Van Buren
Tennessee

What stands out

If you had to describe Van Buren County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), life expectancy is in the bottom 2% of American counties (69.1 years), and violent crime is in the top 4% of American counties (5.1 per 1,000). Within Tennessee it ranks 2nd of 95 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Van Buren County, Tennessee. 6,182 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +141).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $44,730 a year, lower than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $39,600. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 76% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $243K, pricier than 53% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $592 a month. Property tax is 0.43% of home value, roughly $573 a year on that median home, lower than 93% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 96% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 69.1 years, shorter than 98% of American counties. There are 0 active physicians in the county, about 0.0 per 10,000 people; the nearest doctor is in another county. 12.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.69 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 76% of American counties. 81% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 64 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 63% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 58°F, highs near 68 and lows near 47, warmer than 59% of American counties. About 58 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 5 out of 100, safer than 95% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 301 Mbps down, faster than 95% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.