Violent Crime
233/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.7%
212% higher than US avg
How Buena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population674
Median Age15.9 yrs
Density775/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$17,542
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty38.7%
County GDP$13,348M
Commute20 min
Housing
Ownership50.3%
Zillow$268,575
Housing Units123
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent233/100K
Property4,012/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured23.3%
Smoking10.2%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain7.8 in/yr
Sunny Days279/yr
Elevation791 ft (241 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.43
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute20 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries17
Is Buena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buena receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Buena faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 38.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buena is below the national average at 233 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,012 per 100,000, 105% above the national average.
Education
10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Buena experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 279 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 7.8 inches, including 20.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Buena has a population of 674 with a density of 775 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 15.9 years, 59% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 60.3% of residents, while 39.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
15.9yrs
Median Age
59% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
60.3%
23% below US avg
Spanish
39.7%
196% above US avg
Per capita income is $17,542 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,002, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 38.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,385 business establishments, including 526 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $17,542 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,002 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,706 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.7% |
| 212% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,385 |
| County GDP | $13,348M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 526 |
| Healthcare | 599 |
| Retail | 708 |
| Manufacturing | 248 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,109 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,575. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 123 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $5,109 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.7% |
| Housing Units | 123 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,109 |
| 46% above US avg |
In Buena, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 10.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 28.2% are physically inactive. 19.8% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 23.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,620. The dentist ratio is 1:1,404. 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.2% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 28.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 23.3% |
| 171% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,620 |
| Dentists | 1:1,404 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,201/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 599 |
Buena has a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,012 per 100,000, 105% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 45 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 455 federally declared disasters. Overall, Buena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.7/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,011.5/100K |
| 105% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 45 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buena experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 279 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 7.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 20.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 791 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 279 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 791 ft (241 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 775/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4277°N, 120.3182°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Yakima County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-Cities (PSC)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
7.8"
79% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
1.14"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 94.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,090 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 6, 2025.
| Feb 14, 2011 |
31 km S of Morton, Washington |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| Feb 18, 2015 |
15 km ENE of Cle Elum, Washington |
M4.2 |
97 km |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
30 km S of White Swan, Washington |
M4.2 |
48 km |
| May 20, 1995 |
15 km NNE of Ashford, Washington |
M4.1 |
134 km |
| Jan 30, 2000 |
6 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M4.1 |
138 km |
| Aug 16, 2004 |
16 km ENE of Packwood, Washington |
M4.0 |
92 km |
| Oct 9, 1998 |
20 km S of White Swan, Washington |
M4.0 |
39 km |
| Oct 1, 2004 |
37 km NNE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Jun 25, 2004 |
17 km W of Packwood, Washington |
M3.9 |
123 km |
| Nov 18, 1997 |
20 km NW of Bickleton, Washington |
M3.9 |
34 km |
| Mar 22, 1997 |
10 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Aug 7, 1992 |
8 km WSW of Irrigon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
85 km |
| Jan 3, 2018 |
37 km SSE of Morton, Washington |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| Mar 29, 2010 |
10 km NE of Cliffdell, Washington |
M3.8 |
81 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
11 km SSW of Benton City, Washington |
M3.7 |
66 km |
| Jul 4, 1997 |
8 km NNE of Waterville, Washington |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
14 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.7 |
81 km |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
13 km ENE of Ashford, Washington |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Jan 1, 1997 |
14 km NNE of Selah, Washington |
M3.7 |
40 km |
| Oct 1, 2004 |
36 km NNE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.7 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
15 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 1957 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2006 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2024 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2020 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2008 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2005 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2005 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2005 |
EF0 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2004 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 15, 2000 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1999 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1997 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1956 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 250.0 m (820 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1980 |
WASHINGTON |
Explosion |
250.0 m |
61 |
145 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
7 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Adams (93 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Adams |
Stratovolcano |
3,742 m (12,277 ft) |
950 |
93 km |
| Rainier |
Stratovolcano |
4,392 m (14,409 ft) |
1450 |
120 km |
| Indian Heaven |
Shield(s) |
1,806 m (5,925 ft) |
-6250 |
128 km |
| St. Helens |
Stratovolcano |
2,549 m (8,363 ft) |
2008 |
145 km |
| West Crater |
Volcanic field |
1,329 m (4,360 ft) |
-5750 |
149 km |
| Hood |
Stratovolcano |
3,426 m (11,240 ft) |
1866 |
158 km |
| Glacier Peak |
Stratovolcano |
3,213 m (10,541 ft) |
1700 |
197 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RANGE 12 (167,604 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RANGE 12 |
167,604 |
35 km |
| 2000 |
24 COMMAND |
162,300 |
56 km |
| 1984 |
HANFORD |
122,914 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
SCHNEIDER SPRINGS |
114,743 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
MULE DRY |
90,184 |
54 km |
| 2013 |
COLOCKUM TARPS |
79,279 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
WAUTOMA |
77,956 |
48 km |
| 2020 |
EVANS CANYON |
76,288 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
COLD CREEK |
72,859 |
35 km |
| 2018 |
BOYLSTON |
66,292 |
50 km |
| 2012 |
TABLE MOUNTAIN COMPLEX |
65,887 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
NEWELL ROAD |
61,833 |
64 km |
| 2015 |
COUGAR CREEK |
51,866 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
BIG HORN |
51,023 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
DRY CREEK COMPLEX |
49,843 |
28 km |
| 2008 |
COAL PLANT |
45,801 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
RETREAT |
44,681 |
57 km |
| 2019 |
COLD CREEK |
43,756 |
51 km |
| 2015 |
HIGHWAY 8 |
35,296 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
UMTANUM RIDGE |
34,351 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Buena has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 31°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 7.3 inches, with December being the wettest month (1.1") and July the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Buena. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,171 |
| Toddler | $899 |
| Preschool | $899 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $865 |
| Preschool | $865 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buena
What is the population of Buena?
Buena has a population of 674 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 775 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 15.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.
Is Buena expensive to live in?
Buena is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is Buena safe?
Buena is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,012 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Buena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buena?
Buena has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 279 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 7.8 inches, with 20.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Buena?
The job market in Buena is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,002. There are 6,385 business establishments in the area, including 526 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Buena?
Schools in Buena have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.1% of adults in Buena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buena?
The obesity rate in Buena is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.2% of adults are smokers. 28.2% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 23.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,620.
What is transportation like in Buena?
The average commute in Buena is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buena is 91.4% White. 60.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 39.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
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