Cost of Living in Buena Vista County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Buena Vista County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Buena Vista County ranks #1,929 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Buena Vista County, Iowa
Buena Vista struggles with affordability
At 15.1%, Buena Vista County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average and Iowa's 14.1% state norm, signaling tighter housing affordability for renters. The county's lower median income of $66,564—about $8,200 below the national average—compounds the challenge.
Buena Vista among Iowa's least affordable
Buena Vista County ranks below average statewide, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio that places it among the counties where housing consumes the largest share of household income. Only a handful of Iowa counties face greater affordability pressures.
Higher rents with lower income
Buena Vista's $835 monthly rent is second-highest in its cluster, but the real problem is the $66,564 median income—the lowest in this group. Neighboring Calhoun County ($690 rent, $66,875 income) and Carroll County ($722 rent, $68,528 income) both offer relief.
Housing takes biggest bite here
Renters spend $835 monthly while owners pay $879, with median home values of $146,900 backed by just $66,564 in household income. At 15.1% of earnings, rent leaves households less cushion than almost anywhere else in the state.
Weigh affordability carefully in Buena Vista
If considering Buena Vista County, understand that housing costs will claim more of your paycheck than state and national averages—the 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is a warning sign. Explore neighboring Calhoun or Carroll counties for meaningfully better affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Buena Vista County
Affordability Verdict
Buena Vista County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $835/month representing approximately 15.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 21.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Buena Vista County pay $835/month on average, compared to $879/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,671/year. With a median household income of $66,564, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Buena Vista County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Buena Vista County sits 7% more expensive than Hancock County ($784/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Buena Vista County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,553
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Buena Vista County
Median home value is $146,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,173 vs. your max of $1,553.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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