[2] It was originally located in the American Bottom floodplain of the Mississippi River but now occupies higher land to the east.

After the Great Flood of 1993 the residents of Valmeyer decided to relocate the town 2 miles (3 km) to the east, on land that is more than 300 feet (91 m) higher than the floodplain.

The town was rebuilt with financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

[4] Valmeyer's successful relocation is seen as a potential model for other localities retreating from sea level rise.

The racial makeup of the village was 98.68% White, 0.33% African American, 0.33% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, and 0.49% from two or more races.