Van Buren, ME
Population 1,614 · Maine
About Van Buren, ME
Van Buren is a small town located in Maine with a population of 1,614 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,200 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Van Buren features a median home value of $90,200, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Van Buren one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $596, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,005 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (456 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (254 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 0.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 24.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Van Buren have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.3% 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 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 12.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Van Buren Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Van Buren, ME
Compared to national averages, Van Buren has a median household income of $35,200 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,200, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $596 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Van Buren's income is 46% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 64% below the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Van Buren, ME?
Van Buren offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $596/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,200) 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 1,614 with a median age of 57.1 years. Compare Van Buren with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Van Buren
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Fairfield | 1,632 | $46,654 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Fryeburg | 1,665 | $61,944 | $268,100 | Compare |
| Bridgton | 1,666 | $58,992 | $239,200 | Compare |
| East Millinocket | 1,545 | $44,306 | $73,900 | Compare |
| Freeport | 1,544 | $48,352 | $344,100 | Compare |
| Steep Falls | 1,720 | $68,125 | $241,000 | Compare |
| Waldoboro | 1,487 | $66,290 | $277,200 | Compare |
| Randolph | 1,479 | $52,917 | $157,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maine
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, ME?
The population of Van Buren, ME is 1,614 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Maine.
What is the median household income in Van Buren?
The median household income in Van Buren, ME is $35,200 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Van Buren?
The median home value in Van Buren, ME is $90,200, which is 63% 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, ME is $596, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Van Buren?
The unemployment rate in Van Buren, ME is 0.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Van Buren, ME a good place to live?
Van Buren offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,614 and a median age of 57.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Van Buren, ME?
9.3% 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, ME: median home value is $90,200 (63% below national), median rent is $596/month, and median household income is $35,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Van Buren?
The poverty rate in Van Buren, ME is 24.7%, 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, ME?
Van Buren's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 12.9% of residents are foreign-born.