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Van Buren County

TN · Pop. 6,293 · Rural County

90/100Homestead Score

Van Buren County, Tennessee covers 273 square miles with a population of 6,293 and a density of 23.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $149,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.4%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 178-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.3°F and average winter lows of 26.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.6 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Saint Thomas River Park Hospital, Llc is 16 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 90.7% of homes.

Property Tax: 0.4%
Growing Season: 178 days
Broadband: 90.7%
Density: 23.1/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.4% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $149,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 90.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • At 23.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.

Cons

  • The nearest hospital, Saint Thomas River Park Hospital, Llc, is 16 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

At a glance

Van Buren County, TN is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
90/100
Median home price
$149k
Property tax
0.4%
Growing season
178 days (zone 7a)
Annual rainfall
55.6"
Broadband
90.7%
Nearest hospital
Saint Thomas River Park Hospital, Llc, 16 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.4%
Median Household Income$60,281
Poverty Rate13.8%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$149K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7a
Growing Season178 days
Annual Rainfall55.6 inches
Avg Summer High83.3°F
Avg Winter Low26.7°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought3/10
Wildfire4/10
Tornado3/10
Flood1/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalSaint Thomas River Park Hospital, Llc (16 mi)
Emergency RoomNo
Healthcare Facilities0

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage90.7%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.6%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Van Buren County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Van Buren County?
Van Buren County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 178-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.3°F, and average winter lows of 26.7°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $149,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.4%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 90.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Saint Thomas River Park Hospital, Llc is 16 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Van Buren County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.