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Buena Vista County, Iowa (IA)

County population in 2022: 20,762 (56% urban, 44% rural); it was 20,411 in 2000
County owner-occupied with a mortgage or a loan houses and condos in 2010: 2,990
County owner-occupied free and clear houses and condos in 2010: 2,286
County owner-occupied houses and condos in 2000: 5,289
Renter-occupied apartments: 2,246 (it was 2,210 in 2000)
% of renters here:

29%
State:

28%

Land area: 575 sq. mi.

Water area: 5.3 sq. mi.

Population density: 36 people per square mile   (low).

March 2022 cost of living index in Buena Vista County: 83.1 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Industries providing employment: Manufacturing (31.7%), Educational, health and social services (20.4%), Retail trade (13.1%).

Type of workers:

  • Private wage or salary: 81%
  • Government: 12%
  • Self-employed, not incorporated: 7%
  • Unpaid family work: 0%
  • OSM Map
  • General Map
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  • Races in Buena Vista County, IA (2022)
    • 11,38053.5%White Non-Hispanic Alone
    • 5,82327.4%Hispanic or Latino
    • 2,0289.5%Asian alone
    • 8484.0%Native Hawaiian and Other
      Pacific Islander alone
    • 6112.9%Black Non-Hispanic Alone
    • 4782.2%Two or more races
    • 1080.5%Some other race alone
    • 120.06%American Indian and Alaska Native alone
Median resident age:

36.1 years
Iowa median age:

38.9 years
Males: 10,658  (51.3%)
Females: 10,104  (48.7%)
Average household size:
Buena Vista County:

2.0 people
Iowa:

2 people

Estimated median household income in 2022: $61,789 ($35,300 in 1999)
This county:

$61,789
Iowa:

$69,588

Median contract rent in 2022 for apartments: $611 (lower quartile is $488, upper quartile is $717)
This county:

$611
State:

$741


Estimated median house or condo value in 2022: $147,986 (it was $65,900 in 2000)
Buena Vista:

$147,986
Iowa:

$194,600
Lower value quartile - upper value quartile: $100,476 - $244,749

Mean price in 2022:

Detached houses: $200,070
Here:

$200,070
State:

$245,224

Townhouses or other attached units: $163,879
Here:

$163,879
State:

$238,767

In 2-unit structures: $183,855
Here:

$183,855
State:

$243,070

In 3-to-4-unit structures: $138,370
Here:

$138,370
State:

$162,139

In 5-or-more-unit structures: $80,639
Here:

$80,639
State:

$190,519

Mobile homes: $34,248
Here:

$34,248
State:

$51,271

Median monthly housing costs for homes and condos with a mortgage: $1,150
Median monthly housing costs for units without a mortgage: $543

Institutionalized population: 268

Crime in 2021 (reported by the sheriff's office or county police, not the county total):

  • Murders: 0
  • Rapes: 2
  • Robberies: 0
  • Assaults: 11
  • Burglaries: 16
  • Thefts: 13
  • Auto thefts: 5

Crime in 2020 (reported by the sheriff's office or county police, not the county total):

  • Murders: 0
  • Rapes: 0
  • Robberies: 0
  • Assaults: 10
  • Burglaries: 25
  • Thefts: 19
  • Auto thefts: 0
Buena Vista County, IA map from a distance

Single-family new house construction building permits:

  • 2022: 82 buildings, average cost: $124,500
  • 2021: 19 buildings, average cost: $199,100
  • 2020: 22 buildings, average cost: $196,100
  • 2019: 14 buildings, average cost: $188,600
  • 2018: 19 buildings, average cost: $150,500
  • 2017: 12 buildings, average cost: $172,500
  • 2016: 5 buildings, average cost: $227,200
  • 2015: 7 buildings, average cost: $283,600
  • 2014: 8 buildings, average cost: $248,900
  • 2013: 56 buildings, average cost: $141,600
  • 2012: 13 buildings, average cost: $204,200
  • 2011: 15 buildings, average cost: $166,000
  • 2010: 8 buildings, average cost: $114,800
  • 2009: 10 buildings, average cost: $160,000
  • 2008: 15 buildings, average cost: $138,900
  • 2007: 24 buildings, average cost: $104,500
  • 2006: 22 buildings, average cost: $109,800
  • 2005: 17 buildings, average cost: $115,100
  • 2004: 15 buildings, average cost: $100,900
  • 2003: 9 buildings, average cost: $135,100
  • 2002: 7 buildings, average cost: $116,900
  • 2001: 17 buildings, average cost: $121,600
  • 2000: 20 buildings, average cost: $137,900
  • 1999: 13 buildings, average cost: $160,100
  • 1998: 17 buildings, average cost: $125,300
  • 1997: 23 buildings, average cost: $114,300
Number of permits per 10,000 Buena Vista, IA residents
Average permit cost in Buena Vista, IA

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2022: $1,888 (1.2%)
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2022: $1,658 (1.2%)

Distribution of median household income in Buena Vista, IA in 2022
Distribution of house value in Buena Vista, IA in 2022
Distribution of rent paid by renters in Buena Vista, IA in 2022
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2022: 7.0%
Buena Vista County:

7.0%
Iowa:

11.0%
(6.2% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 4.1% for Black residents, 8.3% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 15.8% for American Indian residents, 9.0% for Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander residents, 11.7% for other race residents, 3.7% for two or more races residents)

Median age of residents in 2022: 36.1 years old
(Males: 34.2 years old, Females: 37.0 years old)
(Median age for: White residents: 48.7 years old, Black residents: 32.1 years old, American Indian residents: 23.3 years old, Asian residents: 29.6 years old, Hispanic or Latino residents: 26.6 years old, Other race residents: 30.4 years old)

Fair market rent in 2006 for a 1-bedroom apartment in Buena Vista County is $391 a month.
Fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $512 a month.
Fair market rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is $614 a month.

