countyscore
69
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.4Property Tax 93.9Safety 86.4

County Report Card

About Van Buren County, Tennessee

Elite National Standing

Van Buren County achieves a composite score of 69.0, placing it in the top tier of counties nationwide. This score is nearly 20 points higher than the national median of 50.0.

A Leader in Tennessee

With a 69.0 score, Van Buren vastly outperforms the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It stands as a premier example of high-value rural living within the state.

Safe, Secure, and Cheap

The county earns massive scores in risk (97.4), tax (93.9), and safety (86.4). Homeownership is also highly accessible, with a median home value of only $149,200 and a cost score of 84.9.

Critical Infrastructure Needs

Despite its many strengths, the county has a critical water score of 3.5 and a low health score of 21.5. These low ratings indicate that basic utility and healthcare infrastructure are the county's main weak points.

The Ultimate Budget Haven

Van Buren is the perfect fit for anyone seeking a safe, ultra-low-tax sanctuary with affordable land. It is an ideal spot for retirees or homesteaders who prioritize safety and low costs over urban services.

Score breakdown

Tax93.9Cost84.9Safety86.4Health21.5Schools61.3Income39.9Risk97.4Water3.5Weather73.7
🏛93.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤73.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

White County
Tennessee
57.9
Bledsoe County
Tennessee
60.4
Warren County
Tennessee
50.6
Sequatchie County
Tennessee
52
Cumberland County
Tennessee
51.2
DeKalb County
Tennessee
51.5
Putnam County
Tennessee
44
Grundy County
Tennessee
47.5

Deep Dives

Van Buren County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Van Buren County

via TaxByCounty

Van Buren County among lowest-taxed in nation

Van Buren County's effective rate of just 0.400% ranks among the lowest in the entire United States, sitting far below the national median of 0.711%. At $596 in median taxes on a home valued at $149,200, Van Buren County homeowners enjoy some of America's most affordable property tax bills.

Second-lowest taxes in Tennessee

Van Buren County's 0.400% rate ranks just above Union County's 0.387% as one of Tennessee's most tax-friendly jurisdictions, undercutting the state average of 0.511% by more than half. The median tax of $596 is the lowest in the state, reflecting both modest rates and lower home values.

Bottom-tier taxes across rural Tennessee

Van Buren County's 0.400% rate is only beaten by Union County's 0.387%, making it the second-most affordable county in this region. With the lowest median home value at $149,200 and minimal tax rates, Van Buren County stands as one of Tennessee's most economical places to own property.

Lowest median taxes in the state

A typical Van Buren County home valued at $149,200 generates an estimated annual tax of just $596. With a mortgage, expect around $717; without one, roughly $569—making Van Buren County one of the most affordable places in America to own a home from a tax perspective.

Verify assessments even in lowest-tax counties

Van Buren County's ultra-low tax burden doesn't guarantee accurate assessments; some homeowners may still be paying more than necessary on outdated valuations. Taking time to request a reassessment or file an appeal with the county assessor could yield modest but real savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Van Buren County

via CostByCounty

Van Buren's exceptional affordability

Van Buren County renters spend just 14.0% of their income on housing—the lowest ratio among these eight counties and well below the national 17.6% average. With a $705 median rent and $60,281 median income, Van Buren delivers the most aggressive rent relief in this group.

Tennessee's most affordable county

Van Buren County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in Tennessee among this analysis group, beating the state average of 17.6% by a substantial margin. This exceptional affordability stems from both low rents ($705) and a manageable relationship between housing costs and household earnings.

Van Buren leads in value

Van Buren County's $705 rent undercuts most peers, bested only by Unicoi County ($665) while beating Stewart County ($837) and Sullivan County ($850). Combined with the lowest median home value in this group ($149,200), Van Buren offers unmatched affordability for both renters and homebuyers.

Least burdensome housing ratio

Van Buren County households earning $60,281 spend just $705 on rent (14.0%) or $590 on mortgages (11.7%)—the lowest housing allocation of any county here. This leaves maximum income available for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.

Van Buren: best value in Tennessee

Van Buren County wins on affordability: the lowest rent burden (14.0%) and lowest home values ($149,200) among all eight counties analyzed. If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Van Buren delivers unmatched value compared to peers like Sumner (18.7%) and Sullivan (18.0%).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Van Buren County

via IncomeByCounty

Van Buren Below U.S. Income Average

Van Buren County's median household income of $60,281 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $14,474, a 19% gap. This reflects the economic realities of many rural Tennessee counties competing in a national economy.

