countyscore
61.5
County Score
Cost of Living 86.3Water Quality 86Safety 82.1

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.

2040608010024.286.382.163.441.937.466.48644Tax24.2Cost86.3Safety82.1Health63.4Schools41.9Income37.4Risk66.4Water86Weather4461.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Van Buren County DNA

Doverall

How Van Buren County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Van Buren County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (86.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (24.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.2-27.8
Cost
86.3+38.3
Safety
82.1+27.099999999999994
Health
63.4+13.399999999999999
Schools
41.9-12.100000000000001
Income
37.4-13.600000000000001
Risk
66.4+19.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
44-12
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Think property taxes are too high in Van Buren County?

Many homeowners in Van Buren County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$114,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$622/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$114,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,161/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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Nearby counties

Scotland County
Missouri
59.8
Clark County
Missouri
55.5
Jefferson County
Iowa
49.7
Henry County
Iowa
52
Davis County
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Lee County
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Wapello County
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Schuyler County
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56.7

Deep Dives

Van Buren County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 61.5 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 #26 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 $1,355, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Van Buren County a tax score of 24.2/100 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 $61,161 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Van Buren County earns an income score of 37.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Van Buren County, Iowa a good place to live?
Van Buren County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.