Virginia
Buena Vista is a small city in Virginia with a population of 6,612. Residents earn $54,458 per year, which is 28% below the national average.
Based on current data, Buena Vista receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Buena Vista offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Buena Vista is $54,458, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 17.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Buena Vista is $153,500, 46% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,067 per month. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
24.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Buena Vista experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.9 inches, including 13.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
| English Only | 98.4% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.6% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $54,458 |
| 28% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $33,175 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,696 |
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 17.0% |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 161 |
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,917 |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.90% |
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
| Census Median | $153,500 |
| 46% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,030 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,067 |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $875 |
| Studio | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $917 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,005 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,398 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,686 |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,917 |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.90% |
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,636/100K |
| Food Environment | 2.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 42.9 inches |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 13.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 822 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,027/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7293°N, 79.3581°W |
| County FIPS | 51530 |
Winner: Republican by 44.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 24.7% |
| 27% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 83.4% |
| School Test Score | 5.00 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,027/sq mi |
| Total Area | 6.4 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Retail Stores | 20 |
| Avg Commute | 15.3 min |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |