Van Buren, AR
Population 23,545 · Arkansas
About Van Buren, AR
Van Buren is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 23,545 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,420 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Van Buren features a median home value of $178,000, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Van Buren in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $820, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,514 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (5,492 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (3,289 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Van Buren shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Van Buren have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.8% of Van Buren residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.7% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 10.6% Asian residents, with 8.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Van Buren experiences an annual average temperature of 62.8°F with 56.7" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 94°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 37°F (December–January).
How Van Buren Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Van Buren, AR
Compared to national averages, Van Buren has a median household income of $59,420 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,000, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $820 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Van Buren's income is 14% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 42% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Van Buren, AR?
Van Buren offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $820/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,420) that falls below the national average. However, Van Buren’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Van Buren has a population of 23,545 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Van Buren with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Van Buren
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Searcy | 23,115 | $50,896 | $176,200 | Compare |
| West Memphis | 24,147 | $41,860 | $119,100 | Compare |
| Bryant | 21,125 | $83,219 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Cabot | 26,733 | $72,656 | $197,000 | Compare |
| Centerton | 20,212 | $112,920 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Maumelle | 19,286 | $92,466 | $276,900 | Compare |
| Siloam Springs | 18,096 | $65,725 | $205,000 | Compare |
| Russellville | 29,057 | $48,708 | $166,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Van Buren
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 53 | 59 | 62 | 71 | 81 | 90 | 93 | 94 | 87 | 72 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 36 | 39 | 43 | 50 | 62 | 69 | 73 | 74 | 67 | 54 | 43 | 38 |
| Rain " | 5.0 | 5.1 | 11.0 | 3.0 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 2.5 | 3.1 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Van Buren With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Van Buren
What is the population of Van Buren, AR?
The population of Van Buren, AR is 23,545 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Van Buren?
The median household income in Van Buren, AR is $59,420 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Van Buren?
The median home value in Van Buren, AR is $178,000, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Van Buren?
The median monthly rent in Van Buren, AR is $820, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Van Buren?
The unemployment rate in Van Buren, AR is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Van Buren, AR a good place to live?
Van Buren offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 23,545 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Van Buren, AR?
19.8% of residents in Van Buren aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Van Buren?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Van Buren, AR: median home value is $178,000 (27% below national), median rent is $820/month, and median household income is $59,420. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Van Buren?
The poverty rate in Van Buren, AR is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Van Buren, AR?
Van Buren's population is 4.7% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 10.6% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 8.0% of residents are foreign-born.