countyscore
60.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 82.1Cost of Living 79.8

County Report Card

About Van Buren County, Iowa

A Rural Gem Above the National Median

Van Buren County earns a composite score of 60.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life that outpaces many rural peers across the country. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment that balances affordability with essential services.

Outperforming the Iowa State Average

With a 60.5 composite score, the county comfortably beats the Iowa state average of 55.6. It stands as a competitive option in Southeast Iowa for those seeking a slower pace of life. The county provides better-than-average stability compared to neighboring jurisdictions.

Safety and Affordability Lead the Way

The county excels in safety with a score of 82.1 and water quality at 86.0. Housing is remarkably affordable, boasting a cost score of 79.8 and a median home value of just $118,800. These factors create a secure and financially accessible environment for residents.

Economic Growth and Tax Burdens

Lower scores in income at 39.6 and taxes at 25.6 represent the primary hurdles for the local economy. The effective tax rate of 1.201% and a median household income of $60,183 suggest room for wage growth. Schools also present an area for investment with a score of 41.9.

Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers

Van Buren County is a perfect match for those prioritizing safety and low housing costs over high-climbing career ladders. Retirees or remote workers will find the $686 median rent and high safety scores particularly attractive. It offers a secure, budget-friendly lifestyle in a quiet corner of the state.

2040608010025.679.882.163.441.939.666.48644Tax25.6Cost79.8Safety82.1Health63.4Schools41.9Income39.6Risk66.4Water86Weather4460.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Van Buren County DNA

Doverall

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

Van Buren County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (79.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (25.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.6-26.4
Cost
79.8+31.799999999999997
Safety
82.1+27.099999999999994
Health
63.4+13.399999999999999
Schools
41.9-12.100000000000001
Income
39.6-11.399999999999999
Risk
66.4+19.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
44-12
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$118,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$686/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$118,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,183/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

41.5

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

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Seward County
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Rio Arriba County
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Nearby counties

Scotland County
Missouri
60.6
Clark County
Missouri
55.1
Jefferson County
Iowa
48.4
Henry County
Iowa
52.5
Davis County
Iowa
56
Lee County
Iowa
42.8
Wapello County
Iowa
33.1
Schuyler County
Missouri
55.5

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's taxes run well below national average

At 1.201%, Van Buren County's effective tax rate sits in the bottom half nationally, roughly 47% lower than the nation's median of 1.91%. The county's median property tax of $1,427 is also significantly lighter than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a more favorable tax climate.

Among Iowa's lowest-taxing counties

Van Buren ranks as one of Iowa's most tax-friendly counties, with an effective rate of 1.201% compared to the state average of 1.344%. Its median property tax of $1,427 trails the state average of $2,160, putting homeowners here in the bottom tier statewide.

Lower taxes than most nearby counties

Van Buren's 1.201% rate edges out Wayne County (1.346%) and trails Washington County (1.347%), making it one of the region's best deals. Compared to Wapello County just north at 1.642%, Van Buren residents pay meaningfully less on their properties.

What you'll pay on a typical home

On Van Buren's median home value of $118,800, the typical property tax bill comes to $1,427 annually, or about $119 per month. Those with a mortgage typically pay $1,936 once you factor in escrow and insurance.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in tax-friendly Van Buren County, many homeowners are overassessed according to state assessment studies. If your home's taxable value seems too high compared to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an assessment appeal could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Van Buren County

via CostByCounty

Van Buren rents beat national affordability

Van Buren County residents spend 13.7% of household income on rent, well below the national average and better than Iowa's state average of 14.1%. At $686 monthly, rents here are $126 cheaper than the state median, offering genuine affordability compared to the national norm.

Among Iowa's most affordable counties

Van Buren ranks near the top of Iowa counties for rental affordability, with a 13.7% rent-to-income ratio that beats two-thirds of the state. This positions the county as a strong option for renters seeking Iowa value without sacrificing community quality.

Competitive with similar southeastern Iowa

Van Buren's $686 rent is $26 cheaper than neighboring Wayne County and $176 below Warren County, making it the rental bargain of its region. Homeownership costs are similarly modest at $689 monthly, appealing to both renters and buyers seeking modest housing expenses.

Housing takes modest slice of income

With a median household income of $60,183 and combined housing costs under $700 monthly for renters, Van Buren leaves families $4,300+ annually for other necessities. Homebuyers with median monthly costs of $689 enjoy similar breathing room, spending just 13.7% of income on shelter.

Consider Van Buren for Iowa value

If you're relocating to Iowa and prioritize affordability, Van Buren delivers competitive rents ($686) and entry-level home prices ($118,800) without the premium of faster-growing counties. The county's strong rent-to-income ratio suggests your paycheck stretches further here than in most of the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Van Buren County

via IncomeByCounty

Van Buren lags behind national income

Van Buren County's median household income of $60,183 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $14,500 per year. This 19.4% gap reflects broader rural income challenges across the Midwest. Nationally, Van Buren ranks among the lower-income counties, signaling economic headwinds for working families here.

