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

Total population
1,161
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$20,560/yr
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
515
-1.7% year-over-year change

Van Buren population

How many people live in Van Buren

Van Buren is home to 1,161 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.5% of Van Buren locals are male, and 54.5% are female.

Total population
1,161
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.5%
528
Female
54.5%
633
Value Percent YoY change
Male 528 45.5% 3.5%
Female 633 54.5% -0.5%
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 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 26.4% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15.3% of the population, while another 30.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
26.4%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
15.3%
45 to 64
30.5%
Over 65
16.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 307 26.4% 7.0%
15 to 24 128 11% 3.2%
25 to 44 178 15.3% -5.3%
45 to 64 354 30.5% -4.3%
Over 65 194 16.7% 9.6%
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, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 1.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,149 99% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12 1% 500.0%
Racial breakdown
White
97.9%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,137 97.9%
Black or African American 2 0.2%
Two or more races 22 1.9%

Households in Van Buren

A peek inside Van Buren households

Van Buren has 409 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 36.7% are families, while the remaining 63.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
409
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
259
Family households
150
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 259 63.3% 3.2%
Family households 150 36.7% -3.2%
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 515 units, with 59.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 10.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
515
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 305 59.2%
1 unit, attached 3 0.6%
2 units 87 16.9%
3 or 4 units 46 8.9%
5 to 9 units 10 1.9%
20 to 49 units 8 1.6%
Mobile home 56 10.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Van Buren

In Van Buren, the median construction year is 1974. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 19 3.7% -9.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 30 5.8% 130.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 162 31.5% -16.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 108 21% -14.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 58 11.3% 11.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 75 14.6% 29.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 38 7.4% -17.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 25 4.8% 66.7%
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 409 occupied housing units in Van Buren, 42.3% are owner-occupied, while 57.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
409
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
236
Owner occupied
173
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 236 57.7% 0.0%
Owner occupied 173 42.3% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
20.6%
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 $658 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $313.

Median housing costs per month
$658/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
$313/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 60.6% of the population in Van Buren went to high school, while 12.9% pursued college studies. Another 14.4% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 23 3% 15.0%
High school diploma 465 60.6% 1.8%
College diploma 99 12.9% 0.0%
Associate degree 111 14.4% -5.9%
Bachelor's degree 60 7.8% -16.7%
Graduate degree 10 1.3% 11.1%
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 $36,018 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $20,560, reflecting a +0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Van Buren
$36,018/year
9.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Van Buren
$20,560/year
0.6% 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 $34,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $12,014 overall. Overall, 55.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $34,500 9.6%
45 - 64 $12,014 N/A
Over 65 $19,609 18.0%
Above poverty level
614
Below poverty level
498
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 614 55.2% 2.3%
Below poverty level 498 44.8% -0.8%

Average renter income in Van Buren

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Van Buren, their median household income was $12,008 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$12,008
Rent-to-income ratio
31.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Van Buren

Workforce and job types in Van Buren

The job market in Van Buren is powered by 349 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14% run their own businesses, 59.6% are employed by private companies, and 26.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
349
6.1% year-over-year change
White collar
219
Blue collar
130
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 219 62.8% 3.8%
Blue collar 130 37.2% 10.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14%
Private companies
59.6%
Governmental workers
26.4%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 49 14% 390.0%
Private companies 208 59.6% -7.1%
Governmental workers 92 26.4% -3.2%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
-22.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Van Buren stands at 8.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Van Buren

How people get around in Van Buren

Commuting methods vary: 77.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 18% 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 270 77.4% -11.5%
Walk 63 18% 162.5%
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
63965 2,607 925 $37,697 $48,049

Explore more communities

FAQs about Van Buren demographics 

What is the total population of Van Buren?

Van Buren has a total population of 1,161 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Van Buren?

The gender ratio in Van Buren is as follows:
  • 45.5% males (528 residents)
  • 54.5% females (633 residents)

What is the median age in Van Buren?

The median age in Van Buren is 41.2.

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

The age distribution in Van Buren is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26.4% (307 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (128 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15.3% (178 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.5% (354 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.7% (194 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Van Buren?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Buren is as follows:
  • White: 97.9% (1,137 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.9% (22 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Van Buren.

How many housing units are there in Van Buren?

There are 515 housing units in Van Buren, reflecting a -1.7% 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 409 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Van Buren?

Van Buren has a median household income of $20,560, representing a +0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Van Buren?

The employment rate is 91.8% in Van Buren, with a workforce of 349 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.8% (219 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.2% (130 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14% (49 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.6% (208 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26.4% (92 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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