2023 Van Buren County, Arkansas Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Van Buren County, Arkansas, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Van Buren County, Arkansas Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following statistics highlight Van Buren County, Arkansas population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 15,936
- Median Age (Total)
- 49.6 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 46.7 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 52.0 years
Van Buren County, Arkansas Age Distribution Comparison with Arkansas 2023
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas age demographics with Arkansas to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 49.6 yrs | 39.1 yrs | +10.5 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.47% | 5.72% | -1.2pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 14.65% | 16.89% | -2.2pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 6.28% | 9.44% | -3.2pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 22.82% | 25.04% | -2.2pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 26.73% | 18.22% | +8.5pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 84.66 | 68.99 | +15.7 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 84.66
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 35.31 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 49.35 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Van Buren County, Arkansas
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Van Buren County, Arkansas are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 15.28
- Diversity Tier
- very low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas racial and ethnic demographics with Arkansas to understand regional diversity patterns.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Diversity
15.28
very lowArkansas Diversity
52.28
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 91.93% | 66.57% | +25.4pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 3.34% | 9.54% | -6.2pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.87% | 6.99% | -4.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.77% | 0.43% | +0.3pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 0.63% | 14.06% | -13.4pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.40% | 1.77% | -1.4pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.06% | 0.38% | -0.3pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.00% | 0.27% | -0.3pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 15.28 | 52.28 | -37.0 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Van Buren County, Arkansas, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $47,266 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 7,115
Income Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas household income with Arkansas to understand regional economic patterns.
Van Buren County, Arkansas
$47,266
Arkansas
$62,106
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 20.39% | 14.82% | +5.6pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 17.81% | 13.04% | +4.8pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 15.54% | 12.76% | +2.8pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 17.19% | 17.59% | -0.4pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 23.88% | 28.61% | -4.7pp |
| $150,000 or more | 5.19% | 13.18% | -8.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Arkansas.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Van Buren County, Arkansas, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $122,300
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 5,551 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas property values with Arkansas to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Van Buren County, Arkansas
$122,300
Arkansas
$215,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 6.88% | 5.20% | +1.7pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 11.17% | 4.12% | +7.0pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 20.70% | 12.09% | +8.6pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 38.44% | 24.69% | +13.7pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 20.21% | 43.52% | -23.3pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 2.59% | 9.71% | -7.1pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.00% | 0.67% | -0.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Arkansas.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Van Buren County, Arkansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 86.43%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 15.78%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 11,888
Education Level Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas educational attainment with Arkansas to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Van Buren County, Arkansas
15.78%
Bachelor's+ in Arkansas
27.12%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 13.57% | 10.71% | +2.9pp |
| HS Graduate | 44.10% | 33.13% | +11.0pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 26.55% | 29.04% | -2.5pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 10.47% | 17.12% | -6.7pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 5.31% | 10.00% | -4.7pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 86.43% | 89.29% | -2.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Arkansas.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Van Buren County, Arkansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 9.9%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 1,561
- Total Civilian Population
- 15,784
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas health insurance coverage with Arkansas to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Van Buren County, Arkansas
9.9%
Uninsured in Arkansas
9.4%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 5.4% | 4.5% | 7.3% | 8.0% |
| 18-34 years | 33.9% | 13.9% | 18.5% | 15.1% |
| 35-64 years | 16.5% | 10.1% | 11.8% | 9.9% |
| 65+ years | 1.0% | 0.9% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Van Buren County, Arkansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 98.8% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 71 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 189
Citizenship Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas citizenship and nativity with Arkansas to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Van Buren County, Arkansas
