countyscore
56.7
County Score
Property Tax 89.8Cost of Living 83.5Weather & Climate 58.9

County Report Card

About Van Buren County, Arkansas

Van Buren County meets national livability threshold

Van Buren County's composite score of 56.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 13%, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates solid overall livability.

Above Arkansas state average

Van Buren County scores 56.7 against Arkansas's state average of 47.9, ranking it firmly in the state's better-performing counties. The county outperforms most Arkansas peers.

Taxes and affordability lead strong profile

Van Buren County delivers a tax score of 89.8 (effective rate 0.460%) and cost score of 83.5, with median rents at $727/month and homes at $122,300. Schools also perform well at 55.4.

Income and health need attention

Van Buren County's income score of 9.8 reflects a median household income of $47,266, limiting economic opportunity. Health outcomes at 28.8 suggest room for improved medical services and health promotion.

Strong fit for tax-conscious, school-minded families

Van Buren County appeals to families seeking low taxes, affordable housing, and decent schools on a modest income. The balanced profile makes it suitable for middle-class families prioritizing financial stability and education.

2040608010089.883.544.428.855.49.849.425.258.9Tax89.8Cost83.5Safety44.4Health28.8Schools55.4Income9.8Risk49.4Water25.2Weather58.956.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Van Buren County DNA

Foverall

How Van Buren County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Van Buren County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (89.8/100) but notably weak in Income (9.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.8+37.8
Cost
83.5+35.5
Safety
44.4-10.600000000000001
Health
28.8-21.2
Schools
55.4
Income
9.8-41.2
Risk
49.4
Water
25.2-32.8
Weather
58.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$122,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$727/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,266/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Floyd County
Iowa
Median income: $64,500
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Ohio County
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Pike County
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Todd County
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Tippah County
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Cooper County
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Carroll County
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Median income: $64,675
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Nearby counties

Searcy County
Arkansas
64.2
Conway County
Arkansas
49.5
Stone County
Arkansas
57.5
Pope County
Arkansas
44.9
Cleburne County
Arkansas
48.2
Faulkner County
Arkansas
40
Baxter County
Arkansas
44.5
Izard County
Arkansas
56.4

Deep Dives

Van Buren County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Van Buren County

via TaxByCounty

Van Buren County taxes well below US average

Van Buren County's 0.460% effective tax rate ranks in the lowest 20% nationally, well below the 0.86% national median. The median property tax of $562 represents just 21% of the national median, making this one of America's most affordable places for property ownership.

Below Arkansas average rate

Van Buren County's 0.460% effective rate falls below Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. Its median property tax of $562 sits below the state median of $705.

Second-lowest tax rate in region

Van Buren County's 0.460% rate ranks second-lowest in this eight-county comparison, trailing only Stone County's 0.353%. Its $562 median tax beats most regional peers, offering strong affordability despite a median home value of $122,300.

Expected annual tax on median home

A typical Van Buren County homeowner with a $122,300 property pays approximately $562 annually in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically pay around $636, while non-mortgage owners pay closer to $527.

Reassess your property value regularly

Van Buren County's low rates make it easy to overlook assessment accuracy, but overassessments still occur. Contact your assessor to verify your $122,300 property value is current—even small corrections compound into meaningful savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Van Buren County

via CostByCounty

Van Buren near the national line

Van Buren County renters spend 18.5% of income on housing, just 0.4 points above the national average of 18.1%. With a median income of $47,266—37% below the national figure—residents manage this slight premium through a lower-cost rural economy.

Slight premium to state average

Van Buren County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds the Arkansas average of 18.1%, placing it among the more affordable counties. Its $727 rent tracks close to the state median, offering accessible housing.

Middle of the pack on costs

Van Buren County's $727 rent sits mid-range between cheaper counties like Sharp ($648) and pricier ones like Union ($825). Income at $47,266 is also middle-ground, creating balanced affordability comparable to Sevier County.

Ownership beats rent significantly

Homeowners in Van Buren County pay $577 monthly, $150 less than renters, making ownership a strong value. The median home value of $122,300 offers reasonable entry to homeownership for those saving down payments.

Van Buren offers balance

Van Buren County delivers solid middle-ground affordability with rent-to-income at 18.5%, near national norms. Consider it if you want moderate housing costs and moderate incomes, or prioritize homeownership to unlock $150 monthly savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Van Buren County

via IncomeByCounty

Van Buren County below national median

Van Buren County's median household income of $47,266 trails the national median of $74,755 by over $27,000, or 37 percent. The county faces substantial income headwinds relative to national economic benchmarks.

Trailing Arkansas average income

At $47,266, Van Buren County's median household income falls approximately $3,890 below Arkansas's state average of $51,156. The county represents a below-average performer within the state's economic landscape.

