Van Buren County

Across the middle-population Michigan county of Van Buren County of about 75,795 residents, the public-school footprint covers 45 schools and about 14,850 students.

For perspective, census numbers show median household income runs near $68,114, roughly 23% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and roughly 10% of residents live below the federal poverty line.

In terms of grade levels, Van Buren County covers 17 elementary schools (5,866 students), 6 middle schools (2,318), 17 high schools (5,186), and 5 combined or other schools.

Mattawan Consolidated School dominates the local landscape, accounting for roughly 3,545 students on its own.

Looking at the last 7 years. Across the same 7-year window, public-school enrollment held roughly steady: 14,620 students in SY 2017-18 versus 14,850 in SY 2024-25. The school count climbed from 43 to 44 across the same 7-year window. The White share of public-school enrollment shrank from 71% to 67%.

On this page, the community for Van Buren County discusses open enrollment windows, redistricting talk, and busing logistics. Members of the local community share what they see day-to-day.