Buena Vista, CO
Population 2,966 · Colorado
About Buena Vista, CO
Buena Vista is a small town located in Colorado with a population of 2,966 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,409 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Buena Vista features a median home value of $495,800, which is 102% above the national median of $244,900. This places Buena Vista in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,519, 31% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,517 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (592 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (782 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buena Vista shows an unemployment rate of 14.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Buena Vista have an average one-way commute time of 10.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.6% of Buena Vista residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Buena Vista, CO
Compared to national averages, Buena Vista has a median household income of $58,409 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $495,800, which is 102% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,519 is 31% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Buena Vista's income is 34% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 8% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Buena Vista, CO?
Buena Vista offers a well-educated community where 41.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,409) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $495,800. However, Buena Vista’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Buena Vista has a population of 2,966 with a median age of 33.1 years. Compare Buena Vista with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Buena Vista
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platteville | 2,924 | $87,642 | $376,600 | Compare |
| Snowmass Village | 3,048 | $107,559 | $1,748,000 | Compare |
| Frisco | 2,865 | $113,406 | $839,500 | Compare |
| Bayfield | 2,862 | $92,821 | $418,400 | Compare |
| Stepping Stone | 3,079 | $220,039 | $787,300 | Compare |
| Walsenburg | 3,079 | $40,799 | $148,600 | Compare |
| Inverness | 3,088 | $104,636 | $799,600 | Compare |
| La Salle | 3,119 | $91,635 | $362,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Colorado
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Buena Vista With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Buena Vista
What is the population of Buena Vista, CO?
The population of Buena Vista, CO is 2,966 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Buena Vista?
The median household income in Buena Vista, CO is $58,409 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buena Vista?
The median home value in Buena Vista, CO is $495,800, which is 102% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Buena Vista?
The median monthly rent in Buena Vista, CO is $1,519, which is 31% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buena Vista?
The unemployment rate in Buena Vista, CO is 14.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Buena Vista, CO a good place to live?
Buena Vista offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,966 and a median age of 33.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Buena Vista, CO?
41.6% of residents in Buena Vista aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Buena Vista?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Buena Vista, CO: median home value is $495,800 (102% above national), median rent is $1,519/month, and median household income is $58,409. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Buena Vista?
The poverty rate in Buena Vista, CO is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Buena Vista, CO?
Buena Vista's population is 4.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.