Below average among Iowa counties

At $60,183, Van Buren falls notably short of Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 99 counties. The county's per capita income of $31,538 also lags Iowa's average of $37,136, suggesting weaker earning power across the board. This income gap mirrors similar structural challenges in Iowa's smaller, rural counties.

Van Buren among the toughest earners

Van Buren's $60,183 income falls between Wayne County ($59,118) and Wapello County ($60,034), placing it in a cluster of lower-income southeastern Iowa counties. By contrast, nearby Warren County averages $92,990—more than 50% higher—and Winneshiek County reaches $75,652. This stark regional divide highlights income inequality within Iowa's neighboring communities.

Rent eats 13.7% of household income

Van Buren's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating that renters here spend less of their income on housing than the national burden. However, with a median home value of $118,800 and a median household income of $60,183, buying remains challenging without significant down-payment assistance. The gap between earning power and home prices suggests mixed affordability conditions across tenure types.

Build financial resilience in Van Buren

With lower household incomes, Van Buren residents should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost investment vehicles like employer 401(k)s and Roth IRAs to compound wealth over time. Local financial counseling services and tax-advantaged savings programs can help families bridge the income gap and plan for retirement. Even modest, consistent investing now can significantly improve long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Van Buren County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Van Buren County

Van Buren County maintains a high safety score of 99.3, far exceeding the national average. Its total crime rate of 430.2 per 100,000 residents is roughly five times lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. This data indicates a remarkably secure environment compared to typical U.S. communities.

Outperforming the Iowa State Average

The county's safety score of 99.3 sits comfortably above the Iowa state average of 98.3. With a total crime rate of 430.2, Van Buren also reports significantly less activity than the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100,000 residents. It remains one of the quieter regions in the state.

Leading Nearby Counties in Public Safety

Van Buren County reports a crime rate of 430.2, which is lower than many of its regional neighbors. For instance, adjacent Wayne County shows a slightly higher rate of 462.7 per 100,000 people. This low rate is impressive, though it is based on data from a single reporting agency.

Focusing on Property over Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for the bulk of local incidents at 360.8 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains very low at 69.4. These figures are significantly lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8. Residents face much lower risks of physical harm than the national baseline.

Maintaining Security in Rural Communities

While rates are low, the high proportion of property-related incidents makes basic home security a smart investment. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and deadbolt locks can deter opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant helps maintain the county’s status as one of the safest in Iowa.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Van Buren County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Rural Education Infrastructure

Van Buren County operates three public schools within a single unified school district serving 867 students. The landscape consists of two elementary centers and one high school, providing a streamlined educational path for the local community.

Higher Spending with Room for Growth

The county invests $8,001 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $7,591 but remains well below the national mark of $13,000. While the school score of 52.5 is slightly above the national median, the 84% graduation rate trails both the state and national averages.

Van Buren County Community School District

The Van Buren County Community School District manages all education in the area, with no charter schools currently operating. This single-district model ensures that all 867 students share a consistent curriculum and resource pool.

Intimate Learning in a Rural Setting

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an average school size of 289 students. The Van Buren County Community Middle & High School is the largest campus with 369 students, while the Harmony Center is the smallest at 189 students.

Finding Your Home in Van Buren County

For families seeking a close-knit, rural environment, Van Buren County offers a high level of community connection. Exploring homes here means joining a single-district system where every student is part of the same local legacy.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Van Buren County

via RiskByCounty

Van Buren's risk sits well below U.S. average

With a composite risk score of 33.62 and a Very Low rating, Van Buren County faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the typical American county. The county's score sits 40% below the national average, meaning residents experience fewer severe weather events overall.

One of Iowa's safest counties

Van Buren ranks among Iowa's lowest-risk counties with a score of 33.62, well below the state average of 39.68. Only a handful of Iowa counties offer comparable natural disaster safety.

Safer than most neighbors

Van Buren's Very Low risk rating outperforms several neighboring counties, including Washington (44.18) and Wapello (65.33). Only Wayne County (22.01) presents a notably safer profile in the immediate region.

Tornadoes and wildfires are top concerns

Tornado risk scores 54.68 in Van Buren, making it the county's leading hazard threat, followed by wildfire risk at 52.16. Flood risk remains moderate at 40.84, typical for southeastern Iowa's river valleys.

Tornado and wind coverage matters most

While Van Buren's overall risk is low, homeowners should prioritize wind and hail insurance to protect against tornado damage. Standard homeowners policies often have tornado exclusions, so review your coverage and consider additional protection for severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Van Buren County

via WaterByCounty

Van Buren secures perfect drinking water grade

The county earns an A grade with zero health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents outperforms the Iowa average of 25.9 and the national benchmark.

