Living in Van Buren County
Whether you're thinking about making the move to Cass or Van Buren counties, you'll have many great things to look forward to.
Sitting just over two hours from Chicago, just over an hour to Grand Rapids, and only an hour to South Bend - Van Buren County offers the best of both worlds: small town living near big city amenities. With more than three airports less than an hour away, returning home after traveling the world is easy. It is also considered part of the Kalamazoo-Portage metropolitan area.​
Fast Facts About Van Buren County
Manufacturing is key to
Van Buren County’s economy, employing over 3,600 workers
and accounting for over $400 million
in economic production
Van Buren County is home to 838 farms and nearly 2,100 workers are employed in its agricultural industry, a figure 609% greater than the national average for an area of its size.
Van Buren ranks second out of Michigan’s 83 counties in total grape acreage, while its wineries employ nearly 200 workers and accounted for nearly $30 million in total sales in 2024
The “Scientific Research and Development Services” industry group has a large footprint in Van Buren County, accounting for nearly 2,000 jobs and an estimated $219 million in economic activity.
There are 43 postsecondary credential- and/or degree-granting postsecondary institutions located within 60 miles of Van Buren County, including research schools such as the University of Notre Dame and Western Michigan University.
Van Buren County is home to the South Haven campus of Lake Michigan College, a public community college which offers 50+ associate degree programs, 30+ certificate programs, apprenticeships, and specialized training
The population of Van Buren County is approximately 76,000.
The Metropolitan area of Kalamazoo - where Van Buren County lies, is considered the 9th most affordable place to live out of 276 surveyed regions.
The cost of living in Van Buren County is 16% more affordable than the national average.
​There’s 40 miles of rail and 40 miles of interstate surrounding Van Buren County.
There are over 300 inland lakes and ponds within the county.
Boasting 14 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Recreation & Leisure
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Plenty of Water: With 14 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 300 inland lakes, and two local rivers, Van Buren County has plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, water sports, swimming and amazing sunrises and sunsets.
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Get Outdoors: With almost a dozen golf courses sprinkled throughout the area, water, and two raceways, you will not be short of outdoor activities!
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Wine & Dine: Van Buren County and the surrounding region is known for it's craft breweries and wineries. The Michigan climate is perfect for growing grapes and you can smell the vineyards as you drive through the summer countryside. Enjoy touring all of the local spots.
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The Kal-Haven Trail: The Kal-Haven Trail is an outdoor trail that connects Kalamazoo to South Haven, spanning 33 miles. It is ideal for walking, biking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and some areas of the trail allow horseback riding.
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Learn more at the South Haven-Van Buren County Visitor's Bureau or visit the County’s website to learn about local water, hiking, and snowmobile trails.
Education
Nearby universities for local education include Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, University of Notre Dame, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Lake Michigan College, Southwestern Michigan College and Kellogg Community College.