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