Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buena Vista, CO
Thinking of moving to Buena Vista, CO? With a close-knit population of 2,855 and scenic mountain surroundings, this charming town offers a relaxed lifestyle, low crime rates (violent crime: 85 per 100K), and an average commute of just 15 minutes. While the median home price is $525,000 and rents average $1,350, residents enjoy more affordable utilities and abundant sunny days (69% yearly). Buena Vista boasts highly-rated schools, quick access to outdoor adventures, and a friendly, welcoming community—making it a wonderful place to call home.
Demographics - Buena Vista, CO
Demographics - Buena Vista, CO
Buena Vista is a small, close-knit town of 2,855 residents with a median age of 41.9 and a population density of 1,250 per square mile. The community is predominantly White (over 90%), with a nearly balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
2,855
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.9
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
7.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Buena Vista, CO?
The cost of living in Buena Vista is above the national average, with a median home value of $525,000 and average rents around $1,350 per month. While housing is the primary driver of higher costs, residents benefit from affordable utilities, moderate taxes, and reasonable grocery and healthcare expenses.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$100
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
4.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
103.0
Housing:
128.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Buena Vista, CO a safe place to live?
Buena Vista offers a safe environment, with low violent crime rates (85 per 100,000 people) and a property crime rate that is well below much of the state. Residents enjoy a low chance of encountering crime, making it an appealing choice for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
890
Crime Index:
975
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 112
Weather
What is the weather like in Buena Vista, CO year-round?
Buena Vista experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching up to 80°F and chilly winters dipping to 9°F. The area enjoys 69% sunny days each year and receives modest rainfall, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in every season.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
23°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
22°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Residents of Buena Vista benefit from a median household income of $59,800 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. The community is well-educated, with over 92% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and enjoys short average commutes of about 15 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$59,800
Family Income:
$72,200
Per Capita Income:
$34,200
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
14.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
40.3%
Education
How are the schools in Buena Vista, CO?
Buena Vista offers quality education through its public schools, with small class sizes and dedicated staff at all grade levels. Local families also have access to a private school and nearby college options, providing diverse educational opportunities from early childhood through higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Avery Parsons Elementary School
Street:
701 Front Loop
Phone:
719-395-7000
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Name:
Buena Vista Middle School
Street:
404 W Main St
Phone:
719-395-7831
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Buena Vista High School
Street:
559 S Railroad St
Phone:
719-395-7101
Students:
285
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Private Schools
Name:
Chaffee County Christian School
Street:
209 Brookdale Ave
Phone:
719-395-6046
Students:
40
Colleges
Name:
Colorado Mountain College - Leadville
City:
Leadville
State:
CO
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Buena Vista is served by primary and urgent care facilities locally and a major hospital in nearby Salida, ensuring access to general and emergency medical services. With nearly 90% of residents having health insurance and a solid physician-to-population ratio, healthcare needs are well supported in the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center – Buena Vista Health Center
Address:
28374 County Road 317, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Phone:
(719) 395-9048
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (Main Hospital)
Address:
1000 Rush Dr, Salida, CO 81201
Phone:
(719) 530-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.9%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Buena Vista, CO?
The housing market in Buena Vista is competitive, featuring a median home price of $525,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,350. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen steady appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and renters looking for long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Buena Vista are managed by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Linderman Ave. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services locally or online through the state website.
State:
Colorado
Department:
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
112 Linderman Ave, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Phone:
719-395-8296
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.