Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,300
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
145/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.8%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$769
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.3%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How North Buena Vista Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population110
Median Age56.5 yrs
Density118/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans94.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$36,212
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$9,160M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,300
Rent$769
Ownership83.3%
Zillow$225,488
Housing Units123
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent145/100K
Property1,114/100K
Health
Obesity42.3%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking21.5%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation881 ft (269 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.8%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute33 min
Broadband54.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is North Buena Vista a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, North Buena Vista receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. North Buena Vista has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in North Buena Vista is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in North Buena Vista is $88,300, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
North Buena Vista is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,114 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
13.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
North Buena Vista experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches, including 37.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
North Buena Vista has a population of 110 with a density of 118 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 56.5 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 94.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.5yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
North Buena Vista vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
North Buena Vista vs U.S. Average
The median household income in North Buena Vista is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,212. The average weekly wage is $1,128, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,728 business establishments, including 242 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: North Buena Vista vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,212 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,128 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,728 |
| County GDP | $9,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 242 |
| Healthcare | 316 |
| Retail | 397 |
| Manufacturing | 149 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,807 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.5% |
The median home value in North Buena Vista is $88,300, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,488, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $769 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 123 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $5,807 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,300 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $225,488 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $769 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.7% |
| Housing Units | 123 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,807 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.58% |
In North Buena Vista, 42.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,299. The dentist ratio is 1:1,233. 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: North Buena Vista vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.3% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,299 |
| Dentists | 1:1,233 |
| Mental Health | 1:497 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,844/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 316 |
North Buena Vista has a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,114 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, North Buena Vista receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: North Buena Vista vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 145.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,114.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
North Buena Vista experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches. The area receives 37.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 881 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 881 ft (269 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 118/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6727°N, 90.9613°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dubuque County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
500 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 557 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
87 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
79 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
North Buena Vista has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in North Buena Vista. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $719 |
| Toddler | $620 |
| Preschool | $620 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $486 |
| Toddler | $478 |
| Preschool | $478 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About North Buena Vista
What is the population of North Buena Vista?
North Buena Vista has a population of 110 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 118 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is North Buena Vista expensive to live in?
North Buena Vista is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,300 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is North Buena Vista safe?
North Buena Vista is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,114 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, North Buena Vista receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in North Buena Vista?
North Buena Vista has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.5 inches, with 37.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in North Buena Vista?
North Buena Vista has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,128. There are 3,728 business establishments in the area, including 242 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 11.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in North Buena Vista?
The median home value in North Buena Vista is $88,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,488. For renters, the median monthly rent is $769. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,807.
How are the schools in North Buena Vista?
Schools in North Buena Vista score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.8% of adults in North Buena Vista hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is North Buena Vista?
The obesity rate in North Buena Vista is 42.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,299.
What is transportation like in North Buena Vista?
The average commute in North Buena Vista is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of North Buena Vista?
The racial and ethnic makeup of North Buena Vista is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 94.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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