Median Income
$32,197
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,000
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
268/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$610
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.5%
138% higher than US avg
How Buena Vista Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,966
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density611/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$32,197
Per Capita$20,647
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty29.5%
County GDP$149M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,000
Rent$610
Ownership40.2%
Zillow$159,029
Housing Units985
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent268/100K
Property1,232/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured22.0%
Smoking20.1%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain52.8 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation703 ft (214 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+69.9%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score4.85
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 35%
Commute26 min
Broadband62.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Buena Vista a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buena Vista receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Buena Vista has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buena Vista is $32,197, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 29.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buena Vista is $92,000, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $610 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buena Vista is below the national average at 268 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,232 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Buena Vista enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Buena Vista has a population of 1,966 with a density of 611 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.2% female and 42.8% male. The city is predominantly Black (66.1%), with 15.5% White, 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.5% of residents, while 19.5% speak Spanish. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 80.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Buena Vista vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.5%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.5%
46% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Buena Vista vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Buena Vista is $32,197, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,647 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $777, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 29.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 124 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Buena Vista vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,197 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,647 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $777 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,133 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.5% |
| 138% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 124 |
| County GDP | $149M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Buena Vista is $92,000, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,029, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $610 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 40.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 985 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,100 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,000 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,029 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $610 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 40.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.8% |
| Housing Units | 985 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.28% |
In Buena Vista, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 44.2% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.2% report binge drinking. 38.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.5% report depression. 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 22.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:7,449. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buena Vista vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.2% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.2% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 44.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.9% |
| Uninsured | 22.0% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:7,449 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 46.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,488/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Buena Vista has a violent crime rate of 268 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,232 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Buena Vista receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buena Vista vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 267.8/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,231.9/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buena Vista enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 703 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 703 ft (214 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 611/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3185°N, 84.5176°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Middle Georgia Regional (MCN)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.8"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 12, 2022.
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Feb 17, 1991 |
6 km N of Goldville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Sep 12, 2022 |
13 km NE of Jackson, Georgia |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
161 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
289 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
227 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
63 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
230 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
271 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
188 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
132 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
473 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 81 fatalities, 1,232 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF4 |
92 km |
23 |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF4 |
92 km |
18 |
| Mar 26, 2023 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
99 km |
5 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1981 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1970 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (13,987 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
13,987 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
10,827 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,788 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,854 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,362 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
77 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
32 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
18 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
40 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,718 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,501 |
24 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,487 |
35 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
22 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,198 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,063 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Buena Vista has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 47°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.3 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.5") and October the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Buena Vista. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buena Vista
What is the population of Buena Vista?
Buena Vista has a population of 1,966 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 611 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.2% female and 42.8% male.
Is Buena Vista expensive to live in?
Buena Vista has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $32,197, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,000 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $610 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buena Vista safe?
Buena Vista is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 268 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,232 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Buena Vista receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buena Vista?
Buena Vista enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Buena Vista?
The job market in Buena Vista is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $777. There are 124 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buena Vista?
The median home value in Buena Vista is $92,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,029. For renters, the median monthly rent is $610. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 40.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,100.
How are the schools in Buena Vista?
Schools in Buena Vista have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.8% of adults in Buena Vista hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.9% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buena Vista?
The obesity rate in Buena Vista is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 38.2% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 22.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Buena Vista?
The average commute in Buena Vista is 26 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buena Vista?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buena Vista is 15.5% White, 66.1% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 80.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.5% speak Spanish. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 80.9% have health insurance coverage.
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