Slightly Below Tennessee's Median

Van Buren County earns $1,287 less than Tennessee's state median of $58,994, placing it essentially at state average. The county represents typical economic conditions across Tennessee's rural regions.

Among Lowest Earners in Region

Van Buren County's $60,281 income ranks it near the bottom of its regional peer group, ahead of only Unicoi County ($50,381) and Sullivan County ($56,802). The county faces moderate economic challenges relative to neighboring areas.

Most Affordable Housing in the Region

Van Buren County boasts the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.0%, the best affordability metric among regional peers. With the lowest median home value at $149,200, homeownership is most accessible here for residents earning the median income.

Leverage Van Buren's Affordability

Van Buren County residents benefit from exceptionally low housing costs, creating opportunity to allocate income toward savings and investments. Residents earning the median should prioritize building emergency funds and exploring retirement savings options while costs remain favorable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Van Buren County

via CrimeByCounty

Van Buren County is exceptionally safe

Van Buren County earns a near-perfect safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 307.3 per 100,000 is only a small fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

One of Tennessee's safest counties

Van Buren’s safety score of 99.5 is far above the state average of 97.2. It boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Tennessee according to data from two reporting agencies.

Unrivaled safety in the region

With a crime rate of only 307.3, Van Buren is significantly safer than Stewart (743.3) and Unicoi (907.8). It is a clear regional leader in public safety metrics.

Crime is a rare occurrence

Violent crime is almost non-existent at 48.5 per 100,000, while property crime is also very low at 258.8. These numbers represent some of the best safety figures in the entire country.

Keeping Van Buren's record clean

Even in an exceptionally safe county, maintaining basic security awareness is important. Consistently locking doors and checking on neighbors helps sustain this high level of community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Van Buren County

via HealthByCounty

Van Buren's health significantly trails nation

At 70.4 years, Van Buren County residents live 2.2 years less than the U.S. average of 72.6 years, and 23.9% report poor or fair health—well above national norms. These metrics reflect serious chronic disease prevalence and underscore urgent need for prevention infrastructure.

Van Buren significantly underperforms state

Van Buren's 70.4-year life expectancy falls 2 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, and its 23.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds state patterns. With 11.1% uninsured, the county also faces coverage challenges, compounding barriers for a population with high disease burden.

Van Buren faces severe regional disparities

Van Buren's 70.4-year life expectancy is the second-lowest in its peer group (only Union is worse at 69.8 years), and 23.9% poor/fair health reflects substantial disease burden. Data on primary care providers is unavailable, limiting transparency on a key access metric in this underserved county.

Provider data limited; rural isolation acute

Van Buren County's primary care provider count is not available, though its rural location and low population density suggest limited local capacity. With 31 mental health providers per 100K and 11.1% uninsured, the county faces both access bottlenecks and affordability barriers in a community where nearly one in four report poor health.

Insurance opens doors to health care

One in nine Van Buren County residents lacks health insurance, and the county's poor health outcomes underscore the urgency of coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore affordable plans, then work with local providers or regional specialists to address chronic illness and improve health prospects.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Van Buren County

via SchoolsByCounty

One of Tennessee's Smallest School Systems

Van Buren County maintains an intimate educational environment with just 2 public schools serving 794 total students. The system is split simply between Spencer Elementary and Van Buren County High School.

High Investment and Academic Excellence

Van Buren County invests a notable $6,888 per pupil, significantly higher than the state average of $6,215. This investment yields a strong 95.0% graduation rate and a school score of 55.9, which is among the best in the region.

A Single Unified District

The Van Buren County district manages both of the county's schools and all 794 students. There are no charter schools, ensuring that all local resources are concentrated into these two central campuses.

True Rural Education

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's quiet, low-density character. Van Buren Co High School is the larger of the two with 400 students, while Spencer Elementary follows closely with 394.

Home Buying in Van Buren County

Van Buren County offers a unique opportunity for families to benefit from high per-pupil spending in a small-scale setting. Those looking for a home in a district with a 95.0% graduation rate will find this rural community very attractive.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Van Buren County

via RiskByCounty

Van Buren County is exceptionally safe

Van Buren County's composite risk score of just 2.67 ranks among the lowest in the entire United States, earning a Very Low rating. Your county enjoys extraordinary natural disaster protection compared to nearly all American communities.

