Van Buren County has some concerning public health issues related to substance use according to key findings from a 2013 epidemiological profile. Specifically, it has the highest rate of homeless children enrolled in public school, is among the highest rates for adults reporting inadequate social support, high school substance infractions, tobacco sales to minors, adult smokers, and persons below the poverty level. However, it also has the 8th lowest rate of youth illicit drug use. Contributing factors identified include high rates of unemployment, poverty, poor health, and academic failure.