Cities in this county include: Storm Lake, Alta, Newell, Sioux Rapids, Albert City, Lakeside, Marathon, Rembrandt, Linn Grove, Truesdale.

Buena Vista County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Click to draw/clear Buena Vista County borders

Notable locations in this county outside city limits:

Notable locations in Buena Vista County: Lizard (A), Rubens (B), Shirley (C), Learned (D), Buda (E), Colfax Township Hall (F), Buda (G), Hamms Bridge Access (H), Fonda Golf Course (I), Laurens Golf and Country Club (J), Cora (K), Lizard Lake Access (L), Wiegert Prairie Farmstead (M), Lizard Township Hall (N). Display/hide their locations on the map

Churches in Buena Vista County include: Trinity Church (A), Elfsborg Church (B), Evangelical Covenant Church (C), Faith Lutheran Church (D), Saint Johns Church (E). Display/hide their locations on the map

Cemeteries: Palmer Cemetery (1), Old Rolfe Cemetery (2), Clinton-Garfield Cemetery (3), Powhatan Cemetery (4), Sacred Heart Cemetery (5), Saint Columbkille's Cemetery (6), Saint Johns Cemetery (7). Display/hide their locations on the map

Lakes: Sunken Island Lake (A), Lizard Lake (B), Clear Lake (C). Display/hide their locations on the map

Creeks: Beaver Creek (A), Pilot Creek (B), Little Cedar Creek (C), North Branch Lizard Creek (D), Crooked Creek (E). Display/hide their locations on the map

Parks in Buena Vista County include: Sunken Grove State Game Management Area (1), Lizard Lake County Park (2), Lizard Lake Access (3), Coopers Cove County Park (4), Little Clear Lake Park (5), Meredith Park (6), Pocahontas Statue (7), Tiernan Homestead Natural Area (8), Lizzard Creek Wildlife Area (9). Display/hide their locations on the map

Neighboring counties: Clay County , Delaware County , Emmet County , Otsego County, New York , Hancock County , Ida County , Plymouth County , Sac County .

Unemployment in December 2023:
Here:

2.0%
Iowa:

2.7%

Unemployment by year in Buena Vista, IA
County total employment by year in Buena Vista, IA
County average yearly wages by year in Buena Vista, IA

Current college students: 1,449
People 25 years of age or older with a high school degree or higher: 79.3%
People 25 years of age or older with a bachelor's degree or higher: 21.6%

Number of foreign born residents: 4,643 (42.3% naturalized citizens)

Buena Vista County:

22.4%
Whole state:

6.0%
Year of entry for the foreign-born population
  • Year of entry for the foreign-born population
  • 1,5292010 or later
  • 1,1832000 to 2009
  • 8311990 to 1999
  • 8431980 to 1989
  • 1901970 to 1979
  • 76Before 1970

Mean travel time to work (commute):  minutes

Percentage of county residents living and working in this county: 99.7%

Buena Vista County marital status for males Buena Vista County marital status for females

Housing units in structures:

  • One, detached: 6,090
  • One, attached: 272
  • Two: 289
  • 3 or 4: 251
  • 5 to 9: 500
  • 10 to 19: 422
  • 20 or more: 323
  • Mobile homes: 163

Housing units in Buena Vista County with a mortgage: 2,752 (189 second mortgage, 0 home equity loan, 103 both second mortgage and home equity loan)
Houses without a mortgage: 153

Here:

1.3% with mortgage
State:

97.1% with mortgage

Religion statistics for Buena Vista County

Religions Adherents in 2010
Religions Adherents - Change between 2000 and 2010
ReligionAdherentsCongregations
Mainline Protestant5,25323
Evangelical Protestant3,87821
Catholic3,1942
Other3382
None7,597-
Buena Vista County Religion Details
Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center.

Food Environment Statistics:

Number of grocery stores: 5
Buena Vista County:

2.55 / 10,000 pop.
State:

2.14 / 10,000 pop.

Number of supercenters and club stores: 1
Here:

0.51 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

0.23 / 10,000 pop.


Number of convenience stores (with gas): 12
Buena Vista County:

6.13 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

5.55 / 10,000 pop.

Number of full-service restaurants: 19
This county:

9.70 / 10,000 pop.
State:

8.01 / 10,000 pop.