98.8%
Citizenship in Arkansas
96.2%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 98.1% | 93.4% | +4.7pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.0% | 0.1% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.2% | 0.7% | -0.5pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 0.4% | 2.0% | -1.6pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 1.2% | 3.8% | -2.6pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 98.8% | 96.2% | +2.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Arkansas.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Van Buren County, Arkansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 89.0%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.0%
- Work From Home Rate
- 6.1%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 5,530
Transportation Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas commuting patterns with Arkansas to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Van Buren County, Arkansas
89.0%
Drove in Arkansas
88.4%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 89.0% | 88.4% | +0.6pp |
| Public transportation | 0.0% | 0.3% | -0.3pp |
| Bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | -0.2pp |
| Walked | 1.3% | 1.1% | +0.2pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 3.6% | 1.4% | +2.2pp |
| Worked from home | 6.1% | 8.6% | -2.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Arkansas.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Van Buren County, Arkansas by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 5,590
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas employment patterns with Arkansas to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Van Buren County, Arkansas
5.8% (M) / 7.5% (F)
Government Employment in Arkansas
6.4% (M) / 9.3% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 40.3% F: 33.1% | M: 39.0% F: 30.5% | M: +1.3pp F: +2.6pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 1.0% F: 3.6% | M: 3.2% F: 5.3% | M: -2.2pp F: -1.7pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.8% F: 7.5% | M: 6.4% F: 9.3% | M: -0.6pp F: -1.8pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.7% F: 3.3% | M: 3.5% F: 2.7% | M: +0.2pp F: +0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Arkansas.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Van Buren County, Arkansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 1,299
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
516 veterans (39.7%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas veteran demographics with Arkansas to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Van Buren County, Arkansas
1,299
Total Veterans in Arkansas
176,468
- Van Buren County, Arkansas: Vietnam Era Only (39.7%)
- Arkansas: Vietnam Era Only (33.4%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 39.7% (516) | 33.4% (58,869) | +6.3pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 14.9% (194) | 15.6% (27,578) | -0.7pp |
| Gulf War Only | 11.8% (153) | 13.9% (24,531) | -2.1pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 9.5% (124) | 6.2% (10,967) | +3.3pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 8.2% (107) | 15.5% (27,326) | -7.3pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 7.5% (97) | 7.1% (12,602) | +0.4pp |
| Korean War Only | 5.6% (73) | 4.2% (7,478) | +1.4pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.6% (21) | 1.7% (3,026) | -0.1pp |
| WWII Only | 0.5% (7) | 0.7% (1,283) | -0.2pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.5% (6) | 0.2% (383) | +0.3pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.1% (1) | 0.8% (1,402) | -0.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Van Buren County, Arkansas Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following data categorizes families in Van Buren County, Arkansas by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 14.9% (706 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 42.8% (2,033 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 42.4% (2,015 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas poverty levels with Arkansas to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Van Buren County, Arkansas
14.9%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Arkansas
11.3%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 14.9% (706) | 11.3% (90,889) | +3.6pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 42.8% (2,033) | 35.9% (289,920) | +6.9pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 42.4% (2,015) | 52.8% (426,113) | -10.4pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 5.5% | 4.9% | +0.6pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 3.2% | 3.0% | +0.2pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 6.2% | 3.4% | +2.8pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 5.7% | 4.2% | +1.5pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 8.1% | 4.5% | +3.6pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 4.2% | 4.8% | -0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Arkansas.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Van Buren County, Arkansas SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Van Buren County, Arkansas
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Van Buren County, Arkansas, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 661 (9.29% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 287 (43.42% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 7,115
SNAP Participation Comparison with Arkansas
Compare Van Buren County, Arkansas SNAP participation with Arkansas to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Van Buren County, Arkansas
9.29%
661 householdsSNAP Participation in Arkansas
8.96%
111,766 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Van Buren County, Arkansas | Arkansas | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 12.71% (84) | 7.41% (49) | 15.42% (17,234) | 7.34% (8,205) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 8.93% (59) | 1.21% (8) | 4.18% (4,671) | 2.92% (3,258) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 16.49% (109) | 2.42% (16) | 22.11% (24,711) | 8.58% (9,595) |
| Nonfamily Households | 5.30% (35) | 45.54% (301) | 0.65% (732) | 38.80% (43,360) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 661 (9.29% of households) | 111,766 (8.96% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.