Buena Vista County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 30th-largest in Iowa
The population of Buena Vista County, Iowa is 20,684 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $66,564, the median home value is $146,900, and the median age is 35.7.
The population of Buena Vista County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (20,356 → 20,816), a +0.16% annualized rate.
20,684
Population
+0.16%
Annual growth
36
People / sq mi
$66,564
Median Income
$146,900
Median Home Value
Buena Vista County covers 575 sq mi of land at 36.0 people per square mile.
About Buena Vista County, IA
Buena Vista County is a county in Iowa with a population of 20,684. It ranks #30 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 35.7, younger than the national median. The population is 51.5% male and 48.5% female.
The median household income in Buena Vista County is $66,564, below the US median of $74,580. 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $146,900, with monthly rent averaging $835. The homeownership rate of 72.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Buena Vista County reflects 22.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 14.7 minutes each way.
Buena Vista County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Buena Vista County had a population of 20,356 in 2010 and 20,816 in 2024, a 2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,816 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.17%.
20,816
Population (2024)
20,356
Population (2010)
20,816
Peak (2024)
0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,356 |
| 2011 | 20,310 |
| 2012 | 20,558 |
| 2013 | 20,649 |
| 2014 | 20,608 |
| 2015 | 20,373 |
| 2016 | 20,327 |
| 2017 | 20,154 |
| 2018 | 19,807 |
| 2019 | 19,690 |
| 2020 | 20,808 |
| 2021 | 20,794 |
| 2022 | 20,651 |
| 2023 | 20,698 |
| 2024 | 20,816 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.9% |
| Black or African American | 3.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.7
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
16.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,564$-6,583 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,885 |
| Per-capita income | $33,083 |
| Poverty rate | 5.3%-1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Buena Vista County is manufacturing, accounting for 31.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.9%
Carpool
69.9%
Public transit
6.3%
Work from home
14.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$146,900$-49,000 vs state
Median home value
$835
Median rent
72.5%
Homeownership rate
8,241
Total housing units
91.5%
Occupied
8.5%
Vacant
27.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.5%
With health insurance
96.8%
With broadband internet
18.7%
Foreign-born
4.2%
Veterans (18+)
8.9%
With a disability
63.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.5%
High School+
22.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Buena Vista County, Iowa has a population of 20,684 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 36 people per square mile.
The population of Buena Vista County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (20,356 → 20,816), a +0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Buena Vista County, Iowa is $66,564, with mean (average) household income of $89,885 and per-capita income of $33,083. 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Buena Vista County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.9%), Black or African American (3.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Buena Vista County, Iowa is 35.7 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Buena Vista County is $146,900 and median monthly rent is $835. 72.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,241 total housing units, 8.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Buena Vista County, Iowa is manufacturing, employing 31.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Buena Vista County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.