92.3% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
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