countyscore
44.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.8Safety 60Lawn Care 59.3

County Report Card

About Buena Vista city, Virginia

Buena Vista Trails National Livability Averages

Buena Vista city holds a composite score of 44.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it offers unique small-city perks, it faces uphill climbs in several economic and social categories.

A Challenging Position in the Commonwealth

At 44.1, the city sits below the Virginia state average of 50.9. It currently ranks among the lower-scoring jurisdictions in the state, primarily due to economic and educational headwinds.

Exceptional Safety from Environmental Disasters

Buena Vista boasts an elite natural risk score of 96.8, meaning it is exceptionally safe from common environmental hazards. Public safety also performs well with a score of 60.0, providing a secure environment for residents.

Educational and Economic Barriers to Growth

The city struggles with a school score of 19.1 and an income score of 23.9, with median household earnings of $54,458. Limited water data makes infrastructure assessment difficult, but the high tax rate of 0.941% remains a persistent hurdle.

A Secure Harbor for Independent Households

This city is best for individuals who prioritize physical security and natural disaster resilience above all else. It may suit those with outside income sources or retirees who appreciate a small-town pace without high-risk environmental factors.

Score breakdown

Tax42.3Cost46.5Safety60Health36.3Schools19.1Income23.9Risk96.8WaterComing SoonWeather57.9
🏛42.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Rockbridge County
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53.6
Lexington city
Virginia
64.7
Amherst County
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Nelson County
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Lynchburg city
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Bedford County
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Botetourt County
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Augusta County
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Deep Dives

Buena Vista city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Buena Vista city

via TaxByCounty

Buena Vista taxes exceed national average

At 0.941%, Buena Vista's effective tax rate is higher than the national median of 0.83%, placing it in the upper half of the country. The median property tax of $1,444 is about 46% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Above average for Virginia counties

Buena Vista's 0.941% rate ranks it in the higher tier of Virginia jurisdictions, where the state average is 0.671%. This city has one of the highest effective tax rates in the region.

Higher taxes than surrounding areas

Buena Vista's $1,444 median tax is notably higher than nearby Buckingham County ($874) and Charlotte County ($739), despite similar home values. The city's 0.941% rate is among the steepest in central Virginia.

What your taxes look like here

On Buena Vista's median home value of $153,500, you'd pay approximately $1,444 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,372, while those owning outright pay around $1,587.

Review your assessment for potential savings

With Buena Vista's higher tax rate, ensuring your property is correctly assessed becomes even more important. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, Virginia law allows property owners to appeal assessments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Buena Vista city

via CostByCounty

Buena Vista renters strain against high ratios

Buena Vista's rent-to-income ratio of 23.5% significantly exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6% and pulls above national norms, placing renters in a cost-burdened position. The city's median household income of $54,458 falls $20,300 short of the national median, amplifying affordability pressure.

Among Virginia's most expensive for renters

Buena Vista ranks poorly in Virginia's affordability landscape, with a rent-to-income ratio nearly 27% higher than the state average. Despite modest median home values of $153,500, the rental market here strains household budgets more than nearly any peer county.

Rents spike in Buena Vista despite lower incomes

Buena Vista's $1,067 rent runs 25% above nearby Carroll County ($687) and 56% higher than Charlotte County ($682), yet household incomes lag both neighbors. The city's cost-to-income mismatch creates one of the region's toughest affordability challenges.

Rent dominates Buena Vista household budgets

Renters in Buena Vista devote 23.5% of their $54,458 annual income to housing, while owner-occupants spend 15.3% on mortgage costs of $693 monthly. This 8-percentage-point gap between rental and ownership burdens suggests buying offers relief for those able to access mortgages.

Buena Vista works best for home buyers

If relocating to Buena Vista, prioritize purchasing over renting given the city's strained rental market and comparatively affordable ownership at $153,500 median values. Compare this to nearby Carroll County's even lower costs or Campbell County's balanced rental-to-ownership dynamics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Buena Vista city

via IncomeByCounty

Buena Vista earns below national average

Buena Vista's median household income of $54,458 is 27% lower than the national median of $74,755. The city ranks among lower-income communities nationally, reflecting limited economic diversity and regional labor market challenges.