Adult diabetes rate:
Buena Vista County:

8.3%
Iowa:

7.8%

Adult obesity rate:
Buena Vista County:

28.2%
State:

27.3%

Low-income preschool obesity rate:
Here:

18.4%
State:

14.5%

Agriculture in Buena Vista County:

Average size of farms: 414 acres
Average value of agricultural products sold per farm: $257,862
Average value of crops sold per acre for harvested cropland: $259.62
The value of livestock, poultry, and their products as a percentage of the total market value of agricultural products sold: 62.70%
Average total farm production expenses per farm: $193,540
Harvested cropland as a percentage of land in farms: 89.45%
Average market value of all machinery and equipment per farm: $124,771
The percentage of farms operated by a family or individual: 86.42%
Average age of principal farm operators: 52 years
Average number of cattle and calves per 100 acres of all land in farms: 6.28
Milk cows as a percentage of all cattle and calves: 0.90%
Corn for grain: 155329 harvested acres
Soybeans for beans: 144212 harvested acres

Tornado activity:

Buena Vista County historical area-adjusted tornado activity is significantly below Iowa state average. It is 1511786.9 times below overall U.S. average.
Tornadoes in this county have caused 3 fatalities and 43 injuries recorded between 1950 and 2004.
On 6/28/1979, a category 4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado killed 3 people and injured 26 people and caused between $500 and $5000 in damages.

Earthquake activity:

Buena Vista County-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Iowa state average. It is 192% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 7/9/1975 at 14:54:15, a magnitude 4.6 (4.6 MB, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 208.7 miles away from Buena Vista County center
On 3/4/1983 at 06:32:18, a magnitude 4.6 (4.4 MB, 4.6 LG, 4.4 ML) earthquake occurred 237.2 miles away from the county center
On 9/3/2016 at 12:02:44, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.5 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 445.4 miles away from the county center
On 11/3/2002 at 20:41:56, a magnitude 4.3 (4.3 MB, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 190.0 miles away from the county center
On 6/5/1993 at 01:24:53, a magnitude 4.1 (4.1 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 212.1 miles away from Buena Vista County center
On 2/6/1996 at 15:10:28, a magnitude 3.6 (3.6 LG, Depth: 3.1 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: II - III) earthquake occurred 122.3 miles away from the county center
Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), local magnitude (ML), moment magnitude (MW)

Most recent natural disasters:

  • Iowa Covid-19 Pandemic, Incident Period: March 17, 2020, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared DR-4483-IA: March 23, 2020, FEMA Id: 4483, Natural disaster type: Other
  • Iowa Severe Storms And Flooding, Incident Period: March 12, 2019, FEMA Id: 4421, Natural disaster type: Storm, Flood
  • Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding, Incident Period: June 6, 2018 - July 2, 2018, FEMA Id: 4386, Natural disaster type: Storm, Tornado, Flood, Wind
  • Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding, Incident Period: June 14, 2014 to June 24, 2014, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared DR-4184: July 24, 2014, FEMA Id: 4184, Natural disaster type: Storm, Tornado, Flood, Wind
  • Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, Incident Period: May 19, 2013 to June 15, 2013, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared DR-4126: July 02, 2013, FEMA Id: 4126, Natural disaster type: Storm, Tornado, Flood
  • Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds, Incident Period: April 09, 2011 to April 10, 2011, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared DR-1977: May 05, 2011, FEMA Id: 1977, Natural disaster type: Storm, Tornado, Wind
  • Iowa Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes, Incident Period: June 01, 2010 to August 31, 2010, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared DR-1930: July 29, 2010, FEMA Id: 1930, Natural disaster type: Storm, Tornado, Flood
  • Iowa Severe Winter Storms, Incident Period: January 19, 2010 to January 26, 2010, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared DR-1880: March 02, 2010, FEMA Id: 1880, Natural disaster type: Winter Storm
  • Iowa Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm, Incident Period: December 23, 2009 to December 27, 2009, Major Disaster (Presidential) Declared DR-1877: February 25, 2010, FEMA Id: 1877, Natural disaster type: Snowstorm, Winter Storm
  • Iowa Snow, Incident Period: February 28, 2007 to March 02, 2007, Emergency Declared EM-3275: March 30, 2007, FEMA Id: 3275, Natural disaster type: Snow
  • 8 other natural disasters have been reported since 1953.

The number of natural disasters in Buena Vista County (18) is near the US average (15).
Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 14
Emergencies Declared: 2

Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 11, Storms: 8, Tornadoes: 7, Winds: 3, Winter Storms: 2, Heavy Rain: 1, Hurricane: 1, Ice Storm: 1, Snow: 1, Snowstorm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
Means of transportation to work in 2022 - Buena Vista

Means of transportation to work:

  • Drove a car alone: 7,841 (69.8%)
  • Carpooled: 1,874 (16.7%)
  • Bus: 19 (0.2%)
  • Light rail, streetcar or trolley: 7 (0.1%)
  • Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means: 36 (0.3%)
  • Bicycle: 42 (0.4%)
  • Walked: 628 (5.6%)
  • Worked at home: 736 (6.6%)
Class of Workers in 2022
Most common industries in 2022 (%)
Males Females
Most common industries for males in 2022


  • Manufacturing (21%)
  • Retail trade (16%)
  • Educational services (16%)
  • Health care and social assistance (13%)
  • Finance and insurance (4%)
  • Other services, except public administration (4%)
  • Accommodation and food services (3%)

Most common industries for females in 2022


  • Manufacturing (24%)
  • Retail trade (18%)
  • Educational services (18%)
  • Health care and social assistance (14%)
  • Finance and insurance (5%)
  • Other services, except public administration (4%)
  • Accommodation and food services (3%)

