Van Buren County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 90th-largest in Iowa
The population of Van Buren County, Iowa is 7,236 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 90th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $60,183, the median home value is $118,800, and the median age is 44.8.
The population of Van Buren County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (7,577 → 7,217), a -0.35% annualized rate.
7,236
Population
-0.35%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$60,183
Median Income
$118,800
Median Home Value
Van Buren County covers 485 sq mi of land at 14.9 people per square mile.
About Van Buren County, IA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Van Buren County: 83.1% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Van Buren County is a county in Iowa with a population of 7,236.
Median household income is $60,183, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $118,800, with typical rent around $686.
19.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. About 10.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Van Buren County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Van Buren County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Van Buren County had a population of 7,577 in 2010 and 7,217 in 2024, a -4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,577 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.34%.
7,217
Population (2024)
7,577
Population (2010)
7,577
Peak (2010)
-0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,577 |
| 2011 | 7,512 |
| 2012 | 7,449 |
| 2013 | 7,434 |
| 2014 | 7,390 |
| 2015 | 7,297 |
| 2016 | 7,243 |
| 2017 | 7,155 |
| 2018 | 7,008 |
| 2019 | 7,044 |
| 2020 | 7,218 |
| 2021 | 7,256 |
| 2022 | 7,250 |
| 2023 | 7,266 |
| 2024 | 7,217 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.8
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,183$-12,964 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,307 |
| Per-capita income | $31,538 |
| Poverty rate | 9.5%+2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Van Buren County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.7%
Carpool
73.3%
Public transit
10.7%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$118,800$-77,100 vs state
Median home value
$686
Median rent
83.1%
Homeownership rate
3,506
Total housing units
82.7%
Occupied
17.3%
Vacant
16.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.8%
With health insurance
84.2%
With broadband internet
24.9%
Foreign-born
9.4%
Veterans (18+)
18.0%
With a disability
89.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.3%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Van Buren County, Iowa has a population of 7,236 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 90th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Van Buren County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (7,577 → 7,217), a -0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Van Buren County, Iowa is $60,183, with mean (average) household income of $76,307 and per-capita income of $31,538. 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Van Buren County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.2%). 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, Iowa is 44.8 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Van Buren County is $118,800 and median monthly rent is $686. 83.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,506 total housing units, 17.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Van Buren County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Van Buren County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.