Buena Vista, MI
Population 5,904 · Michigan
About Buena Vista, MI
Buena Vista is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 5,904 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,835 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 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 $51,800, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Buena Vista one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $875, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,020 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,599 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (823 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buena Vista shows an unemployment rate of 16.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Buena Vista have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.5% of Buena Vista residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Buena Vista Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Buena Vista, MI
Compared to national averages, Buena Vista has a median household income of $38,835 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $51,800, which is 79% below the national median. Monthly rent at $875 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Buena Vista's income is 41% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 72% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Buena Vista, MI?
Buena Vista offers affordable housing with a median home value of $51,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $875/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,835) that falls below the national average. However, Buena Vista’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Buena Vista has a population of 5,904 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare Buena Vista with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Buena Vista
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belding | 5,949 | $55,895 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Swartz Creek | 5,856 | $73,862 | $168,900 | Compare |
| Petoskey | 5,851 | $71,783 | $319,300 | Compare |
| Richmond | 5,839 | $61,715 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Holly | 5,971 | $61,221 | $174,900 | Compare |
| Houghton Lake | 5,761 | $50,861 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Milan | 6,070 | $93,016 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Northville | 6,080 | $143,875 | $455,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
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, MI?
The population of Buena Vista, MI is 5,904 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Buena Vista?
The median household income in Buena Vista, MI is $38,835 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buena Vista?
The median home value in Buena Vista, MI is $51,800, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Buena Vista?
The median monthly rent in Buena Vista, MI is $875, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buena Vista?
The unemployment rate in Buena Vista, MI is 16.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Buena Vista, MI a good place to live?
Buena Vista offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,904 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Buena Vista, MI?
7.5% of residents in Buena Vista aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Buena Vista?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Buena Vista, MI: median home value is $51,800 (79% below national), median rent is $875/month, and median household income is $38,835. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buena Vista?
The poverty rate in Buena Vista, MI is 31.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Buena Vista, MI?
Buena Vista's population is 6.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 72.4% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.