Most common occupations in 2022 (%)
Males Females
Most common occupations for males in 2022


  • Production occupations (27%)
  • Management occupations (11%)
  • Material moving occupations (10%)
  • Construction and extraction occupations (8%)
  • Transportation occupations (7%)
  • Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (6%)
  • Sales and related occupations (5%)

Most common occupations for females in 2022


  • Production occupations (19%)
  • Sales and related occupations (13%)
  • Office and administrative support occupations (12%)
  • Educational instruction, and library occupations (12%)
  • Management occupations (6%)
  • Material moving occupations (5%)
  • Food preparation and serving related occupations (5%)

Most common places of birth for foreign-born residents


  • Mexico (37%)
  • Laos (8%)
  • Cuba (8%)
  • Thailand (7%)
  • Burma (Myanmar) (5%)
  • Ethiopia (5%)
  • Guatemala (5%)

Most common first ancestries reported in Buena Vista County


  • German (20%)
  • American (3%)
  • Irish (3%)
  • English (3%)
  • Swedish (3%)
  • Norwegian (2%)
  • Ethiopian (1%)

Owners and renters by unit type
Breakdown of mean house values by ages of householders

People in group quarters in Buena Vista County, Iowa in 2010:

  • 730 people in college/university student housing
  • 215 people in nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities
  • 25 people in residential treatment centers for juveniles (non-correctional)
  • 20 people in local jails and other municipal confinement facilities
  • 16 people in group homes intended for adults
  • 8 people in mental (psychiatric) hospitals and psychiatric units in other hospitals

People in group quarters in Buena Vista County, Iowa in 2000:

  • 942 people in college dormitories (includes college quarters off campus)
  • 297 people in nursing homes
  • 60 people in hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill
  • 45 people in hospices or homes for chronically ill
  • 45 people in homes for the mentally retarded
  • 21 people in other group homes
  • 15 people in other hospitals or wards for chronically ill
  • 11 people in local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups)
  • 5 people in homes for the mentally ill
Average gross adjusted income of non-migrant taxpayers in this county in 2020 was $66,163.

5.99% of this county's 2021 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2020 ($37,314 average adjusted gross income)

Here:

5.99%
Iowa average:

6.47%


10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries.
2.91% relocated from other counties in Iowa ($18,811 average AGI)
3.08% relocated from other states ($18,503 average AGI)
Buena Vista County:

3.08%
Iowa average:

2.75%

Residents relocating <b>from</b> other counties or countries

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2020 and 2021:
from Woodbury County, IA  0.45% ($27,694 average AGI)
from Clay County, IA  0.27% ($41,636)
from Pocahontas County, IA  0.25% ($40,950)


7.52% of this county's 2020 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2021 ($50,174 average adjusted gross income)

Here:

7.52%
Iowa average:

6.50%


10 or fewer of this county's residents moved to foreign countries.
4.36% relocated to other counties in Iowa ($30,616 average AGI)
3.16% relocated to other states ($19,559 average AGI)
Buena Vista County:

3.16%
Iowa average:

2.79%

Residents relocating <b>to</b> other counties or countries

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2020 and 2021:
to Cherokee County, IA  0.53% ($41,279 average AGI)
to Polk County, IA  0.48% ($54,410)
to Sac County, IA  0.48% ($46,949)
to Clay County, IA  0.42% ($44,912)
to Woodbury County, IA  0.38% ($38,774)
to Pocahontas County, IA  0.26% ($37,905)

Births per 1000 population from 1990 to 1999: 12.3
Births per 1000 population from 2000 to 2006: 12.8

Births per 1000 population in Buena Vista County

Deaths per 1000 population from 1990 to 1999: 10.5
Deaths per 1000 population from 2000 to 2009: 9.4
Deaths per 1000 population from 2010 to 2020: 9.3

Deaths per 1000 population in Buena Vista County

Infant deaths per 1000 live births from 1990 to 1999: 2.9
Infant deaths per 1000 live births from 2000 to 2006: 4.3

Infant deaths per 1000 population in Buena Vista County
Population without health insurance coverage in 2018: 10.2%
Persons under 19 years old without health insurance coverage in 2018: 5.1%
Percentage of population without health insurance coverage in Buena Vista County
All 18-64 40-64 50-64 Under 19
Population without health insurance coverage in Buena Vista County
18-64 population without health insurance coverage in Buena Vista County
40-64 population without health insurance coverage in Buena Vista County
50-64 population without health insurance coverage in Buena Vista County
Population under 19 years without health insurance coverage in Buena Vista County

Persons enrolled in hospital insurance and/or supplemental medical insurance (Medicare) in July 1, 2007: 3,368 (3,051 aged, 317 disabled)
Children under 18 without health insurance coverage in 2007: 413 (8%)
Persons enrolled in Medicare
Aged persons enrolled in Medicare
Disabled persons enrolled in Medicare

Most common underlying causes of death in Buena Vista County, Iowa in 1999 - 2019:

  • Atherosclerotic heart disease (388)
  • Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified (306)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified (91)
  • Bronchus or lung, unspecified - Malignant neoplasms (78)
  • Stroke, not specified as haemorrhage or infarction (75)
  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, so described (34)
  • Alzheimer disease, unspecified (25)
  • Congestive heart failure (11)
  • Pneumonia, unspecified (10)
  • Unspecified dementia (10)