Among Virginia's lowest-income communities

At $54,458, Buena Vista falls significantly below Virginia's median income of $74,957—a gap of $20,000. The city's per capita income of $33,175 exceeds some rural counties but trails the state average of $39,155.

Lowest among nearby peers

Buena Vista's $54,458 median is notably lower than Campbell County ($62,608) and Buckingham County ($59,199). Only Charlotte County ($48,892) earns less in this central Virginia region.

Rental costs strain household budgets

Buena Vista's rent-to-income ratio of 23.5% approaches the concerning 30% threshold, indicating housing costs consume nearly a quarter of median income. The median home value of $153,500 is modest, but affordability pressures remain for renters.

Protect your financial future now

With rental costs running high, prioritize building an emergency fund and minimizing debt where possible. Explore employer retirement benefits, seek out free or low-cost financial counseling, and research down-payment assistance programs if homeownership is a goal.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Buena Vista city

via CrimeByCounty

Buena Vista's Strong National Standing

Buena Vista reports a total crime rate of 918.8 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low volume of crime results in a stellar safety score of 98.5.

Exceeding State Safety Norms

The city's safety score of 98.5 exceeds the Virginia average of 97.3. Because these figures come from a single reporting agency, they represent a focused view of local law enforcement activity.

Comparing Rates in the Region

At 918.8 crimes per 100K, Buena Vista is considerably safer than the state average of 1728.8. It maintains a more secure profile than many larger independent cities in the region.

Violent vs Property Crime Breakdown

Property crime sits at 768.2 per 100K, far below the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent incidents are also low at 150.6 per 100K, keeping the community well below national risk levels.

Simple Habits for City Residents

Maintaining high safety starts with community vigilance and securing all entry points at home. Even with a 98.5 safety score, smart habits help deter opportunistic property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Buena Vista city

via HealthByCounty

Buena Vista faces significant life expectancy gap

At 71.2 years, Buena Vista residents live roughly 8 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years—one of the steepest disparities in Virginia. More than 1 in 5 residents report poor or fair health, indicating a community facing serious and persistent health challenges.

Among Virginia's lowest health rankings

Buena Vista's 71.2-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom of Virginia counties, falling 3.9 years short of the state average of 75.1 years. This wide gap demands urgent attention to the root causes of poor health outcomes in the city.

Notably lower health outcomes locally

Buena Vista's life expectancy significantly trails Campbell County (76.5 years) and Carroll County (74.5 years) by 3-5 years. While its uninsured rate of 7.3% is near the state average, limited primary care access remains unmeasured in current data.

Mental health support outpaces primary care gaps

While specific primary care provider numbers are unavailable for Buena Vista, the city's 76 mental health providers per 100,000 residents suggest strength in behavioral health services. Residents may need to look beyond the city limits for comprehensive primary care options.

Get insured and access preventive care

Even with a lower uninsured rate, Buena Vista residents should review coverage options to ensure access to preventive care that could improve health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore plans and understand your options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Buena Vista city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Local Education System in Buena Vista City

Buena Vista supports a small but comprehensive education infrastructure consisting of 5 public schools, including two elementary campuses and a central high school. Across two districts, these facilities serve a total enrollment of 889 students. The system includes a dedicated middle school and one alternative education center to meet diverse student needs.

Measuring Investment and Academic Outcomes

The city maintains a graduation rate of 82.0%, which trails the Virginia state average of 89.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local investment stands at $6,413 per pupil, a figure below the state average of $7,941 and significantly lower than the national median of $13,000. These factors contribute to an overall school score of 48.0, just under the national median.

Buena Vista City Public Schools Leads the Way

Buena Vista City Public Schools is the primary provider here, managing four schools and the entire enrollment of 889 students. The city does not currently host any charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school model. A second district provides alternative education services but reports no permanent full-time enrollment.

Small-Town Feel in Every Classroom

Education here is intimate, with an average school size of 222 students across a mix of three town-based and two rural campuses. Parry McCluer High is the largest hub with 330 students, while Parry McCluer Middle offers a personalized environment for just 119 students. This scale ensures that students are known by name rather than just being faces in a crowd.

