County

Buena Vista County, IA

9 ZIP codes  ·  9 cities  ·  Iowa

👥21,032Population
💰$67,360Median HH Income▼ 12% below avg
🎂35.3Median Age
🏠$158,589Median Home Value▼ 43% below avg
🎓37.6%College Grads≈ Avg
📊4.7%Unemployment≈ Avg
People & Population (ACS 2023 — weighted avg)
♂ Male 51.3% Female 48.7% ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 54.3%Hispanic: 28.4%Black: 3.2%Asian: 11%Other: 1.9%Race
White54.3%
Hispanic28.4%
Black3.2%
Asian11.0%
Other1.9%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
7%
5–17
20%
18–24
10%
25–44
24%
45–64
22%
65+
7%

Key Indicators

Median Age35.3 yrs
Avg HH Size2.63
Below Poverty7.5% ▼ 25% below avg
College Grads37.6% ≈ Avg
Unemployment4.7% ≈ Avg
No HS Diploma613 (5.4%)
HS Graduate4,058 (35.7%)
Some College1,103 (9.7%)
Associates1,317 (11.6%)
Bachelors1,502 (13.2%)
Graduate Degree2,776 (24.4%)

Education

No HS: 5.4%HS Grad: 35.7%Some College: 9.7%Associates: 11.6%Bachelors: 13.2%Graduate: 24.4%Edu
No HS5.4%
HS Grad35.7%
Some College9.7%
Associates11.6%
Bachelors13.2%
Graduate24.4%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 72.3%Renter: 27.7%Tenure
Owner72.3%
Renter27.7%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
8%
$50k–$100k
17%
$100k–$150k
26%
$150k–$200k
14%
$200k–$300k
20%
$300k–$500k
10%
Over $500k
5%

Financials

Median HH Income$67,360 ▼ 12% below avg
Median Home Value$158,588 ▼ 43% below avg
Home/Income Ratio2.4x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$834/mo
Total Housing Units8,384
Vacant Units733

Income Distribution

Under $25k
12%
$25k–$50k
18%
$50k–$75k
23%
$75k–$100k
14%
$100k–$150k
19%
$150k–$200k
8%
Over $200k
6%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
86%
Walked
7%
Work From Home
7%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
65%
15–30 min
22%
30–45 min
7%
Over 45 min
6%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
3%
1940s–1950s
18%
1960s–1970s
12%
1980s–1990s
4%
2000+
63%
About Buena Vista County, IA

Buena Vista County is located in Iowa and encompasses 9 ZIP codes spanning 9 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 21,032 residents. With a median age of 35.3, it is a relatively young county.

Buena Vista County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $67,359 is near the national average. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 7.5% is well below the national average.

Housing in Buena Vista County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $158,588 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $833. Homeownership rates are high at 72.3%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.

The residents of Buena Vista County are majority White (54.27%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 37.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.

Buena Vista County, IA is a solidly middle-class area in Iowa. The 9 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.

ZIP Codes in Buena Vista County
ZIPCityPopulationMedian IncomeMedian HomeMedian RentUnemp.College
50510 Albert City 1,055 $78,523 $104,400 $758 2.3% 31.9%
51002 Alta 2,866 $69,375 $145,300 $918 13.9% 41.2%
51033 Linn Grove 396 $61,136 $185,000 $1,281 1.2% 33.2%
50565 Marathon 413 $61,705 $71,900 $792 8.6% 41.7%
50568 Newell 1,364 $74,946 $124,300 $717 5.9% 36.0%
50576 Rembrandt 281 $65,179 $106,000 $817 4.3% 34.4%
50585 Sioux Rapids 1,165 $70,179 $99,200 $641 0.2% 40.7%
50588 Storm Lake 13,346 $65,475 $178,800 $836 3.3% 37.6%
50592 Truesdale 146 $63,125 $32,500 $1,111 0.0% 1.8%