Population without health insurance coverage in 2000: 12%
Children under 18 without health insurance coverage in 2000: 7%

Short term general hospitals per 100,000 population in 2004: 4.96
Short term general hospital admissions per 100,000 population in 2004: 9,198
Short term general hospital beds per 100,000 population in 2004: 208
Emergency room visits per 100,000 population in 2004: 36,222

General practice office based MDs per 100,000 population in 2005: 1,454
Medical specialist MDs per 100,000 population in 2005: 918
Dentists per 100,000 population in 1998: 10

Total births per 100,000 population, July 2005 - July 2006 : 51
Total deaths per 100,000 population, July 2005 - July 2006: 60

Limited-service eating places per 100,000 population in 2005 : 5

Household type by relationship:

Households: 20,762
  • Male householders: 3,909 (1,246 living alone), Female householders: 3,867 (1,199 living alone)
  • 3,889 spouses (3,882 opposite-sex spouses), 570 unmarried partners, (526 opposite-sex unmarried partners), 5,950 children (5,544 natural, 53 adopted, 360 stepchildren), 349 grandchildren, 231 brothers or sisters, 186 parents, 8 foster children, 313 other relatives, 398 non-relatives
  • In group quarters: 1,009

Size of family households: 2,058 2-persons, 703 3-persons, 831 4-persons, 597 5-persons, 104 6-persons, 311 7-or-more-persons.

Size of nonfamily households: 2,447 1-person, 741 2-persons, 13 4-persons.

3,862 married couples with children.
955 single-parent households (270 men, 685 women).

65.1% of residents of Buena Vista speak English at home.
22.7% of residents speak Spanish at home (43% speak English very well, 28% speak English well, 24% speak English not well, 5% don't speak English at all).
0.4% of residents speak other Indo-European language at home (68% speak English very well, 17% speak English well, 15% speak English not well).
9.7% of residents speak Asian or Pacific Island language at home (46% speak English very well, 13% speak English well, 25% speak English not well, 16% don't speak English at all).
1.8% of residents speak other language at home (66% speak English very well, 15% speak English well, 19% speak English not well).

In fiscal year 2004:

Federal Government expenditure: $114,299,000 ($5,671 per capita)
Department of Defense expenditure: $1,832,000
Federal direct payments to individuals for retirement and disability: $47,094,000
Federal other direct payments to individuals: $27,322,000
Federal direct payments not to individuals: $16,282,000
Federal grants: $14,493,000
Federal procurement contracts: $1,026,000 ($12,000 Department of Defense)
Federal salaries and wages: $8,083,000 ($985,000 Department of Defense)
Federal Government direct loans: $3,126,000
Federal guaranteed/insured loans: $5,566,000
Federal Government insurance: $73,086,000

Population change from April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005:

Births: 1,268
Here:

63 per 1000 residents
State:

66 per 1000 residents

Deaths: 953
Here:

47 per 1000 residents
State:

48 per 1000 residents

Net international migration: +791
Here:

+39 per 1000 residents
State:

+10 per 1000 residents

Net internal migration: -1,328
Here -66 per 1000 residents
State -14 per 1000 residents
Population growth in Buena Vista County

Total withdrawal of fresh water for public supply: 3.79 millions of gallons per day (all from ground)

Median number of rooms in houses and condos:
Here:

6.7
State:

6.8

Median number of rooms in apartments:
Here:

3.8
State:

4.2

Year house built in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • Year house built in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • 122020 or later
  • 7652010 to 2019
  • 2522000 to 2009
  • 4641990 to 1999
  • 8091980 to 1989
  • 1,3191970 to 1979
  • 7761960 to 1969
  • 9431950 to 1959
  • 4591940 to 1949
  • 2,4021939 or earlier
Rooms in houses/apartments in Buena Vista County, Iowa
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied
Rooms in owner-occupied houses in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • Rooms in owner-occupied houses in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • 311 room
  • 162 rooms
  • 2713 rooms
  • 5654 rooms
  • 8445 rooms
  • 9016 rooms
  • 7597 rooms
  • 5608 rooms
  • 1,5779+ rooms
Rooms in renter-occupied apartments in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • Rooms in renter-occupied apartments in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • 1881 room
  • 2812 rooms
  • 5953 rooms
  • 3594 rooms
  • 4745 rooms
  • 1706 rooms
  • 647 rooms
  • 1108 rooms
  • 669+ rooms
Bedrooms in houses/apartments in Buena Vista County, Iowa
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied
Bedrooms in owner-occupied houses in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • Bedrooms in owner-occupied houses in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • 35no bedroom
  • 961 bedroom
  • 1,3992 bedrooms
  • 2,3593 bedrooms
  • 1,0204 bedrooms
  • 5705+ bedrooms
Bedrooms in renter-occupied apartments in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • Bedrooms in renter-occupied apartments in Buena Vista County, Iowa
  • 188no bedroom
  • 7461 bedroom
  • 8902 bedrooms
  • 2943 bedrooms
  • 1564 bedrooms
  • 125+ bedrooms
Cars and other vehicles available in Buena Vista County, Iowa in houses/condos/apartments
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied
Cars and other vehicles available in Buena Vista County in owner-occupied houses/condos
  • Cars and other vehicles available in Buena Vista County in owner-occupied houses/condos
  • 48no vehicle
  • 1,2231 vehicle
  • 1,9622 vehicles
  • 1,5803 vehicles
  • 3504 vehicles
  • 3225+ vehicles
Cars and other vehicles available in Buena Vista County in renter-occupied apartments
  • Cars and other vehicles available in Buena Vista County in renter-occupied apartments
  • 281no vehicle
  • 1,1051 vehicle
  • 7492 vehicles
  • 1103 vehicles
  • 164 vehicles
  • 295+ vehicles

