Van Buren, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,357
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,883/yr
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,975
3.5% year-over-year change

Van Buren population

How many people live in Van Buren

Van Buren is home to 24,357 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Van Buren locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
24,357
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
12,179
Female
50%
12,178
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,179 50% 3.5%
Female 12,178 50% -1.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Van Buren is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 27.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
27.9%
Over 65
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,760 15.4% -1.8%
15 to 24 3,039 12.5% -4.4%
25 to 44 6,456 26.5% 4.7%
45 to 64 6,787 27.9% -2.4%
Over 65 4,315 17.7% 8.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Van Buren, 93.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.3% of locals are Caucasian, 21.8% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 22,756 93.4% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 936 3.8% 55.2%
Non-citizens 665 2.7% 14.3%
Racial breakdown
White
67.3%
Black or African American
21.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 16,391 67.3%
Black or African American 5,319 21.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 65 0.3%
Asian 620 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0%
Two or more races 1,697 7%
Other 257 1.1%

Households in Van Buren

A peek inside Van Buren households

Van Buren has 10,180 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.4% are families, while the remaining 38.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,180
3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,930
Family households
6,250
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,930 38.6% 5.4%
Family households 6,250 61.4% 3.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Van Buren

The housing landscape of Van Buren

Van Buren's housing consists of 10,975 units, with 56.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 11.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,975
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,192 56.4%
1 unit, attached 507 4.6%
2 units 75 0.7%
3 or 4 units 301 2.7%
5 to 9 units 738 6.7%
10 to 19 units 920 8.4%
20 to 49 units 606 5.5%
50 or more units 408 3.7%
Mobile home 1,219 11.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
64
236.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Van Buren

In Van Buren, the median construction year is 1970. About 6.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 734 6.7% 7.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 613 5.6% 13.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,282 11.7% 3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,186 10.8% 6.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,844 16.8% -8.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,182 10.8% 5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,544 14.1% -6.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,006 18.3% 14.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 520 4.7% 11.6%
Built in 2020 or later 64 0.6% 236.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Van Buren occupancy rates

Out of the 10,180 occupied housing units in Van Buren, 67.7% are owner-occupied, while 32.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,180
3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,291
Owner occupied
6,889
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,291 32.3% 3.7%
Owner occupied 6,889 67.7% 4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
7.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Van Buren housing costs

Housing costs in Van Buren come to a median of $1,131 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,091.

Median housing costs per month
$1,131/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Van Buren
$1,091/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Van Buren

Van Buren education at a glance

About 38.6% of the population in Van Buren went to high school, while 24.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 17.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 374 1.9% -16.0%
High school diploma 7,663 38.6% 1.4%
College diploma 4,876 24.5% -1.9%
Associate degree 1,725 8.7% 4.5%
Bachelor's degree 3,484 17.5% 8.9%
Graduate degree 1,756 8.8% 8.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Van Buren

How much people earn in Van Buren

The average annual household income in Van Buren was $95,926 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,883, reflecting a +5.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Van Buren
$95,926/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Van Buren
$67,883/year
5.5% year-over-year change

Van Buren income by age

In Van Buren, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,853. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,146 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,366, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,054 in earnings. Overall, 88.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,366 6.5%
25 - 44 $70,853 8.0%
45 - 64 $89,146 4.5%
Over 65 $54,054 2.8%
Above poverty level
21,342
Below poverty level
2,656
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,342 88.9% 1.6%
Below poverty level 2,656 11.1% 0.0%

Employment in Van Buren

Workforce and job types in Van Buren

71.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 71.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
8,983
Blue collar
3,504
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,983 71.9% 2.6%
Blue collar 3,504 28.1% -3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
71.3%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 626 5% 15.3%
Private companies 8,900 71.3% -1.4%
Governmental workers 1,806 14.5% 14.0%
Not for profit companies 1,155 9.2% -5.1%

Transportation in Van Buren

How people get around in Van Buren

Commuting methods vary: 98.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,362 98.8% -0.9%
Taxicab 41 0.4% 13.9%
Bus or trolleybus 31 0.3% -3.1%
Bicycle 8 0.1% 14.3%
Walk 50 0.5% -15.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Van Buren by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48184 17,348 7,212 $59,171 $71,282
48111 44,709 18,697 $76,595 $98,610

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FAQs about Van Buren demographics 

What is the total population of Van Buren?

Van Buren has a total population of 24,357 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Van Buren?

The gender ratio in Van Buren is as follows:
  • 50% males (12,179 residents)
  • 50% females (12,178 residents)

What is the median age in Van Buren?

The median age in Van Buren is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Van Buren?

The age distribution in Van Buren is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (3,760 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (3,039 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (6,456 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.9% (6,787 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.7% (4,315 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Van Buren?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Buren is as follows:
  • White: 67.3% (16,391 residents)
  • Black or African American: 21.8% (5,319 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (65 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (620 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (1,697 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (257 residents)

What percentage of the population in Van Buren are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.4% of the population in Van Buren.

How many housing units are there in Van Buren?

There are 10,975 housing units in Van Buren, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Van Buren and what is the average household size?

Van Buren has a total of 10,180 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Van Buren?

Van Buren has a median household income of $67,883, representing a +5.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Van Buren?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.9% (8,983 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.1% (3,504 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (626 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.3% (8,900 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (1,806 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (1,155 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025