Buena Vista County

IA · Pop. 166,242 · Mixed County

5Homestead Score

Buena Vista County is a mixed county in IA with a population of approximately 166,242.

$/Acre: $11,423
Property Tax: 1.57%
Growing Season: 147 days
Broadband: 50%
Safety: 6/10
Density: 164.8/sq mi

Pros

Rural setting

Cons

Expensive land

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.57%
Local Sales Tax1%
Combined Sales Tax7%
Cost of Living Index98.8
Median Household Income$91,497
Poverty Rate15.9%
Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$11,423
Median Home Price$661K
Acres for Sale2338
Building CodeBasic
Permit Required
Zoning TypeMinimal Zoning
Tiny Home Friendly
Mobile Home Friendly
Min Lot Size2.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8
Growing Season147 days
Annual Rainfall35.5 inches
Avg Summer High83°F
Avg Winter Low8°F
Soil TypeSilt
Soil Quality7/10
Elevation3,854 ft
Top CropsCorn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought2/10
Wildfire3/10
Tornado5/10
Flood4/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceSpring
Well Depth (avg)377 ft
Water AvailabilityAdequate
Solar (Avg PSH)4.6
Wind Potential8/10
Electric Rate$0.16/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated
HOA PrevalenceRare
Livestock Allowed
Chicken OrdinanceRestricted
Burn Permit Required
Raw Milk AccessYes

Safety

Violent Crime /100K365
Property Crime /100K228
Overall Safety6/10
Sheriff Response38 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital41.2 miles
Emergency Room
Healthcare Facilities4

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage50%
Cell CoveragePoor
Starlink Available
Nearest Town14 miles
Nearest City52 miles
School District9/10
Farmers Markets2
Public Land Nearby29%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.6%
Ag EconomyWeak