Van Buren, MO
Population 1,146 · Missouri
About Van Buren, MO
Van Buren is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 1,146 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $20,441 per year, which is 73% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Van Buren features a median home value of $77,400, which is 68% 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 $369, 68% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 524 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (170 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (236 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Van Buren shows an unemployment rate of 10.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 45.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Van Buren have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.0% 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 0.3% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Van Buren Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Van Buren, MO
Compared to national averages, Van Buren has a median household income of $20,441 (73% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $77,400, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $369 is 68% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Van Buren's income is 67% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 49% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Van Buren, MO?
Van Buren offers affordable housing with a median home value of $77,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $369/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($20,441) 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 1,146 with a median age of 41.8 years. Compare Van Buren with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Van Buren
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Summit | 1,145 | $57,016 | $34,900 | Compare |
| Sturgeon | 1,143 | $66,500 | $139,300 | Compare |
| Edmundson | 1,153 | $51,141 | $92,200 | Compare |
| Oran | 1,137 | $57,404 | $130,200 | Compare |
| Bloomsdale | 1,123 | $98,807 | $209,400 | Compare |
| New London | 1,118 | $47,292 | $126,900 | Compare |
| Kissee Mills | 1,182 | $53,250 | $135,500 | Compare |
| Maysville | 1,106 | $48,125 | $137,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
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, MO?
The population of Van Buren, MO is 1,146 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Van Buren?
The median household income in Van Buren, MO is $20,441 per year, which is 73% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Van Buren?
The median home value in Van Buren, MO is $77,400, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Van Buren?
The median monthly rent in Van Buren, MO is $369, which is 68% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Van Buren?
The unemployment rate in Van Buren, MO is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Van Buren, MO a good place to live?
Van Buren offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,146 and a median age of 41.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Van Buren, MO?
11.0% 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, MO: median home value is $77,400 (68% below national), median rent is $369/month, and median household income is $20,441. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Van Buren?
The poverty rate in Van Buren, MO is 45.2%, 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, MO?
Van Buren's population is 0.3% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.