Van Buren County Demographics

As of the latest census, Van Buren County, Arkansas, has a population of approximately 16,545. The racial composition is about 94.5% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.6% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.9% of two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race make up around 3.1% of the population. The median household income is roughly $34,578, and the poverty rate stands at approximately 19.7%. The county covers an area of 724 square miles, with a population density of around 23 people per square mile.

Van Buren County Housing

Van Buren County, AR, offers a median home value of approximately $98,000. The median rent is around $650 per month. The county's homeownership rate is about 75%, higher than the national average. Housing options include single-family homes, mobile homes, and some rental properties. The real estate market is generally affordable, with property taxes lower than the national average. Population density is around 22 people per square mile, allowing for spacious living conditions. Housing demand is moderate, influenced by the region's rural setting and natural attractions like the Ozark National Forest.

Elections in Van Buren County

For Van Buren County, AR elections, voters typically select candidates for various local, state, and national offices. As of the latest election cycle:

  1. County Judge: Dale James (Republican) vs. Samuel Gutierrez (Democrat)
  2. Sheriff: Scott Bradley (Republican, Incumbent) running unopposed.
  3. County Clerk: Barbara Jones (Republican, Incumbent) vs. Alice Smith (Independent)
  4. Local School Board Elections: Multiple candidates depending on the district.
  5. State Representatives: Includes contests for Districts 62, 63, and 64.

Turnout and detailed voting numbers fluctuate per election but generally fall between 40-60%. For exact figures, refer to the Van Buren County Election Commission or their official website.

How Educated in Van Buren County

Van Buren County in Arkansas has educational attainment levels that are generally lower than both state and national averages. As of recent data:

  1. High school diploma or equivalent: Approximately 84% of residents aged 25 and older have graduated from high school or achieved an equivalent level of education. This is slightly lower than the national average of 88% and the Arkansas state average of approximately 86.6%.

  2. Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 12% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This falls notably below the national average of about 32.1% and the Arkansas state average of around 23.3%.

These figures highlight a gap in higher education attainment in Van Buren County compared to broader averages.

Van Buren County Employment Rate

As of the most recent data, Van Buren County, AR, has an employment rate of approximately 52.3%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance (15.8%), retail trade (15.2%), and construction (11.1%).

In comparison, the U.S. national average employment rate is about 60%, with top industries being healthcare and social assistance (around 14.8%), retail trade (11%), and professional and business services (13.4%). Arkansas overall shares similar major industries, but the state has a slightly higher focus on manufacturing (about 13%), compared to Van Buren’s 7.4%.

These figures highlight Van Buren County's above-average participation in retail and construction compared to national data, but lower involvement in professional services and manufacturing relative to state and national levels. The healthcare sector aligns closely with both state and national averages.

Average Income in Van Buren County

As of the latest available data, Van Buren County, AR, had a median household income of approximately $34,000. This figure is considerably lower than both the national and Arkansas state averages. By comparison, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, and in Arkansas, it is approximately $47,600. This indicates that Van Buren County's median income is about 50% of the national average and roughly 71.4% of the state average.

Region Median Household Income
Van Buren County, AR $34,000
Arkansas (State) $47,600
United States $68,700

Van Buren County faces economic challenges, lagging behind broader state and national income levels.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Van Buren County Crime Rates

As of the latest data, Van Buren County in Arkansas has a crime rate of approximately 37.42 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. The crime rate includes various offenses ranging from property crimes to violent crimes. Here's the breakdown of different types of crimes:

Type of Crime Number of Incidents per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crimes 5.23
Property Crimes 32.19
Total Crime Rate 37.42

Violent crimes include offenses like robbery, assault, and homicide, whereas property crimes cover burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. It is important to monitor these rates closely for community safety and allocation of law enforcement resources.