Tennessee's safest county

At 2.67, Van Buren County scores 95% below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, securing the top safety ranking statewide. No Tennessee county faces lower natural disaster risk than yours.

Safest in the region by far

Van Buren County's 2.67 score is substantially lower than Trousdale County (6.11) and Union County (12.88), making it the undisputed safest in its area. Your isolated central Tennessee location provides exceptional protection from all major hazard types.

All hazards remain minimal

Wildfire risk (36.29) and earthquake risk (32.95) are your highest scores, but both remain quite low in absolute terms. Tornado (27.45), flood (7.54), and hurricane (18.61) risks are all exceptionally minimal.

Standard homeowners coverage sufficient

Your county's minimal risk profile means standard homeowners insurance with basic wind coverage provides robust protection. Maintain general home maintenance and clear gutters, but extensive disaster-specific preparations are unnecessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Van Buren County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Refreshingly Cool

Van Buren County’s annual average of 55.3°F is roughly three degrees cooler than the Tennessee state average. This climate profile offers a more temperate alternative to the typical Southern heat.

Below the State Temperature Average

While the state average is 58.1°F, Van Buren remains one of the cooler counties at 55.3°F. It sits near the bottom of the state’s temperature rankings due to its plateau geography.

Cooler Than Neighboring Warren County

Van Buren is notably cooler than adjacent Warren County, which averages 59.5°F. This difference of over four degrees makes a significant impact on local cooling costs and growing seasons.

Abundant Rain and Rare Heat

The county sees a heavy 59.0 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the state average of 55.9 inches. Heat is rare here, with only 11 days per year reaching 90°F.

Focus on Moisture and Drainage

With 59 inches of rain annually, homeowners should ensure proper basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance. The lack of extreme heat means outdoor spaces can be enjoyed comfortably for most of the summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Van Buren County

via SoilByCounty

Mystery Soils of Van Buren

Specific soil data including pH and taxonomic order are currently unavailable for Van Buren County. Local growers generally encounter the acidic conditions typical of the Cumberland Plateau, often needing lime to reach the national 6.5 target.

Texture and Workability Variations

Composition data for sand, silt, and clay is currently limited for this area. Based on regional patterns, expect a mix of sandstone-derived soils that may vary significantly in drainage and nutrient retention depending on your elevation.

Focusing on Soil Health

While specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, building soil health is essential here. Adding local compost will help compensate for any lack of natural fertility compared to the state average of 2.44% organic matter.

Evaluating Your Own Land

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded for this county. Careful observation of how water moves across your property after a storm is the best way to plan for successful building or farming.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 7b

Van Buren County sits in zone 7b, which is excellent for a variety of fruit trees and hardy vegetables. Don't let a lack of data stop you—start small and use local wisdom to unlock your land's potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Van Buren County

via LawnByCounty

Tennessee's Top Spot for Easy Lawns

Van Buren County is a gardener's dream, with a lawn difficulty score of 68.0—the highest in this group. This Zone 7b region is significantly easier to manage than the national average of 50.0. If you are looking for a lush lawn with minimal struggle, you are in the right place.

Ample Rain and Cool Summer Days

The county receives a generous 59.0 inches of rain per year, providing plenty of natural moisture for turf. With only 11 extreme heat days reaching 90°F, heat stress is almost non-existent compared to the state average of 36 days. This unique climate allows for a very healthy and green growing season.

Testing the Foundation of Your Lawn

Specific data for soil pH and texture is currently unavailable for Van Buren County. Because neighboring regions often have acidic soils, a local soil test is your most important first step. Understanding your soil's composition will help you maintain the high ease-of-growth score this county offers.

Monitoring Moisture During Dry Spells

The county experienced 12 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Despite the high 59.0-inch rainfall average, you should still practice water-wise habits like morning irrigation to prevent evaporation. Healthy, deep roots developed in this climate can withstand these temporary dry periods.

Optimal Planting in the Plateau

Tall fescue thrives in this cooler, wetter environment and is the recommended grass for local homeowners. Plan your projects between the last spring frost on April 21 and the first fall frost on October 19. Your favorable climate gives you a head start on a beautiful landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Van Buren County's county score?
Van Buren County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 69 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 Tennessee?
Van Buren County ranks #1 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Van Buren County is $596, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Van Buren County a tax score of 93.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Van Buren County?
The median household income in Van Buren County, Tennessee is $60,281 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Van Buren County earns an income score of 39.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Van Buren County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Van Buren County scores 69/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Tennessee. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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