Median Income
$20,441
73% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,400
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
750/100K
97% 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
D
Median Income$20,441
Per Capita$13,541
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty28.4%
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,400
Rent$369
Ownership41.9%
Zillow$190,765
Housing Units495
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent750/100K
Property1,250/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault750/100K
Burglary250/100K
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
D
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 750 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 1,250 per 100,000, 36% below 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
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
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.
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 |
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% |
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. 41.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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
| Homeownership | 41.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.1% |
| 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 750 per 100,000 residents, 97% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 750.0 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 1,250 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 750, burglary at 250, vehicle theft at 250 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 | 750.0/100K |
| 97% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 750.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,250.0/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| Burglary | 250.0/100K |
| Theft | 750.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 250.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
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 |
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 |
| Nearest Airport | Poplar Bluff Regional Business (POF) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.0"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
220 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
126 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
116 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
58 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
121 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
57 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
56 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
31 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 |
4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
95 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jan 20, 2010 |
4 km WNW of Lynn, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Feb 6, 1993 |
6 km NNW of Catron, Missouri |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Jun 17, 2012 |
6 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
132 km |
| Sep 27, 2019 |
4 km WSW of Howardville, Missouri |
M3.3 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
382 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 fatalities, 637 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 24, 2002 |
EF4 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
77 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
15 km |
7 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2002 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 1984 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1973 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1970 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1970 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
19 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
9,641 |
23 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
20 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
17 km |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
19 km |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
42 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
19 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
24 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
18 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
38 km |
| 1999 |
STEGALL99 |
3,415 |
18 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
33 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
44 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF MOUNTAIN RX |
3,140 |
40 km |
| 1988 |
HANES 1 |
3,139 |
24 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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 750 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 1,250 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 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. The homeownership rate is 41.9%.
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.