Van Buren County, Michigan

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,824 km² (1,090 mi²). 1,582 km² (611 mi²) of it is land and 1,241 km² (479 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 43.97% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 76,263 people, 27,982 households, and 20,314 families residing in the county. The population density is 48/km² (125/mi²). There are 33,975 housing units at an average density of 21/km² (56/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 87.92% White, 5.25% African American, 0.92% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 3.43% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races. 7.39% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 27,982 households out of which 35.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% are married couples living together, 11.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% are non-families. 22.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.66 and the average family size is 3.10.

In the county the population is spread out with 28.10% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 28.10% from 25 to 44, 23.70% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 98.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $39,365, and the median income for a family is $45,824. Males have a median income of $35,317 versus $25,063 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,878. 11.10% of the population and 7.80% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 13.20% are under the age of 18 and 10.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Almena Township
• Antwerp Township
• Arlington Township
• Bangor Township
• Bangor
• Bloomingdale Township
• Bloomingdale
• Breedsville
• Columbia Township
• Covert Township
• Decatur Township
• Decatur
• Geneva Township
• Gobles
• Hamilton Township
• Hartford Township
• Hartford
• Keeler Township
• Lawrence Township
• Lawrence
• Lawton
• Mattawan
• Paw Paw Township
• Paw Paw
• Pine Grove Township
• Porter Township
• South Haven Charter Township
• Waverly Township