countyscore
46.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 81.2Lawn Care 72

County Report Card

About Buena Vista County, Iowa

Near the National Median

Buena Vista County earns a composite score of 46.7, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This indicates a fairly typical American living experience with specific areas of opportunity for growth.

Room to Grow in Iowa

The county sits below the Iowa state average of 55.6, largely due to challenges in its local school system. However, it maintains competitive scores in water quality and income that provide a foundation for improvement.

Pristine Water and Stable Income

A water score of 86.0 is the county's greatest asset, ensuring high environmental standards. The income score of 58.1 is supported by a median household income of $66,564, keeping the community economically active.

Addressing School Performance

The school score of 27.1 represents the county's biggest challenge, lagging significantly behind state leaders. Additionally, a safety score of 51.1 suggests that while not critical, there is room to enhance community security.

A Practical Choice for Renters

Buena Vista County suits individuals or small households who value environmental quality and moderate living costs. With median gross rent at $835, it offers a functional lifestyle for those who do not currently prioritize the K-12 school system.

20406080100234551.16427.166.160.78650.4Tax23Cost45Safety51.1Health64Schools27.1Income66.1Risk60.7Water86Weather50.446.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Buena Vista County DNA

Foverall

How Buena Vista County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Buena Vista County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (23/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23-29
Cost
45
Safety
51.1
Health
64+14
Schools
27.1-26.9
Income
66.1+15.099999999999994
Risk
60.7+13.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
50.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Buena Vista County?

Many homeowners in Buena Vista County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$159,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$894/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$159,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,719/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Buena Vista County with Chilton County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Clay County
Iowa
59.7
Sac County
Iowa
62.1
Cherokee County
Iowa
67.1
Pocahontas County
Iowa
63
Ida County
Iowa
69.7
Palo Alto County
Iowa
62.7
O'Brien County
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59.3
Calhoun County
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64.6

Deep Dives

Buena Vista County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Buena Vista County

via TaxByCounty

Buena Vista offers below-average tax rates nationally

At 1.240%, Buena Vista County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median, placing the county in the favorable third of American tax jurisdictions. The median property tax of $1,822 annually is notably lower than the national median of $2,690, making homeownership more affordable here than in most U.S. counties.

Among Iowa's most tax-friendly counties

Buena Vista County ranks in the lowest tier of Iowa counties for effective tax rates at 1.240%, well below the state average of 1.344%. Its median annual tax of $1,822 is the second-lowest among the counties surveyed, offering relief compared to Iowa's statewide median of $2,160.

Lowest taxes in the immediate region

Buena Vista's 1.240% effective rate significantly undercuts all surveyed neighbors, including Carroll County (1.052%) and Cedar County (1.218%). Homeowners here enjoy some of the lowest property tax burdens in north-central Iowa.

Median annual tax just $1,822

A homeowner with Buena Vista's median-valued $146,900 home pays approximately $1,822 annually in property taxes—$1,983 with a mortgage, $1,529 without. Monthly costs run roughly $152, making property ownership particularly affordable in this county.

Still worth verifying your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties like Buena Vista, assessments sometimes exceed fair market value, particularly on properties that have declined in value. Filing a simple assessment appeal costs nothing and could yield additional annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Buena Vista County

via IncomeByCounty

Below U.S. median, but resilient

Buena Vista County's median household income of $66,564 falls 11% short of the national median of $74,755. Agricultural dependence and smaller employer base characterize the local economy, typical of rural Iowa counties.

Among Iowa's lower-income counties

At $66,564, Buena Vista trails Iowa's state median of $69,830 by about $3,300 per household. The county ranks in the lower half statewide, reflecting challenges common to grain-dependent rural regions.

Struggles alongside similar rural counties

Buena Vista ($66,564) earns similarly to Calhoun ($66,875) but well below Cedar County ($79,080) and Buchanan ($78,430). Cass County ($61,657) ranks lower, suggesting economic pressures spread across northwest Iowa.

Housing costs pinch harder here

Buena Vista's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% is notably higher than the national benchmark, meaning renters dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing. With a median home value of $146,900, homeownership is cheaper than renting locally—a common pattern in agricultural counties.

Strategic planning essential here

Lower median incomes demand disciplined financial planning, including employer retirement plans and low-cost investment options. Buena Vista households should prioritize debt reduction and seek skill-building opportunities tied to higher-wage sectors.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Buena Vista County

via CrimeByCounty

Buena Vista Offers Stability and Safety

The total crime rate in Buena Vista County is 1,102.1 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance nets the county a high safety score of 98.3.

