Van Buren County, MI Property Tax: $2,444/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Van Buren County is 1.29% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $189,900, that works out to about $2,450 per year, or $204 per month. Van Buren County is located in southwestern Michigan, and is home to approximately 75,681 residents.
About Van Buren County
Van Buren County covers approximately 607.8 square miles in Michigan. The county is home to about 75,681 residents living in roughly 37,243 housing units, of which 65.0% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $66,902, and the median home was built in 1977.
Van Buren County borders Lake County, Allegan County, Berrien County, Cass County, Kalamazoo County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Michigan
Property taxes in Michigan are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Michigan offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Van Buren County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Van Buren County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buren County, MI | 1.29% | $189,900 | $2,450 |
| Michigan state average | 1.17% | — | $2,222* |
| Lake County | 2.68% | $326,600 | $8,743 |
| Allegan County | 1.13% | $247,000 | $2,799 |
| Berrien County | 1.11% | $211,400 | $2,357 |
| Cass County | 0.96% | $205,200 | $1,972 |
| Kalamazoo County | 1.48% | $227,500 | $3,378 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Van Buren County's median home value of $189,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Van Buren County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Michigan?
At 1.29%, Van Buren County is higher than the Michigan state average of 1.17%. On a home at the county median of $189,900, that means about $2,450 per year — versus $2,222 at the state average rate, a difference of $228 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Van Buren County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Van Buren County?
For a home at the county median value of $189,900, the annual property tax in Van Buren County is approximately $2,450 — or about $204 per month. For a home worth $284,850, expect around $3,675 per year. For a $379,800 home, approximately $4,899 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Van Buren County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Van Buren County are handled by the Van Buren County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Van Buren County?
Michigan counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.29% shown here. Contact the Van Buren County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File