Buena Vista County, IA

Comprehensive housing, income, and cost of living data for Buena Vista County, Iowa. Population: 20.7K.

Median Home Price
$162.9K

Based on 8 cities

Median Household Income
$66.6K

Annual household income

Price-to-Income Ratio
2.4x

Highly affordable

Salary Needed to Buy
$44.7K

30-yr mortgage, 6.5% rate, 20% down

Housing & Finance

Annual Property Tax
$1,822

Average annual amount

Effective Tax Rate
1.12%

Property tax / home value

Monthly Housing Costs
Mortgage (P&I)$824
Property Tax$152
Insurance$67.89
Total Monthly$1,044
Historical Home Prices
2015
$103.3K
2016
$108.3K
+4.9%%
2017
$111.2K
+2.7%%
2018
$118.5K
+6.5%%
2019
$127.9K
+8.0%%
2020
$137.0K
+7.2%%
2021
$150.3K
+9.7%%
2022
$167.1K
+11.2%%
2023
$174.4K
+4.3%%
2024
$177.9K
+2.0%%
2025
$180.0K
+1.2%%
Source: County price history data via Zillow ZHVI

Demographics & Economics

Unemployment Rate
2.7%%

Below national average

Population Density
36

People per square mile

Political Lean (2020)
Competitive

R+0

Racial Demographics

White
53.5%
Black
3.1%
Hispanic
28.6%
Asian
10%
Two or More Races
1.9%

Source: Census ACS 2023. Hispanic/Latino ethnicity counted separately from race.

Climate & Environment

Average Temperature
47°F

Annual average

Sunny Days
191

Days per year

Annual Rainfall
31.0"

Inches per year

Natural Disaster Risk
Moderate Risk

Score: 39/100

January Low
19°F

Average winter low

July High
83°F

Average summer high

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median home price in Buena Vista County, IA?

The median home price in Buena Vista County, Iowa is $162.9K. The price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, meaning the median home costs 2.4 times the median household income.

What salary do you need to buy a home in Buena Vista County?

Based on a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% with 20% down and the 28% debt-to-income rule, you need approximately $44.7K per year to buy the median home in Buena Vista County, IA. Monthly housing costs break down to $824 for mortgage, $152 for property tax, and $67.89 for insurance.

What is the property tax rate in Buena Vista County?

The effective property tax rate in Buena Vista County is 1.12%, which comes to approximately $1,822 per year on the median home.

What is the median household income in Buena Vista County?

The median household income in Buena Vista County, Iowa is $66.6K per year, based on Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The unemployment rate is 2.7%%.

Is Buena Vista County a good place to live?

Buena Vista County, Iowa has a population of 20.7K. Housing affordability is strong with a price-to-income ratio of 2.4x. The climate averages 47 degrees F with 191 sunny days per year. Compare Buena Vista County with other areas using our cost of living tools to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.