Van Buren County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Van Buren County, Arkansas is 15,936 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $47,266, the median home value is $122,300, and the median age is 49.6.
The population of Van Buren County has declined 6.7% since 2010 (17,306 → 16,152), a -0.49% annualized rate.
15,936
Population
-0.49%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$47,266
Median Income
$122,300
Median Home Value
Van Buren County covers 710 sq mi of land at 22.5 people per square mile.
About Van Buren County, AR
Age is the most distinctive thing about Van Buren County: a median age of 49.6, older than the national median. Van Buren County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 15,936. It ranks #48 among counties in Arkansas by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $47,266, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.9%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $122,300, with typical rent around $727.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 6.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Van Buren County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Van Buren County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Van Buren County had a population of 17,306 in 2010 and 16,152 in 2024, a -6.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,306 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.48%.
16,152
Population (2024)
17,306
Population (2010)
17,306
Peak (2010)
-0.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,306 |
| 2011 | 17,212 |
| 2012 | 17,166 |
| 2013 | 16,988 |
| 2014 | 16,911 |
| 2015 | 16,811 |
| 2016 | 16,682 |
| 2017 | 16,557 |
| 2018 | 16,580 |
| 2019 | 16,529 |
| 2020 | 15,797 |
| 2021 | 15,774 |
| 2022 | 16,114 |
| 2023 | 16,152 |
| 2024 | 16,152 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.6
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
26.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 26.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,266$-11,507 vs state |
| Mean household income | $60,906 |
| Per-capita income | $27,284 |
| Poverty rate | 14.9%+3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 41.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Van Buren County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
75.9%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
31.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$122,300$-53,000 vs state
Median home value
$727
Median rent
78.0%
Homeownership rate
9,724
Total housing units
73.2%
Occupied
26.8%
Vacant
22.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.1%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
37.9%
Foreign-born
10.1%
Veterans (18+)
26.2%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.4%
High School+
15.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Van Buren County, Arkansas has a population of 15,936 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Van Buren County has declined 6.7% since 2010 (17,306 → 16,152), a -0.49% annualized rate.
The median household income in Van Buren County, Arkansas is $47,266, with mean (average) household income of $60,906 and per-capita income of $27,284. 14.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Van Buren County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Van Buren County, Arkansas is 49.6 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Van Buren County is $122,300 and median monthly rent is $727. 78.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,724 total housing units, 26.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Van Buren County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Van Buren County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
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Statewide data for Arkansas
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Arkansas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.