90.3% of Buena Vista County residents lived in the same house 1 years ago.
   Out of people who lived in different houses, 35% lived in this county.
   Out of people who lived in different counties, 61% lived in Iowa.

Buena Vista County:

90.3%
State average:

87.2%

Place of birth for U.S.-born residents:

  • This state: 12,268
  • Other state: 3,832
  • Northeast: 154
  • Midwest: 1,675
  • South: 660
  • West: 1,361
Year householders moved into unit in Buena Vista County, IA
Most commonly used house heating fuel in Buena Vista County
Houses and condos Apartments
Most commonly used house heating fuel in houses and condos
  • 63.7%Utility gas
  • 21.1%Electricity
  • 14.0%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 0.4%Wood
  • 0.4%Other fuel
  • 0.3%Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.
Most commonly used house heating fuel in apartments
  • 54.7%Electricity
  • 35.8%Utility gas
  • 8.3%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 0.5%Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.
  • 0.4%No fuel used
  • 0.2%Wood
  • 0.1%Other fuel

Private vs. public school enrollment:


Students in private schools in grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school): 122
Here:

5.5%
Iowa:

10.6%

Students in private schools in grades 9 to 12 (high school): 15
Here:

1.1%
Iowa:

7.9%

Students in private undergraduate colleges: 535
Here:

49.4%
Iowa:

23.9%

Educational Attainment
School Enrollment by Level of School
Age and Sex of Sensory-Disabled Noninstitutionalized Residents
Age and Sex of Physically-Disabled Noninstitutionalized Residents
Age and Sex of Mentally-Disabled Noninstitutionalized Residents
Age and Sex of Self-Care Disabled Noninstitutionalized Residents
Age and Sex of Go-Outside-Home Disabled Noninstitutionalized Residents
Age and Sex of Noninstitutionalized Residents with Employment Disability

Buena Vista County government finances - Expenditure in 2018:

  • Charges - Hospital Public: $56,809,000
    Hospital Public: $51,818,000
    Other: $814,000
    Other: $675,000
    Regular Highways: $106,000
    Regular Highways: $93,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $31,000
  • Construction - Regular Highways: $5,872,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $1,759,000
    General - Other: $1,213,000
    Regular Highways: $462,000
    General - Other: $274,000
  • Current Operations - Hospitals: $51,058,000
    Hospitals: $44,252,000
    Regular Highways: $7,631,000
    Regular Highways: $5,534,000
    Police Protection: $2,455,000
    Police Protection: $1,910,000
    Health - Other: $1,890,000
    Health - Other: $1,616,000
    General - Other: $1,507,000
    Financial Administration: $1,222,000
    General - Other: $1,162,000
    Financial Administration: $1,024,000
    Central Staff Services: $933,000
    Judicial and Legal Services: $817,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $797,000
    Judicial and Legal Services: $757,000
    Central Staff Services: $632,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $522,000
    General Public Buildings: $371,000
    Solid Waste Management: $339,000
    General Public Buildings: $302,000
    Solid Waste Management: $143,000
    Public Welfare - Other: $90,000
    Libraries: $85,000
    Libraries: $83,000
    Public Welfare - Other: $80,000
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $41,000
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $39,000
    Housing and Community Development: $9,000
    Housing and Community Development: $9,000
  • Federal Intergovernmental - Other: $207,000
    Health and Hospitals: $5,000
  • General - Interest on Debt: $617,000
    Interest on Debt: $573,000
  • Intergovernmental to Local - Other - Correctional Institutions: $887,000
    Other - Correctional Institutions: $850,000
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $1,089,000
    Other: $400,000
  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $23,666,000
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $21,175,000
    Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $19,970,000
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $17,630,000
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,491,000
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,340,000
  • Miscellaneous - Interest Earnings: $574,000
    Special Assessments: $489,000
    General Revenue - Other: $368,000
    Interest Earnings: $321,000
    General Revenue - Other: $155,000
    Sale of Property: $38,000
  • Other Capital Outlay - Regular Highways: $1,121,000
    Hospitals: $1,063,000
    Regular Highways: $713,000
    Hospitals: $456,000
    Central Staff Services: $3,000
  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $41,626,000
    Cash and Securities: $33,554,000
  • Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $262,000
    Cash and Securities: $148,000
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $4,214,000
    Highways: $3,768,000
    General Local Government Support: $775,000
    Other: $627,000
    General Local Government Support: $538,000
    Health and Hospitals: $228,000
    Other: $112,000
    Health and Hospitals: $44,000
  • Tax - Property: $10,619,000
    Property: $9,837,000
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $928,000
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $847,000
    Public Utilities Sales: $344,000
    Public Utilities Sales: $322,000
    Other License: $130,000
    Other License: $107,000
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $21,643,000
    : $21,287,000

