Median Income
$38,835
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$51,800
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,689/100K
344% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.5%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$875
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
51.3%
60% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.1%
125% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.0%
94% higher than US avg
How Buena Vista Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,904
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density1,476/mi²
Male / Female44% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
D
Median Income$38,835
Per Capita$18,104
Unemployment8.1%
Poverty24.0%
County GDP$4,724M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$51,800
Rent$875
Ownership66.0%
Zillow$123,169
Housing Units3,127
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,689/100K
Property2,417/100K
Health
Obesity51.3%
Uninsured14.5%
Smoking27.0%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease9.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation606 ft (185 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.5%
High School+83.0%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.09
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute22 min
Broadband80.1%
EV Stations20
Libraries5
Is Buena Vista a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buena Vista receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. 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 $38,835, 48% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 24.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buena Vista is $51,800, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,689 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,417 per 100,000, 23% above the national average.
Education
7.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Buena Vista experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches, including 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Buena Vista has a population of 5,904 with a density of 1,476 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.5% female and 43.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (77.4%), with 15.6% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.6% of residents, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 27.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Buena Vista vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.6%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.4%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Buena Vista vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Buena Vista is $38,835, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,104 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 24.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,117 business establishments, including 211 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Buena Vista vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,835 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,104 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,334 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.1% |
| 125% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.0% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,117 |
| County GDP | $4,724M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 211 |
| Healthcare | 326 |
| Retail | 355 |
| Manufacturing | 99 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,313 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Buena Vista is $51,800, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,169, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $875 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,127 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,313 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $51,800 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,169 |
| Median List Price | $48,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $48,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $64 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.8% |
| Price Drops | 31.8% |
| Inventory | 22 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $875 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.0% |
| Housing Units | 3,127 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,313 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.33% |
In Buena Vista, 51.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 22.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.1% of residents, above the national average. 49.7% have high blood pressure. 27.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 10.7% report binge drinking. 46.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.6% experience frequent mental distress. 14.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,239. The dentist ratio is 1:1,428. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buena Vista vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 51.3% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 22.0% |
| Heart Disease | 9.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 49.7% |
| Asthma | 15.5% |
| COPD | 13.6% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 6.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.0% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 10.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.8% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 24.6% |
| Physical Distress | 21.2% |
| Short Sleep | 46.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 14.5% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,239 |
| Dentists | 1:1,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:341 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.3% |
| Dental Visits | 48.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,515/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
Buena Vista has a violent crime rate of 1,689 per 100,000 residents, 344% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,417 per 100,000, 23% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Buena Vista receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buena Vista vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,689.0/100K |
| 344% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,416.6/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buena Vista experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches. The area receives 40.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 606 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 606 ft (185 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,476/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4175°N, 83.9005°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Bay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.0"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
90 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
330 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 130 fatalities, 1,136 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
36 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
50 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
— |
127 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Buena Vista has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.2").
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 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($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 |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
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 |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($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 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| 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) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $779 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $674 |
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 5,904 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,476 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.5% female and 43.5% 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 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $38,835, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $51,800 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buena Vista safe?
Public safety is a concern in Buena Vista, with a violent crime rate of 1,689 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,417 per 100,000 (above 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.0 inches, with 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Buena Vista?
The job market in Buena Vista faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 2,117 business establishments in the area, including 211 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buena Vista?
The median home value in Buena Vista is $51,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,169. For renters, the median monthly rent is $875. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,313.
How are the schools in Buena Vista?
Schools in Buena Vista score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.5% of adults in Buena Vista hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buena Vista?
The obesity rate in Buena Vista is 51.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.0% of adults are smokers. 46.8% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 14.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,239.
What is transportation like in Buena Vista?
The average commute in Buena Vista is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buena Vista?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buena Vista is 15.6% White, 77.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 91.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 27.8% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
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