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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Buena Vista County: a median age of 35.7, younger than the national median. Buena Vista County is a county in Iowa with a population of 20,684. It ranks #30 among counties in Iowa by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $66,564 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.3% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $146,900, with typical rent around $835.
Roughly 22.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 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+
Largest cities in Iowa
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Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
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.