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City Report · AR

Van Buren

Pop. 23,763·31st most expensive in Arkansas·Van Buren rents are up 8.1% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,028/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.1%
Month-over-Month
+0.9%
vs US Median
-$934
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Van Buren · $1,028
More affordable than 97% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
20% of income
VERY AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,028/mo, rent takes about 20% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$41,000/yr
Local median income
$61,149/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Van Buren's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$700
1 BR
$700
2 BR
$920
3 BR
$1,250
4 BR+
$1,510
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$920/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,028 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$12,336/yr
At $1,028/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.1% YoY, +0.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Van Buren, AR is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
23,763
Median income
$61,149
Median age
36.5
Renters
34.4%
Age distribution
24.3%
23.8%
23.3%
17.4%
Under 1824.3%
18–3423.8%
35–5423.3%
55–6411.3%
65+17.4%
Gender
47.9%
52.1%
Male47.9%
Female52.1%
Race & ethnicity
72.8%
15.7%
White72.8%
Black2%
Hispanic15.7%
Asian2.6%
Other6.9%
Education (25+)
12.5%
36.5%
30.1%
20.9%
No HS diploma12.5%
HS diploma36.5%
Some college30.1%
Bachelor's+20.9%
Housing tenure
65.6%
34.4%
Owner65.6%
Renter34.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Van Buren, AR has changed in 5 years

Income
$51,561 → $61,149
up 18.6%
Population
23,213 → 23,763
up 2.4%
Renter share
37.7% → 34.4%
-3.3 pts
Bachelor's+
20.6% → 20.9%
+0.3 pts
Median age
35.1 → 36.5
+1.4 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in Van Buren, AR now reports about $61,149, up from $51,561 in 2021. The population has grown by 2.4% since 2021, moving from about 23,213 residents to roughly 23,763. Renters now make up 34.4% of households, compared with 37.7% five years ago.

Community

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View Van Buren rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Van Buren on your salary?

At $1,028/mo, how Van Buren rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Van Buren rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Van Buren. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Van Buren

About renting in Van Buren, AR

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Van Buren is $1,028/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $700/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $920/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $700/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,250/mo.

At 20% of local median household income ($61,149/yr), Van Buren ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Van Buren an affordable city for renters?

Van Buren is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,028/mo, rent takes approximately 20% of the local median household income ($61,149/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Van Buren falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Van Buren?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $41,000/year (~$20/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,028/mo in Van Buren. The local median household income is $61,149/yr, meaning the typical Van Buren household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Van Buren?

Rent in Van Buren has increased 8.1% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Van Buren rent compare to other cities in Arkansas?

Van Buren is one of the more affordable cities in Arkansas for rent, ranking #31 out of 36 tracked cities at $1,028/mo.

What percentage of Van Buren residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 34.4% of Van Buren households are renters, while 65.6% are owner-occupied. Van Buren leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Van Buren rent compare to the national average?

Van Buren's median rent of $1,028/mo is $934 (48%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Arkansas, it ranks #31 out of 36 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
20%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,028/mo, rent takes ~20% of Van Buren's median household income ($61,149/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Van Buren 20%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.9%
Run the Van Buren affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Van Buren, AR

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