Matching the Iowa State Average

Buena Vista County's safety score of 98.3 perfectly matches the Iowa state average. Its total crime rate of 1,102.1 is nearly identical to the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Buena Vista Compared to Regional Peers

While Buena Vista's crime rate is higher than rural Calhoun County's 232.5, it remains much lower than many metropolitan areas in the Midwest. Two primary agencies provide the data that keeps this community informed and safe.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime Trends

Property crime represents the bulk of local incidents at 855.6 per 100K, while violent crime stays low at 246.5. Even with property crime being the primary concern, it remains less than half the national average of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing Safety in Buena Vista

Residents can help lower property crime rates even further by participating in neighborhood watch programs. Basic home security upgrades, such as deadbolts and window sensors, provide valuable peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Buena Vista County

via WeatherByCounty

Lower Temperatures in Northwest Iowa

Buena Vista County averages 46.8°F annually, trailing the national median temperature of 53°F. The local climate is defined by long, cold winters and moderate, humid summers.

Colder and Drier than Average

The county sits 1.2 degrees below the state average temperature of 48.0°F. It also receives 3.2 inches less precipitation than the state average of 36.1 inches, marking it as a drier region of Iowa.

Typical Regional Climate Profiles

Buena Vista is slightly warmer than neighboring Buchanan County but remains cooler than the central Iowa average. Its 35.2 inches of annual snowfall is typical for the northwestern part of the state.

Snowy Winters and Brief Heat

January is cold with a 17.0°F average, contributing to an annual snowfall of 35.2 inches. July brings an average of 72.5°F, though the county only faces 11 days per year above 90°F.

Winter Resilience is Key

Significant snowfall requires residents to keep winter emergency kits in their vehicles at all times. Homeowners should ensure proper insulation to manage the 20.4°F average winter temperatures effectively.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Buena Vista County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Alkaline Soil Quality

Buena Vista County boasts an impressive soil score of 81.2, well above the Iowa average of 72.9. Its average pH of 6.67 is slightly alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5, providing an ideal environment for nutrient availability. While taxonomic data is not listed, the high score indicates world-class agricultural potential.

A Heavy, Silt-Rich Profile

This soil is built on a sturdy foundation of 45.4% silt and 27.4% clay, with only 25.6% sand. This composition creates a dense, heavy soil that is excellent at retaining nutrients and providing physical support for tall crops. The higher clay content requires careful timing for tilling to avoid creating large clods.

State-Leading Organic Wealth

With a massive 5.77% organic matter content, this soil is far richer than the Iowa average of 3.81%. It also features an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, exceeding the state benchmark of 0.195 in/in. This combination creates a powerful 'sponge' that holds both moisture and nutrients through the growing season.

Natural Moisture Retention

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high clay and silt levels suggest a landscape that holds water very effectively. These soils likely require less frequent irrigation but may stay wet longer in the spring than the sandier counties to the east. This natural hydrology supports high-yield farming and resilient home gardens.

A Gardener's Paradise in 5a

In Zone 5a, Buena Vista’s exceptionally high organic matter makes it one of the best spots in the state for heavy-feeding crops like corn and tomatoes. The soil's ability to hold water means your plants will stay hydrated even during dry spells. There is no better place in Iowa to start a high-production vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Buena Vista County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Lawns in Western Iowa

Buena Vista County has a lawn difficulty score of 72.0, making it slightly more challenging than the Iowa state average of 77.2. Despite this, it remains much easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. The Zone 5a climate supports various cool-season grasses, though specific regional moisture patterns require extra attention.

Lower Precipitation Means Targeted Watering

At 32.9 inches of annual precipitation, Buena Vista is drier than the Iowa state average of 36.1 inches. Lawns here face 11 extreme heat days and 2,842 growing degree days, requiring a more proactive irrigation strategy than in eastern counties. Homeowners should prioritize watering during the peak summer heat to maintain green cover.

High Clay Content Retains Nutrients

The local soil features a pH of 6.67, which is near the upper end of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for lawns. With a clay content of 27.4%, the soil holds onto moisture and nutrients well, though it may be prone to compaction. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the sand-clay balance suggests a heavy texture that benefits from annual aeration.

Addressing Widespread Dry Conditions

The entire county is currently 100% abnormally dry, and residents have dealt with 19 weeks of drought over the past year. This persistent dryness makes water conservation critical, such as watering only in the early morning to minimize evaporation. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties can significantly reduce the maintenance burden during these extended dry periods.

Planting for the Long Season

Fine fescues and heat-tolerant bluegrass blends are recommended for Buena Vista's slightly drier environment. The growing window opens after the last frost on April 30 and extends through October 13. Late summer is often the best time to seed here, allowing roots to establish before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buena Vista County's county score?
Buena Vista County, Iowa has a composite county score of 46.2 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 County rank among counties in Iowa?
Buena Vista County ranks #80 among all counties in Iowa 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 County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Buena Vista County is $1,931, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Buena Vista County a tax score of 23/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Buena Vista County?
The median household income in Buena Vista County, Iowa is $71,719 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Buena Vista County earns an income score of 66.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Buena Vista County, Iowa a good place to live?
Buena Vista County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Buena Vista County 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 County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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