Lower income than major neighbor

Van Buren County households earn roughly $9,200 less than Sebastian County ($56,450) but about $5,200 more than Sharp County ($42,950). The county's proximity to Fort Smith offers some economic support but doesn't fully close the income gap.

Housing costs reasonable

Van Buren County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5 percent indicates manageable housing affordability, positioning the county favorably within its region. At a median home value of $122,300, homeownership remains within reach for typical households.

Capture regional opportunities

Van Buren County's proximity to Fort Smith creates employment and career advancement opportunities; residents should actively pursue higher-wage positions in neighboring areas. Combine stable local housing costs with targeted upskilling to maximize wealth-building potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Van Buren County

via CrimeByCounty

Secure Living in Van Buren

Van Buren County is safer than the typical U.S. county, with a safety score of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1,245.2 per 100K is nearly half the national average.

Above the Arkansas Safety Norm

The county ranks above the Arkansas safety average of 96.3. Local crime rates are approximately 46% lower than the state-wide average of 2,326.8.

Top Safety in North-Central Arkansas

Van Buren is safer than neighboring Stone County, which has a slightly lower safety score of 97.8. It remains a very secure pocket within the region.

Property Disputes Most Common

Property crimes account for 1,037.7 incidents per 100K, while violent crimes are low at 207.5. Most police activity in the county involves theft or property disputes.

Community Awareness is Key

Residents should participate in local crime watch programs to maintain these high scores. Staying connected with neighbors is the best way to preserve this secure environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Van Buren County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schools in a Rural Landscape

Van Buren County supports 2,199 students across seven public schools and three districts. The county’s educational infrastructure includes three elementary, one middle, and three high schools. This ensures that even in a sparsely populated area, students have access to dedicated facilities for every grade level.

Top-Tier Graduation and Scoring Rates

The county achieves an impressive 92.5% graduation rate, well above both state and national averages. A high per-pupil expenditure of $7,008 supports these results, contributing to a school score of 54.9 which is significantly higher than the Arkansas average of 51.9. These metrics suggest a system that is well-funded and high-achieving.

Clinton District Anchors Local Education

The Clinton School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,338 students through three schools. South Side and Shirley school districts also provide essential local services for their respective communities. No charter schools operate in Van Buren County, maintaining a focus on traditional public education.

Entirely Rural with Intimate Classrooms

All seven schools in the county are located in rural locales, offering a peaceful, nature-focused setting for students. The average school size is 314 students, with Cowsert Elementary being the largest at 613 students. This environment is ideal for families who prefer smaller schools where teachers and students are closely connected.

Peaceful Living with High Academic Standards

Van Buren County is a hidden gem for families who want a rural lifestyle without compromising on school quality. The high graduation rates and strong school scores make any area in the county a safe bet for educational success. Explore homes in the Clinton area for the best access to the county's largest school facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Van Buren County

via RiskByCounty

Van Buren County has low disaster risk

Van Buren County's composite risk score of 50.57 sits below the national average, classifying it as relatively low-risk. The county experiences modest natural disaster exposure compared to most American counties. This favorable positioning reflects a balanced hazard profile with no exceptionally severe vulnerabilities.

Below-average risk within Arkansas

Van Buren County scores 50.57, clearly below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the state's safest counties. The county ranks favorably for overall disaster risk compared to most Arkansas areas. This positioning reflects reduced composite hazard exposure relative to state trends.

Among the safest nearby counties

Van Buren County's score of 50.57 is competitive with Stone County (49.87) and substantially lower than Sebastian County (86.80). The county experiences notably lower tornado and earthquake risks than immediately adjacent areas to the east. Its geographic location in the northwestern Ozarks contributes to this comparative safety advantage.

Tornadoes and wildfires require monitoring

Tornado risk in Van Buren County scores 82.70, creating the primary severe weather threat despite being below-average nationally. Wildfire risk reaches 75.19, creating secondary exposure during dry periods, particularly in forested portions of the county. Earthquake risk of 76.88 is moderate but warrants structural awareness.

Standard coverage handles primary hazards

Van Buren County homeowners should maintain insurance with adequate windstorm and hail coverage for the 82.70 tornado risk—typically included in standard policies. Wildfire insurance or endorsements are worth considering if your property borders forested areas, given the 75.19 wildfire score. A basic tornado safety plan and weather alert subscription will adequately address the county's main disaster risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Van Buren County

via WaterByCounty

Failing Grade for Drinking Water Systems

Van Buren County earns a Grade F for drinking water with 12 health violations over the last five years. Despite the low grade, its violation rate of 89.2 per 100K remains better than the Arkansas average of 172.5. The presence of health-based violations indicates that some public water systems are failing federal safety thresholds.

