Van Buren County, IA
7,256 residents · 485 sq mi · 15.0/sq mi · 100% rural
About Van Buren County
Van Buren County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census the population was 7,203, making it the state's tenth-least populous county. The county seat is Keosauqua, which contains the oldest continuously operational courthouse in Iowa, and second-oldest in the United States.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle characterized by a low population density of 15.0 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 51.1°F, with a growing season suitable for a variety of crops, supported by 38 inches of rainfall each year. However, residents should be prepared for winter lows of 15°F and summer highs of 85.6°F, which may limit certain agricultural practices during extreme weather conditions.
The county faces several natural hazards, with drought (FEMA rank 82) being a significant concern, alongside risks from lightning (81) and heat waves (74). Although the area has a lower violence percentile (27/100), indicating relative safety, the disaster percentile of 34 suggests a moderate level of risk. The median home price is $107,700, which may be appealing, but the effective property tax rate of 1.30% could impact long-term affordability for potential homesteaders.
This location may be well-suited for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the potential for self-sufficiency. Those comfortable with the risks of drought and other climate-related challenges may thrive here. However, urbanites or those needing robust infrastructure and services may find the limited broadband access (51% subscription) and the county's remoteness to be significant drawbacks.