Van Buren, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $20,441

73% lower than US avg

Home Value $77,400

73% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 715/100K

88% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 11.0%

67% lower than US avg

Median Rent $369

68% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 44.1%

37% higher than US avg

Unemployment 4.7%

31% higher than US avg

Poverty Rate 28.4%

129% higher than US avg

How Van Buren Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,146

Median Age41.8 yrs

Density573/mi²

Male / Female45% / 56%

Largest GroupWhite 97%

Veterans3.6%

Economy

Median Income$20,441

Per Capita$13,541

Unemployment4.7%

Poverty28.4%

Commute16 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$77,400

Rent$369

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$190,765

Housing Units495

Rent Burden32.4%

Crime

Violent715/100K

Property2,384/100K

Murder0.0/100K

Assault715/100K

Burglary477/100K

Health

Obesity44.1%

Uninsured13.4%

Smoking29.1%

Depression31.1%

Heart Disease8.7%

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (14°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain46.0 in/yr

Sunny Days253/yr

Elevation479 ft (146 m)

Education

Bachelor's+11.0%

High School+80.7%

Graduate+1.0%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute16 min

Broadband87.0%

Is Van Buren a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Van Buren receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. 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 $20,441, 73% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 28.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Van Buren is $77,400, 73% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $369 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

With 715 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,384 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.

Education

11.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Van Buren enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Van Buren has a population of 1,146 with a density of 573 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (96.9%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 48.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,146

Total Population

573

People / sq mi

41.8yrs

Median Age

7% above US avg

2.0mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 44.5%

Female 55.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Van Buren vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	100.0%
	27% above US avg
Spanish	0.0%
	100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Van Buren vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Van Buren is $20,441, which is 73% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,541 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Van Buren vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$20,441
	73% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$13,541

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	4.7%
	31% above US avg
Poverty Rate	28.4%
	129% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	15.8 min
Drive Alone	69.3%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Van Buren is $77,400, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,765, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $369 (68% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 495 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$77,400
	73% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$190,765

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$369
	68% below US avg
Rent Burden	32.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	41.9%
Housing Units	495
Median Year Built	1974

Property Tax

In Van Buren, 44.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.7% of residents, above the national average. 40.5% have high blood pressure. 29.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 41.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.3% experience frequent mental distress. 13.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Van Buren vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	44.1%
	37% above US avg
Diabetes	15.0%
Heart Disease	8.7%
High Blood Pressure	40.5%
Asthma	12.6%
COPD	14.2%
Cancer	7.4%
Stroke	4.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	29.1%
	108% above US avg
Binge Drinking	15.4%
Physical Inactivity	41.7%
Depression	31.1%
Mental Distress	24.3%
Physical Distress	20.7%
Short Sleep	39.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	90.7%
Uninsured	13.4%
	56% above US avg
Checkup Rate	76.3%
Dental Visits	48.5%

Food & Exercise

Van Buren has a violent crime rate of 715 per 100,000 residents, 88% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 715.1 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 2,384 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,907, burglary at 477, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Van Buren receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Van Buren vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	715.1/100K
	88% above US avg
Murder	0.0/100K
	100% below US avg
Rape	0.0/100K
Robbery	0.0/100K
Assault	715.1/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	2,383.8/100K
	22% above US avg
Burglary	476.8/100K
Theft	1,907.0/100K
Vehicle Theft	0.0/100K
Arson	0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Van Buren enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 479 feet.

Temperature

32°F Jan (0°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	56.3°F
	4% above US avg
January Average	32°F (0°C)
July Average	78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	253 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	46.0 inches
	21% above US avg
Snowfall	2.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	479 ft (146 m)
Area	2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²)
Population Density	573/sq mi
Coordinates	36.9956°N, 91.0146°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	32°F (0°C)	2.6 in	Coldest, Driest
February	37°F (3°C)	3.0 in
March	47°F (8°C)	4.7 in	Wettest
April	57°F (14°C)	4.3 in
May	65°F (18°C)	4.6 in
June	73°F (23°C)	3.5 in
July	78°F (26°C)	3.9 in	Warmest
August	76°F (25°C)	3.8 in
September	69°F (21°C)	3.8 in
October	58°F (15°C)	3.1 in
November	47°F (8°C)	4.4 in
December	37°F (3°C)	4.3 in

Van Buren has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F — from 32°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.6").

11.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 67% below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 87.0% of households have broadband internet access. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	11.0%
	67% below US avg
High School+	80.7%
Graduate Degree+	1.0%
School Test Score	5.51

D Education Grade (1.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	573/sq mi
Total Area	2.0 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	87.0%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	15.8 min
Drive Alone	69.3%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	0.0%

Frequently Asked Questions About Van Buren

What is the population of Van Buren?

Van Buren has a population of 1,146 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 573 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.

Is Van Buren expensive to live in?

Van Buren is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $20,441, 73% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,400 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $369 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Van Buren safe?

Public safety is a concern in Van Buren, with a violent crime rate of 715 per 100,000 — significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,384 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.0 inches, with 2.6 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 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Van Buren?

The median home value in Van Buren is $77,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,765. For renters, the median monthly rent is $369. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

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%. 80.7% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Van Buren?

The obesity rate in Van Buren is 44.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.1% of adults are smokers. 41.7% are physically inactive. 31.1% of residents report depression. 13.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Van Buren?

The average commute in Van Buren is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Van Buren?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Buren is 96.9% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 48.4% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Ellington, MO 1,104 pop · 17.2 mi Piedmont, MO 2,857 pop · 20.7 mi Doniphan, MO 2,220 pop · 28.0 mi Mountain View, MO 2,648 pop · 38.0 mi Poplar Bluff, MO 16,243 pop · 38.1 mi Thayer, MO 2,288 pop · 43.6 mi Ironton, MO 1,755 pop · 46.7 mi Corning, AR 3,169 pop · 46.8 mi West Plains, MO 12,341 pop · 49.9 mi Pocahontas, AR 7,475 pop · 50.7 mi Willow Springs, MO 2,015 pop · 52.7 mi Salem, MO 4,673 pop · 53.3 mi Fredericktown, MO 4,464 pop · 55.6 mi Houston, MO 2,407 pop · 56.6 mi

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