Buena Vista, VA
Population 6,612 · Virginia
About Buena Vista, VA
Buena Vista is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 6,612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,458 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Buena Vista features a median home value of $153,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Buena Vista in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,067, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,944 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (1,493 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (1,118 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 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Buena Vista have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.7% 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 0.5% White, 8.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Buena Vista, VA
Compared to national averages, Buena Vista has a median household income of $54,458 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,500, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,067 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Buena Vista's income is 38% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 53% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Buena Vista, VA?
Buena Vista offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,067/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,458) 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 6,612 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Buena Vista with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Buena Vista
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle Haven | 6,590 | $137,878 | $572,200 | Compare |
| Bridgewater | 6,650 | $81,012 | $372,400 | Compare |
| Galax | 6,698 | $41,438 | $126,800 | Compare |
| Bedford | 6,703 | $47,697 | $192,600 | Compare |
| South Run | 6,714 | $250,001 | $940,900 | Compare |
| Spotsylvania Courthouse | 6,793 | $85,321 | $366,900 | Compare |
| Braddock | 6,404 | $214,563 | $915,900 | Compare |
| Pimmit Hills | 6,395 | $168,548 | $925,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
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, VA?
The population of Buena Vista, VA is 6,612 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Buena Vista?
The median household income in Buena Vista, VA is $54,458 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buena Vista?
The median home value in Buena Vista, VA is $153,500, which is 37% 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, VA is $1,067, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buena Vista?
The unemployment rate in Buena Vista, VA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Buena Vista, VA a good place to live?
Buena Vista offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,612 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Buena Vista, VA?
24.7% 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, VA: median home value is $153,500 (37% below national), median rent is $1,067/month, and median household income is $54,458. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buena Vista?
The poverty rate in Buena Vista, VA is 22.0%, 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, VA?
Buena Vista's population is 0.5% White, 8.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.