Buena Vista County government finances - Revenue in 2018:

  • Charges - Hospital Public: $56,809,000
    Hospital Public: $51,818,000
    Other: $814,000
    Other: $675,000
    Regular Highways: $106,000
    Regular Highways: $93,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $31,000
  • Construction - Regular Highways: $5,872,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $1,759,000
    General - Other: $1,213,000
    Regular Highways: $462,000
    General - Other: $274,000
  • Current Operations - Hospitals: $51,058,000
    Hospitals: $44,252,000
    Regular Highways: $7,631,000
    Regular Highways: $5,534,000
    Police Protection: $2,455,000
    Police Protection: $1,910,000
    Health - Other: $1,890,000
    Health - Other: $1,616,000
    General - Other: $1,507,000
    Financial Administration: $1,222,000
    General - Other: $1,162,000
    Financial Administration: $1,024,000
    Central Staff Services: $933,000
    Judicial and Legal Services: $817,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $797,000
    Judicial and Legal Services: $757,000
    Central Staff Services: $632,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $522,000
    General Public Buildings: $371,000
    Solid Waste Management: $339,000
    General Public Buildings: $302,000
    Solid Waste Management: $143,000
    Public Welfare - Other: $90,000
    Libraries: $85,000
    Libraries: $83,000
    Public Welfare - Other: $80,000
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $41,000
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $39,000
    Housing and Community Development: $9,000
    Housing and Community Development: $9,000
  • Federal Intergovernmental - Other: $207,000
    Health and Hospitals: $5,000
  • General - Interest on Debt: $617,000
    Interest on Debt: $573,000
  • Intergovernmental to Local - Other - Correctional Institutions: $887,000
    Other - Correctional Institutions: $850,000
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $1,089,000
    Other: $400,000
  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $23,666,000
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $21,175,000
    Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $19,970,000
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $17,630,000
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,491,000
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,340,000
  • Miscellaneous - Interest Earnings: $574,000
    Special Assessments: $489,000
    General Revenue - Other: $368,000
    Interest Earnings: $321,000
    General Revenue - Other: $155,000
    Sale of Property: $38,000
  • Other Capital Outlay - Regular Highways: $1,121,000
    Hospitals: $1,063,000
    Regular Highways: $713,000
    Hospitals: $456,000
    Central Staff Services: $3,000
  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $41,626,000
    Cash and Securities: $33,554,000
  • Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $262,000
    Cash and Securities: $148,000
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $4,214,000
    Highways: $3,768,000
    General Local Government Support: $775,000
    Other: $627,000
    General Local Government Support: $538,000
    Health and Hospitals: $228,000
    Other: $112,000
    Health and Hospitals: $44,000
  • Tax - Property: $10,619,000
    Property: $9,837,000
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $928,000
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $847,000
    Public Utilities Sales: $344,000
    Public Utilities Sales: $322,000
    Other License: $130,000
    Other License: $107,000
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $21,643,000
    : $21,287,000

Buena Vista County government finances - Debt in 2018:

  • Charges - Hospital Public: $56,809,000
    Hospital Public: $51,818,000
    Other: $814,000
    Other: $675,000
    Regular Highways: $106,000
    Regular Highways: $93,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $31,000
  • Construction - Regular Highways: $5,872,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $1,759,000
    General - Other: $1,213,000
    Regular Highways: $462,000
    General - Other: $274,000
  • Current Operations - Hospitals: $51,058,000
    Hospitals: $44,252,000
    Regular Highways: $7,631,000
    Regular Highways: $5,534,000
    Police Protection: $2,455,000
    Police Protection: $1,910,000
    Health - Other: $1,890,000
    Health - Other: $1,616,000
    General - Other: $1,507,000
    Financial Administration: $1,222,000
    General - Other: $1,162,000
    Financial Administration: $1,024,000
    Central Staff Services: $933,000
    Judicial and Legal Services: $817,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $797,000
    Judicial and Legal Services: $757,000
    Central Staff Services: $632,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $522,000
    General Public Buildings: $371,000
    Solid Waste Management: $339,000
    General Public Buildings: $302,000
    Solid Waste Management: $143,000
    Public Welfare - Other: $90,000
    Libraries: $85,000
    Libraries: $83,000
    Public Welfare - Other: $80,000
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $41,000
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $39,000
    Housing and Community Development: $9,000
    Housing and Community Development: $9,000
  • Federal Intergovernmental - Other: $207,000
    Health and Hospitals: $5,000
  • General - Interest on Debt: $617,000
    Interest on Debt: $573,000
  • Intergovernmental to Local - Other - Correctional Institutions: $887,000
    Other - Correctional Institutions: $850,000
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $1,089,000
    Other: $400,000
  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $23,666,000
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $21,175,000
    Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $19,970,000
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $17,630,000
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,491,000
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,340,000
  • Miscellaneous - Interest Earnings: $574,000
    Special Assessments: $489,000
    General Revenue - Other: $368,000
    Interest Earnings: $321,000
    General Revenue - Other: $155,000
    Sale of Property: $38,000
  • Other Capital Outlay - Regular Highways: $1,121,000
    Hospitals: $1,063,000
    Regular Highways: $713,000
    Hospitals: $456,000
    Central Staff Services: $3,000
  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $41,626,000
    Cash and Securities: $33,554,000
  • Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $262,000
    Cash and Securities: $148,000
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $4,214,000
    Highways: $3,768,000
    General Local Government Support: $775,000
    Other: $627,000
    General Local Government Support: $538,000
    Health and Hospitals: $228,000
    Other: $112,000
    Health and Hospitals: $44,000
  • Tax - Property: $10,619,000
    Property: $9,837,000
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $928,000
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $847,000
    Public Utilities Sales: $344,000
    Public Utilities Sales: $322,000
    Other License: $130,000
    Other License: $107,000
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $21,643,000
    : $21,287,000

