Median Income
$35,200
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,200
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
101/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$596
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.1%
97% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Van Buren Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,614
Median Age57.1 yrs
Density374/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,200
Per Capita$29,483
Unemployment0.1%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$3,670M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,200
Rent$596
Ownership64.2%
Zillow$101,697
Housing Units963
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
F
Violent101/100K
Property406/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault101/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured12.5%
Smoking23.2%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (4°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain41.5 in/yr
Sunny Days240/yr
Elevation515 ft (157 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+78.2%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute17 min
Broadband66.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries15
Is Van Buren a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Van Buren receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured 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 $35,200, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.1%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Van Buren is $90,200, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $596 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Van Buren is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 406 per 100,000, 79% below the national average.
Education
9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Van Buren has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 240 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 41.5 inches, including 96.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Van Buren has a population of 1,614 with a density of 374 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 57.1 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 50.7% of residents, while 49.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 36.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.1yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Van Buren vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
50.7%
35% below US avg
Spanish
49.3%
268% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Van Buren vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Van Buren is $35,200, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,483 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,396 business establishments, including 145 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Van Buren vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,200 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,483 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.1% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,396 |
| County GDP | $3,670M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 145 |
| Healthcare | 228 |
| Retail | 314 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.1% |
The median home value in Van Buren is $90,200, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $101,697, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $596 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,186 for a one-bedroom to $1,497 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 963 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,200 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $101,697 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $596 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,108 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,186 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,951 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.8% |
| Housing Units | 963 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.24% |
In Van Buren, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 23.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.2% report binge drinking. 34.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.4% experience frequent mental distress. 12.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:891. The dentist ratio is 1:1,564. 56.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Van Buren vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 14.5% |
| COPD | 10.6% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.2% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.4% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 23.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.5% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 47.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Van Buren has a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 101.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 406 per 100,000, 79% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 355, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 51 per 100,000 residents. 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 | 101.4/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 101.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 405.7/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 355.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 50.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Van Buren has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 240 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.5 inches. The area receives 96.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 515 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.4°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 240 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 515 ft (157 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 374/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1670°N, 67.9489°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Aroostook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Loring International (LIZ)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.5"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0325 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.05 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.19 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
41 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 8, 2022.
| Mar 6, 2005 |
15 km SE of Saint-Siméon, Canada |
M4.9 |
149 km |
| Jul 15, 1998 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M4.0 |
103 km |
| May 6, 1995 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.9 |
104 km |
| Jul 14, 2006 |
13 km SW of Winterville, Maine |
M3.9 |
65 km |
| Jul 14, 1994 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.8 |
104 km |
| Jan 5, 2005 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Aug 27, 2015 |
27 km N of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
19 km NE of Florenceville-Bristol, Canada |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
72 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Mar 30, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Grand Isle, Maine |
M3.5 |
25 km |
| Dec 12, 1990 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Oct 18, 2003 |
48 km ESE of Hamlin, Maine |
M3.5 |
63 km |
| Mar 30, 2012 |
44 km SW of Bathurst, Canada |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
71 km NNE of Noonan, Canada |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Apr 23, 1991 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Aug 28, 2013 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Aug 21, 2015 |
63 km SW of Bathurst, Canada |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Jan 2, 2013 |
75 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Jul 18, 2010 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M2.9 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
25 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 15, 1958 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1954 |
EF2 |
17 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2009 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1971 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1965 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1963 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1960 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1959 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2016 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2011 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2011 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2011 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2009 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
42°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Van Buren has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 7°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.6").
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) |
$243 ($146-$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194-$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97-$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777-$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73-$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146-$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24-$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49-$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388-$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97-$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58-$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49-$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146-$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884-$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388-$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341-$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486-$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855-$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942-$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777-$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194-$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971-$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73-$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49-$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91-$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43-$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43-$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91-$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88-$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58-$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78-$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49-$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73-$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165-$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29-$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15-$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583-$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486-$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194-$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24-$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388-$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855-$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49-$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97-$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $837 |
| Toddler | $682 |
| Preschool | $613 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $491 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Buren
What is the population of Van Buren?
Van Buren has a population of 1,614 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 374 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Van Buren expensive to live in?
Van Buren has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $35,200, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,200 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $596 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Van Buren safe?
Van Buren is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 406 per 100,000 (below 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 240 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 41.5 inches, with 96.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Van Buren?
The job market in Van Buren is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $984. There are 2,396 business establishments in the area, including 145 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 10.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Van Buren?
The median home value in Van Buren is $90,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $101,697. For renters, the median monthly rent is $596. Fair market rent is $1,186 for a 1-bedroom and $1,497 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Van Buren?
Schools in Van Buren score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.3% of adults in Van Buren hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.2% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Van Buren?
The obesity rate in Van Buren is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.2% of adults are smokers. 34.4% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 12.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:891.
What is transportation like in Van Buren?
The average commute in Van Buren is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Van Buren?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Buren is 96% White, 1.7% Black or African American. 50.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 49.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 36.3% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