Watershed health assessments still pending

Official federal records do not yet include Clean Water Act §303(d) assessments for this county's water bodies. Local watershed health remains unclassified in the current reporting cycle.

Massive data collection tracks chemical safety

Six monitoring sites have generated an impressive 16,087 measurements over the last five years. Scientists focus heavily on tracking organics, pesticides, and nutrients to safeguard the local ecosystem.

Des Moines River flow begins to dip

The primary USGS gauge at Keosauqua records 7,020 cfs, which is 76% of its long-term mean. This lower volume impacts the vast 14,038 square mile drainage area passing through the county.

Watch chemical levels during low flow

Because monitoring is concentrated on pesticides and river levels are below average, residents should be mindful of agricultural runoff. Low flows can lead to higher concentrations of monitored chemicals in surface water sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Van Buren County

via WeatherByCounty

Van Buren County's Humid Continental Climate

With an annual average temperature of 50.6°F, Van Buren County sits slightly below the national median. This humid continental region experiences distinct seasonal shifts typical of the American Midwest.

One of the Warmer Corners of Iowa

The county's average temperature of 50.6°F is significantly warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It also receives 39.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is over three inches more than the state norm.

Warmer and Wetter Than Its Northern Neighbors

Van Buren matches neighbor Wapello County's 50.7°F average but is notably warmer than Washington County's 49.3°F. It stands out in the region for its higher precipitation levels compared to nearby inland counties.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snowfall

Residents face 32 extreme heat days over 90°F annually, fueled by a July average of 75.2°F. Winter brings a more manageable 23.0 inches of snow, paired with a January average of 22.9°F.

Prepare for High Humidity and Summer Heat

High-efficiency air conditioning is essential here due to the high frequency of 90-degree days. Homeowners should also maintain gutters and drainage systems to handle the above-average 39.7 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Van Buren County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols and Silty Clay Loams in Van Buren

Van Buren County is dominated by Alfisols, which typically form under forest cover. The average pH of 6.11 is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for lime to optimize crop growth. This silty clay loam profile defines much of the local landscape's productive potential.

A Silty Mix with Moderate Clay

The soil contains a heavy 55.7% silt and 24.2% clay, which provides a dense, workable texture. With only 19.2% sand, this mixture retains nutrients well but requires careful management to avoid compaction. The high silt content ensures the ground remains fertile and holds its shape under cultivation.

Steady Moisture but Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 2.48%, falling significantly below the Iowa state average of 3.81%. However, the available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark of 0.195 in/in. This means the soil is excellent at holding onto water for plants, even if it lacks the high carbon content found elsewhere in the state.

Navigating Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group D

Classified as somewhat poorly drained, these soils belong to hydrologic group D, which indicates a high runoff potential when wet. This can lead to ponding in low spots, making drainage tile essential for large-scale farming. For home builders, this classification suggests a need for robust basement waterproofing and site grading.

Growing Success in Zone 5b

Positioned in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, this county is perfect for hardy perennials like asparagus and rhubarb. The silty clay loam supports heavy feeders such as corn and leafy greens if the pH is managed. Start your garden this spring with cold-hardy varieties to take advantage of the high water retention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Van Buren County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Lawn Care in Van Buren

Van Buren County earns a 77.0 lawn difficulty score, which is nearly on par with the Iowa state average of 77.2. In this USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, homeowners find maintaining a healthy lawn significantly easier than the national median score of 50.0.

High Rainfall and Summer Heat

The county receives 39.7 inches of annual precipitation, providing more natural irrigation than the state average of 36.1 inches. However, 32 extreme heat days per year—double the state average—require careful monitoring to prevent summer turf scorch.

Working with Silty Clay Loam

The soil pH of 6.11 is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption in cool-season grasses. Because the silty clay loam is somewhat poorly drained, routine aeration is essential to prevent water from pooling and suffocating roots.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, severe drought levels currently stand at 0.0%. After 14 weeks of drought over the last year, establishing deep-rooting grass varieties will help your lawn survive future dry stretches.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this climate. Aim to start your seeding projects shortly after the last spring frost on April 26 to take advantage of the 3356 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Van Buren County's county score?
Van Buren County, Iowa has a composite county score of 60.6 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 Iowa?
Van Buren County ranks #33 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Van Buren County is $1,427, with an effective tax rate of 1.20%. This earns Van Buren County a tax score of 25.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Van Buren County?
The median household income in Van Buren County, Iowa is $60,183 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Van Buren County earns an income score of 39.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Van Buren County, Iowa a good place to live?
Van Buren County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Iowa. 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.