Buena Vista County government finances - Cash and Securities in 2018:

  • Charges - Hospital Public: $56,809,000
    Hospital Public: $51,818,000
    Other: $814,000
    Other: $675,000
    Regular Highways: $106,000
    Regular Highways: $93,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $31,000
  • Construction - Regular Highways: $5,872,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $1,759,000
    General - Other: $1,213,000
    Regular Highways: $462,000
    General - Other: $274,000
  • Current Operations - Hospitals: $51,058,000
    Hospitals: $44,252,000
    Regular Highways: $7,631,000
    Regular Highways: $5,534,000
    Police Protection: $2,455,000
    Police Protection: $1,910,000
    Health - Other: $1,890,000
    Health - Other: $1,616,000
    General - Other: $1,507,000
    Financial Administration: $1,222,000
    General - Other: $1,162,000
    Financial Administration: $1,024,000
    Central Staff Services: $933,000
    Judicial and Legal Services: $817,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $797,000
    Judicial and Legal Services: $757,000
    Central Staff Services: $632,000
    Natural Resources - Other: $522,000
    General Public Buildings: $371,000
    Solid Waste Management: $339,000
    General Public Buildings: $302,000
    Solid Waste Management: $143,000
    Public Welfare - Other: $90,000
    Libraries: $85,000
    Libraries: $83,000
    Public Welfare - Other: $80,000
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $41,000
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $39,000
    Housing and Community Development: $9,000
    Housing and Community Development: $9,000
  • Federal Intergovernmental - Other: $207,000
    Health and Hospitals: $5,000
  • General - Interest on Debt: $617,000
    Interest on Debt: $573,000
  • Intergovernmental to Local - Other - Correctional Institutions: $887,000
    Other - Correctional Institutions: $850,000
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $1,089,000
    Other: $400,000
  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $23,666,000
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $21,175,000
    Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $19,970,000
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $17,630,000
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,491,000
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,340,000
  • Miscellaneous - Interest Earnings: $574,000
    Special Assessments: $489,000
    General Revenue - Other: $368,000
    Interest Earnings: $321,000
    General Revenue - Other: $155,000
    Sale of Property: $38,000
  • Other Capital Outlay - Regular Highways: $1,121,000
    Hospitals: $1,063,000
    Regular Highways: $713,000
    Hospitals: $456,000
    Central Staff Services: $3,000
  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $41,626,000
    Cash and Securities: $33,554,000
  • Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $262,000
    Cash and Securities: $148,000
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $4,214,000
    Highways: $3,768,000
    General Local Government Support: $775,000
    Other: $627,000
    General Local Government Support: $538,000
    Health and Hospitals: $228,000
    Other: $112,000
    Health and Hospitals: $44,000
  • Tax - Property: $10,619,000
    Property: $9,837,000
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $928,000
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $847,000
    Public Utilities Sales: $344,000
    Public Utilities Sales: $322,000
    Other License: $130,000
    Other License: $107,000
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $21,643,000
    : $21,287,000

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in 2006:

  • Total number of recipients: 223
  • Number of aged recipients: 24
  • Number of blind and disabled recipients: 199
  • Number of recipients under 18: 44
  • Number of recipients between 18 and 64: 132
  • Number of recipients older than 64: 47
  • Number of recipients also receiving OASDI: 73
  • Amount of payments (thousands of dollars): 84
Most common first names in Buena Vista County, IA among deceased individuals
NameCountLived (average)
John13878.8 years
William10078.8 years
Mary9683.3 years
George9079.8 years
Anna8788.4 years
Harold7975.9 years
Robert7773.6 years
Arthur6780.1 years
Carl6580.9 years
Dorothy6381.4 years
Most common last names in Buena Vista County, IA among deceased individuals
Last nameCountLived (average)
Johnson17682.2 years
Anderson12981.5 years
Peterson12580.5 years
Miller5881.0 years
Hansen5381.4 years
Nelson5282.3 years
Carlson5181.6 years
Jensen3881.7 years
Larson3780.5 years
Smith3681.5 years
Businesses in Buena Vista County, IA
NameCountNameCount
Ace Hardware1MasterBrand Cabinets4
Arby's1Maurices1
Baymont Inn1McDonald's1
Burger King1New Balance1
Chevrolet1Nike1
Dairy Queen1Payless1
Domino's Pizza2Pizza Hut1
FedEx1Sears1
Ford1Subway1
GameStop1Super 81
Goodwill2U-Haul1
H&R Block1U.S. Cellular1
Hardee's1UPS4
KFC1Walgreens1
La-Z-Boy1Walmart1
Lane Furniture2