countyscore
46.7
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.

Score breakdown

Tax23.8Cost48.9Safety51.1Health64Schools27.1Income58.1Risk60.7Water86Weather50.4
🏛23.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72
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

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59.7
Sac County
Iowa
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Cherokee County
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66.8
Pocahontas County
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Ida County
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Palo Alto County
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O'Brien County
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Calhoun County
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Deep Dives

Buena Vista County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Buena Vista County

via CostByCounty

Buena Vista struggles with affordability

At 15.1%, Buena Vista County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average and Iowa's 14.1% state norm, signaling tighter housing affordability for renters. The county's lower median income of $66,564—about $8,200 below the national average—compounds the challenge.

Buena Vista among Iowa's least affordable

Buena Vista County ranks below average statewide, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio that places it among the counties where housing consumes the largest share of household income. Only a handful of Iowa counties face greater affordability pressures.

Higher rents with lower income

Buena Vista's $835 monthly rent is second-highest in its cluster, but the real problem is the $66,564 median income—the lowest in this group. Neighboring Calhoun County ($690 rent, $66,875 income) and Carroll County ($722 rent, $68,528 income) both offer relief.

Housing takes biggest bite here

Renters spend $835 monthly while owners pay $879, with median home values of $146,900 backed by just $66,564 in household income. At 15.1% of earnings, rent leaves households less cushion than almost anywhere else in the state.

Weigh affordability carefully in Buena Vista

If considering Buena Vista County, understand that housing costs will claim more of your paycheck than state and national averages—the 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is a warning sign. Explore neighboring Calhoun or Carroll counties for meaningfully better affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Buena Vista County

via HealthByCounty

Buena Vista life expectancy exceeds national average

At 79.4 years, Buena Vista County residents outlive the U.S. average of 78.9 years by nearly half a year. However, 18.4% of residents report poor or fair health—notably higher than the national 15.1%—signaling a gap between longevity and daily wellness.

Iowa's uninsured crisis hits Buena Vista hardest

Buena Vista County ranks among Iowa's lowest on health outcomes, with 18.4% reporting poor/fair health compared to the state average. Most alarming, the county's 9.7% uninsured rate nearly doubles Iowa's 5.7% average, leaving nearly 1 in 10 residents without insurance protection.

Uninsured rate strains regional comparison

Buena Vista's 9.7% uninsured rate far exceeds neighboring counties like Carroll (4.6%), Calhoun (5.6%), and Cedar (4.5%), signaling unique economic or demographic pressures. The poor/fair health rate of 18.4% also stands well above regional peers, suggesting concentrated health challenges.

Provider access masks coverage gaps

While Buena Vista offers 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county's critical gap lies in mental health support with just 78 providers per 100,000—far below state needs. The real barrier isn't provider scarcity but affordability: nearly 1 in 10 residents lack insurance to pay for the care available.

Break the uninsured cycle in Buena Vista

With 9.7% uninsured, Buena Vista residents face significantly higher barriers to care—but relief is available through Healthcare.gov, Iowa Medicaid, and community health centers offering sliding-scale fees. Starting coverage today prevents medical debt and ensures access to the providers already available in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Buena Vista County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Hub for Regional Learning

Buena Vista County manages 15 public schools and five districts, educating a total of 4,585 students. The system includes a balanced mix of six elementary, three middle, and five high schools.

Investing in Growth and Opportunities

The county spends $7,516 per pupil, nearly matching the Iowa state average of $7,591. While the graduation rate of 72.2% trails national benchmarks, the county is actively utilizing its resources to improve its 45.3 composite school score.

Storm Lake's Central Role

Storm Lake Community School District is the dominant force in the county, educating 2,794 students across six schools. Notably, the county hosts one charter school, which accounts for nearly 7% of its total school inventory.

Town and Rural Dynamics

With an average school size of 306, the county offers a mix of 10 rural schools and five town-based schools. Storm Lake Elementary is the largest at 814 students, while districts like Sioux Central offer a more rural, smaller-school feel.

Diverse Educational Paths for Your Family

Buena Vista County offers unique educational options, including one of the area's few charter programs. When researching your next move, consider the vibrant community schools in Storm Lake or the consolidated rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Buena Vista County

via RiskByCounty

Buena Vista matches national average risk

With a composite score of 39.28, Buena Vista sits just below Iowa's state average of 39.68 and near the national baseline. This Very Low rating indicates manageable but non-negligible disaster exposure.

Middling risk for Iowa standards

Buena Vista's 39.28 score ranks it near the state median, slightly better than average but nothing exceptional. The county faces challenges comparable to Iowa's typical experience across all hazard categories.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Buena Vista (39.28) significantly exceeds Bremer (24.55), Buchanan (24.05), and Butler (27.10) to the east and southeast. Only Carroll (57.60) and Cass (60.05) to the southwest present meaningfully higher composite risk.

Tornado risk dominates the profile

Tornado risk of 73.95 is exceptionally high for Buena Vista, making severe weather the county's primary concern. Flood risk (32.92), wildfire risk (17.88), and earthquake risk (19.37) trail significantly, while hurricane data remains limited.

Tornado preparedness is non-negotiable

Buena Vista residents must prioritize a reliable shelter plan—ideally a basement, safe room, or access to a community shelter. Ensure your homeowner's policy includes wind and hail coverage, and maintain an emergency kit with 72-hour supplies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 46.7 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 $1,822, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Buena Vista County a tax score of 23.8/100 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 $66,564 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Buena Vista County earns an income score of 58.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Buena Vista County, Iowa a good place to live?
Buena Vista County scores 46.7/100 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.

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