Low Impairment Rate in Local Waterways

Only 7.6% of the 513 assessed water bodies in Van Buren County are impaired, which is less than half the state average. The primary stressors identified in the 2022 reporting cycle are turbidity and E. Coli. Most of the county's extensive water network currently meets Clean Water Act standards.

Over 7,000 Monitoring Records Logged

Thirteen monitoring sites track the county's water, providing 7,392 measurements over the last five years. Data collection primarily targets inorganics, minor minerals, and nutrient levels. This consistent monitoring provides the evidence needed to track the E. Coli issues identified in assessments.

Little Red River Running Very Low

The Middle Fork of the Little Red River at Shirley is currently discharging 66 cubic feet per second. This is just 14% of its typical flow compared to the long-term mean of 477 cfs. Low water levels can affect both the temperature and the bacterial concentration of the river.

Monitor Tap Health and River Safety

Because E. Coli is a known impairment, avoid swimming in local rivers when flows are this low and water is stagnant. You should also pay close attention to any boil water notices or health advisories from your local utility. The Grade F status suggests that your drinking water system requires closer public oversight.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Van Buren County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the State's Wettest Counties

Van Buren County averages 53.6 inches of rain annually, which is notably higher than the national median and the state average. While specific temperature data is limited, the rainfall suggests a lush, humid environment.

Surpassing State Rainfall Benchmarks

The county receives 1.2 inches more precipitation than the Arkansas state average of 52.4 inches. This high volume of rainfall is a primary feature of the local climate.

Moderate Snowfall for the Region

Van Buren County sees 2.8 inches of snow per year, which is less than northern Stone County but more than White County. This places it in a transitional weather zone within the state.

Rainy Days and Light Snow

With 53.6 inches of precipitation and only 2.8 inches of snow, most moisture falls as rain. The climate is characterized by significant year-round wetness rather than frozen winters.

Focus on Moisture Control

Due to high annual precipitation, residents should prioritize roof maintenance and basement waterproofing. The light snowfall of 2.8 inches means heavy winter equipment is rarely necessary.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Van Buren County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisol Loams of Central Arkansas

Van Buren County features Ultisols with a loam texture and a pH of 5.35. This is more acidic than the state average and nearly 1.2 points lower than the national median, indicating highly leached soil conditions.

Predominantly Sandy Textures for Easy Work

With 58.1% sand, this soil is exceptionally easy to till and offers great aeration for root development. The mix is rounded out by 28.6% silt and a low 13.3% clay content, preventing the soil from becoming heavy or waterlogged.

Moderate Water Capacity and Low Organic Matter

The organic matter level of 1.75% is less than half of the state average, requiring gardeners to add compost for better yields. Available water capacity is 0.128 in/in, which is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.148 in/in.

Moderately Well Drained for Versatile Use

The county's soils are moderately well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This combination suggests that while the soil works well for many uses, it transmits water slowly and can be prone to runoff.

Diverse Potential in Hardiness Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b supports various crops from berries to hardy greens, especially in these lighter, sandy loams. Adding mulch will help conserve the county's limited water capacity and boost the naturally low organic levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Van Buren County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Tough Turf in Van Buren County

Van Buren County has a lawn difficulty score of 32.8, making it more challenging than the average Arkansas county. This score falls well below the national median of 50.0, highlighting the regional pressures. Gardeners in Zone 7b must focus on drainage and soil chemistry.

High Rainfall and Moisture Management

The county receives 53.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the ideal 50-inch threshold. While specific heat data is not available, this level of rain requires a focus on drainage to prevent root rot. Proper aeration is essential to keep the soil from becoming compacted and waterlogged.

Amending Sandy Loam Soil

The soil is very sandy at 58.1%, which facilitates drainage but can lead to a loss of nutrients. At a pH of 5.35, the soil is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. Adding organic matter and lime will help improve both the nutrient-holding capacity and the pH balance.

Coping with Extreme Drought Conditions

Current conditions show 100% of the county is in severe drought (D2+), and the area saw 29 weeks of drought last year. Despite the high annual rainfall, these seasonal dry spells are intense and require careful water management. Focus your watering on the most critical areas to conserve resources.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

Zoysia and improved Bermudagrass varieties are great choices for this climate and soil type. While specific frost dates are not provided, late April is generally a safe time to begin spring seeding or sodding. Consistent care and soil amendments are the keys to overcoming the local difficulty score.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Van Buren County's county score?
Van Buren County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 56.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Van Buren County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Van Buren County ranks #10 among all counties in Arkansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Van Buren County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Van Buren County is $562, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Van Buren County a tax score of 89.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Van Buren County?
The median household income in Van Buren County, Arkansas is $47,266 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Van Buren County earns an income score of 9.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Van Buren County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Van Buren County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Van Buren County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Van Buren County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.