Find a Home in This Close-Knit Community

Families seeking a small-town atmosphere where the school serves as a community anchor should explore Buena Vista. The compact nature of the district makes it easy for parents to stay involved in their children's education. Local housing options offer the chance to live within minutes of every campus in the city.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Buena Vista city

via RiskByCounty

Buena Vista ranks among safest in nation

With a composite risk score of just 3.28 and a Very Low rating, Buena Vista city faces among the lowest natural disaster risk in the United States. The city's minimal exposure across flood, wildfire, and tornado hazards places it well below national and Virginia averages.

Virginia's lowest-risk jurisdiction

Buena Vista's composite score of 3.28 dramatically undercuts Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it the commonwealth's safest community for natural disasters. The city benefits from geography and climate that minimize exposure to nearly every major hazard category.

Dramatically safer than regional peers

Buena Vista's risk score of 3.28 stands apart from neighboring Charlottesville city (24.33) and Campbell County (32.00), offering substantially greater protection. The city's exceptional safety profile makes it one of the most resilient communities in central Virginia.

Hurricane exposure tops minimal hazard list

Buena Vista's risk landscape is remarkably mild, with hurricane exposure at 53.02 and earthquake risk at 22.33 representing the highest concerns. Tornado, flood, and wildfire risks all fall below 20, making this among the least hazard-prone areas in Virginia.

Basic homeowners coverage suffices here

Standard homeowners insurance is typically adequate for Buena Vista residents, as the city faces minimal risk from floods, wildfires, and tornadoes. Annual policy review to ensure adequate replacement cost coverage remains prudent, though specialized disaster insurance is rarely necessary in this low-risk community.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Buena Vista city

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Precipitation Levels

Buena Vista records 43.0 inches of annual precipitation, slightly lower than the national median for the eastern United States. This independent city sits within a mountain valley rain shadow.

Drier than the State Average

The city’s 43.0 inches of rain is below the Virginia average of 45.7 inches. It experiences a slightly more sheltered climate than the coastal regions.

Typical Valley Snowfall

Buena Vista averages 11.0 inches of snowfall annually, similar to surrounding Rockbridge County. This is significantly less snow than the higher peaks of the nearby Blue Ridge.

A Light Winter Touch

The city experiences 11.0 inches of snow on average during the winter. While specific temperature data is not recorded, the precipitation suggests a classic four-season cycle.

Manage Stormwater and Light Snow

Homeowners should ensure gutters are clear for the 43 inches of annual rain. A standard shovel is usually enough to handle the 11 inches of seasonal snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Buena Vista city

via LawnByCounty

Enjoying Above-Average Growing Ease

Buena Vista city boasts a lawn difficulty score of 59.3, outperforming both the state average of 55.4 and the national median of 50.0. This score suggests that local conditions are generally favorable for maintaining a healthy, green yard with standard effort.

Reliable Rainfall for City Lawns

The city receives 43.0 inches of rain annually, which sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch window for healthy turf. This consistent moisture reduces the need for heavy irrigation compared to drier regions of the state.

Building a Foundation with Local Data

While specific soil pH and texture data are unavailable for the city, nearby regions often battle acidic Virginia clay. Local gardeners should conduct a private soil test to ensure their lawn is not missing vital nutrients or lime treatments.

Managing Dry Spells in Buena Vista

The city has endured 28 weeks of drought over the past year, though it currently avoids severe D2+ classifications. While 100.0% of the area is abnormally dry, basic water conservation and mulching can keep lawns healthy during these cycles.

Timing Your Buena Vista Planting

Warm-season grasses thrive here during the summer, while cool-season varieties like fescue offer green color in the spring and fall. Consult local nurseries for the best seeding windows to ensure your lawn establishes itself before the winter chill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buena Vista city's county score?
Buena Vista city, Virginia has a composite county score of 44.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Buena Vista city rank among counties in Virginia?
Buena Vista city ranks #101 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Buena Vista city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Buena Vista city is $1,444, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Buena Vista city a tax score of 42.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Buena Vista city?
The median household income in Buena Vista city, Virginia is $54,458 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Buena Vista city earns an income score of 23.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Buena Vista city, Virginia a good place to live?
Buena Vista city scores 44.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #101 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Buena Vista city is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Buena Vista city with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.