Median Income
$85,000
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$158,000
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
28/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Van Buren Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population647
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density2,311/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$85,000
Per Capita$30,288
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$7,323M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,000
Ownership97.6%
Zillow$323,623
Housing Units185
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent28/100K
Property798/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.8%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation768 ft (234 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute15 min
Broadband96.6%
EV Stations10
Libraries4
Is Van Buren a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Van Buren receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Van Buren offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Van Buren is $85,000, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Van Buren is $158,000, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x 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 28 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 798 per 100,000, 59% below the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Van Buren experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 23.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Van Buren has a population of 647 with a density of 2,311 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Van Buren vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Van Buren vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Van Buren is $85,000, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,288 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,259, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,961 business establishments, including 190 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Van Buren vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,000 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,288 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,259 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,179 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,961 |
| County GDP | $7,323M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 190 |
| Healthcare | 188 |
| Retail | 248 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,701 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Van Buren is $158,000, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,623, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 185 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,701 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,000 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,623 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.4% |
| Housing Units | 185 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,701 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.98% |
In Van Buren, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,914. The dentist ratio is 1:2,079. 77.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Van Buren vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,914 |
| Dentists | 1:2,079 |
| Mental Health | 1:432 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 188 |
Van Buren has a violent crime rate of 28 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 798 per 100,000, 59% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Van Buren receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Van Buren vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 28.5/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 797.7/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
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 (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.7 inches. The area receives 23.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 768 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 768 ft (234 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,311/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1387°N, 83.6494°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hancock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mansfield Lahm Regional (MFD)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
104 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
40 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
105 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
48 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
99 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
5 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
48 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
94 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
124 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
411 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 84 fatalities, 1,307 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
47 km |
7 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
13 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
23 km |
17 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
72 km |
4 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
82 km |
3 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
95 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
21 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
44 km |
4 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Van Buren has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.9").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,277 |
| Toddler | $1,147 |
| Preschool | $1,005 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
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 647 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 2,311 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Van Buren expensive to live in?
Van Buren is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $85,000, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,000 (44% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, 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 28 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 798 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 23.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Van Buren?
The job market in Van Buren is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,259. There are 1,961 business establishments in the area, including 190 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Van Buren?
The median home value in Van Buren is $158,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,623. The homeownership rate is 97.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,701.
How are the schools in Van Buren?
Schools in Van Buren score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Van Buren hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Van Buren?
The obesity rate in Van Buren is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,914.
What is transportation like in Van Buren?
The average commute in Van Buren is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Van Buren?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Buren is 92.9% White. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 5.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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