With about 23,545 residents, Van Buren is one of Arkansas's notable places. Van Buren was founded in 1831 and sits in Crawford County. The median age is 35.8 and the median household income is $59,420. Homes carry a median value of $178,000, and about 63% of residents own where they live. White residents make up the largest share of the population (71.3%). Around 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the typical commute runs about 19 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Housing
Property report
Median home value
$178,000
Median gross rent
$820/mo
Owner-occupied
62.5%
Median year built
1989
Households
8,781
Avg. household size
2.64
Area-level figures. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS (5-year). Parcel-level records coming next.
Education
Schools
Schools: Below average
Van Buren has 11 public schools — 6 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high.
Student proficiency · grade 8, 4 schools
Reading23%
Math23%
% of students at or above proficient on state assessments.
VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOLHighGrades 10–12
BUTTERFIELD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLMiddleGrades 6–8
NORTHRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOLMiddleGrades 6–8
J. J. IZARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLElementary
JAMES R. TATE ELEM. SCHOOLElementaryGrades -1–5
KING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLElementaryGrades -1–5
OLIVER SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLElementary
PARKVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOLElementary
RENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLElementary
RIVER VALLEY VIRTUAL ACADEMYOthercharter
VAN BUREN FRESHMAN ACADEMYGrades 9–9
Public schools + grade-8 proficiency. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES directory + EDFacts assessments), via Urban Institute.
Safety
Crime
violent crime9% below national
Van Buren350
Arkansas630
United States386
↓ 30% lower than 2019
2019–2023
property crime47% above national
Van Buren2,873
Arkansas2,278
United States1,952
↓ 9% lower than 2019
2019–2023
Rate per 100,000 residents/year, Van Buren Police Department, 2023. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS (Crime Data Explorer).
Environment
Environmental hazards
Toxic-release sites and regulated facilities in and around Van Buren.
Data source being added: U.S. EPA — Toxics Release Inventory (public). We show real, sourced figures only — never estimates.
Risk
Natural disaster risk
Relatively Low
Top hazards · Crawford County
Ice stormRelatively High
DroughtRelatively Moderate
Heat waveRelatively Moderate
LandslideRelatively Moderate
LightningRelatively Moderate
TornadoRelatively Moderate
County-level natural-hazard risk. Source: FEMA National Risk Index.
Context
Neighborhood info
Van Buren is in Crawford County — see county-wide risk, demographics, and registry.
Van Buren was founded in 1831 and sits in Crawford County. Elevation ~122 m.
Map of Van Buren
Van Buren, AR
Where Van Buren is
Historic places
16 on the National Register of Historic Places.
Van Buren Confederate MonumentBurns, Bob, HouseDrennen-Scott HouseBrown, Dr. Charles Fox, HouseMills, Henry Clay, HouseBryan HouseWilhauf HouseDunham, Joseph Starr, House
Source: Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and state registries. Public record. This information is provided for public awareness. Using it to harass, threaten, or discriminate against any registrant, or for any purpose prohibited by law, is illegal. Verify against the official registry record before relying on it.
Common questions
Van Buren — frequently asked
What is the population of Van Buren, Arkansas?
Van Buren has a population of about 23,545, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (5-year).
What is the average home value in Van Buren?
The median home value in Van Buren is $178,000, and the median gross rent is $820/month (U.S. Census ACS).
Is Van Buren safe? What is the crime rate?
Van Buren Police Department reported a violent-crime rate of about 350 per 100,000 residents in 2023 — lower than the U.S. rate of 386. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS.
What natural-disaster risks does Van Buren face?
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Crawford County as "Relatively Low" overall, with top hazards including ice storm, drought, heat wave.
How many schools are in Van Buren?
Van Buren has 11 public schools (6 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES.
How many registered sex offenders are in Van Buren?
Public registry data lists 8 registered sex offenders in or near Van Buren. This is neighborhood-safety information from the public state registry.