Buena Vista County, Iowa

Income Data

-5% vs. Iowa average
$66,564
Median Household Income
$33,083
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$66,564
-5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,083
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
45.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#62 / 99
by median household income

How Buena Vista County Compares

Buena Vista County$66,564
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$66,564
Median Household Income
$33,083
Per Capita Income
$146,900
Median Home Value
45.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Buena Vista County, Iowa

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Buena Vista County, Iowa?
The median household income in Buena Vista County, Iowa is $66,564, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Buena Vista County?
The per capita income in Buena Vista County is $33,083, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $66,564.
How does Buena Vista County compare to the Iowa average?
Buena Vista County's median household income of $66,564 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $33,083, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Buena Vista County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Buena Vista County, Iowa is $33,083, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Buena Vista County a low-income area in Iowa?
Buena Vista County's median household income of $66,564 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $33,083 is also lower than the state average of $37,136. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Buena Vista County rank for income in Iowa?
Buena Vista County ranks #62 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $66,564 and per capita income of $33,083, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Buena Vista County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Buena Vista County median

County median: $66,564 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-5%

vs. National Median

-11%

vs. Buena Vista County MedianAbout equal
vs. Iowa Average5% below
vs. National Median11% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.6x

Your monthly income ($5,547) vs. median rent ($835/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Buena Vista County, Iowa? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Iowa

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.