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
Van Buren County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 15,936. It ranks #48 among counties in Arkansas by population. The median age is 49.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Van Buren County is $47,266, below the US median of $74,580. 14.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $122,300, with monthly rent averaging $727. The homeownership rate of 78.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Van Buren County reflects 15.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.8 minutes each way.
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.