countyscore
68.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.4Property Tax 90.7Cost of Living 88.9

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.

2040608010090.788.986.421.561.321.197.43.573.7Tax90.7Cost88.9Safety86.4Health21.5Schools61.3Income21.1Risk97.4Water3.5Weather73.768.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Van Buren County DNA

C-overall

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

Van Buren County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (97.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (3.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
90.7+38.7
Cost
88.9+40.900000000000006
Safety
86.4+31.400000000000006
Health
21.5-28.5
Schools
61.3
Income
21.1-29.9
Risk
97.4+50.400000000000006
Water
3.5-54.5
Weather
73.7+17.700000000000003
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Whether buying or refinancing in Van Buren County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$159,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$700/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$159,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,931/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.9

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

Menifee County
Kentucky
Median income: $45,096
68.3
Big Stone County
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Median income: $70,400
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Perry County
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Hamilton County
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Median income: $65,746
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Howard County
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Median income: $67,446
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Osage County
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Median income: $76,681
68.2
LaMoure County
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Median income: $80,664
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Owsley County
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Median income: $22,188
68.4

Nearby counties

White County
Tennessee
58.1
Bledsoe County
Tennessee
60.3
Warren County
Tennessee
49.7
Sequatchie County
Tennessee
52.6
Cumberland County
Tennessee
51.8
DeKalb County
Tennessee
49.8
Putnam County
Tennessee
43.8
Grundy County
Tennessee
49.3

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 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

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

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 68.3 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 #2 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 $693, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Van Buren County a tax score of 90.7/100 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 $54,931 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Van Buren County earns an income score of 21.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Van Buren County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Van Buren County scores 68.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 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.
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.