CountyScore

Van Buren County

Iowa · IA

#37 in Iowa
71.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Van Buren County, Iowa

Well above the national bar

Van Buren County scores 71.1 on the CountyScore index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top 42nd percentile nationally, demonstrating solid livability across multiple dimensions.

Leads Iowa's pack narrowly

At 71.1, Van Buren ranks above Iowa's state average of 69.3, positioning it in the upper tier of Iowa counties. The county's overall livability outpaces most of its peers across the state.

Affordability and health shine

Van Buren excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 85.7, backed by a median home value of just $118,800 and rental costs of only $686/month. Health outcomes are also strong at 72.1, and the county maintains a low effective tax rate of 1.201%, supporting financial stability.

Income growth lags behind

The county's Income Score of just 22.7 reflects a median household income of $60,183, well below state and national benchmarks. Addressing wage growth and economic opportunity would strengthen overall livability.

Perfect for budget-conscious families

Van Buren County suits families prioritizing affordability and stable, low-cost living over high incomes. It's an ideal landing spot for retirees, first-time homebuyers, and those seeking solid health services in a tax-friendly environment.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax68.5Cost85.7SafetyComing SoonHealth72.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.7Risk66.4WaterComing Soon
🏛68.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Van Buren County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Autauga County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $69,841
Lawrence County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $60,040
Limestone County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $83,534
Lowndes County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $35,160
North Slope Borough
Alaska
71.1
Median income: $86,313

Deep Dives

Van Buren County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Van Buren County

via HealthByCounty

Van Buren's Life Expectancy

At 77.5 years, Van Buren residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though about 2 years shorter than the Iowa state average of 77.7 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (18.1%) report poor or fair health, somewhat above the national trend toward better self-reported health outcomes.

Middle of the Pack in Iowa

Van Buren ranks in the middle tier of Iowa counties for life expectancy, sitting just below the state average. With an 8.3% uninsured rate, the county exceeds Iowa's 5.7% state average, indicating a larger population without health coverage.

Compared to Nearby Counties

Van Buren's 77.5-year life expectancy trails both Warren County (78.4 years) and Washington County (78.5 years) to the west. The county's primary care provider density of 83 per 100K is strong, matching or exceeding several neighboring counties.

Access and Uninsured Reality

One in 12 Van Buren residents (8.3%) lack health insurance—significantly higher than the state average—which can delay preventive care and increase emergency room visits. The county maintains 83 primary care providers per 100K residents, but only 41 mental health providers per 100K, suggesting potential gaps in behavioral health access.

Find Affordable Coverage Now

With 8.3% of residents uninsured, Van Buren County families should explore Iowa's health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov or contact local navigators for assistance. Medicaid expansion and subsidized plans may lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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