Buena Vista County

Population

Total Population

21,271

Population
Growth Rate

0.30%

Median Age

37

Diversity Index

79.100

Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31

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Housing & Income

Households

7,552

Total Housing Units

8,405

Owner Occupied

5,275

Renter Occupied

2,277

Vacant

853

Median Home Value

$204,706

Average Home Value

$279,479

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%

Per Capita Income

2.88%

Income Projection

Median Household

$72,714 $85,221

Average Household

$99,860 $116,106

Per Capita

$35,894 $41,362

Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31

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Workforce

Total Businesses

798

Total Employed

10,420

Workers 16+

10,153

2026 Retail Trade Businesses

Businesses

129

Employed

2,342

2026 Clothing / Acc / Shoe / Jewelry

Businesses

14

Employed

1,358

2026 Educational Services - Businesses

Businesses

24

Employed

1,350

2026 Manufacturing Businesses

Businesses

32

Employed

1,223

2026 HealthCare / Social Assistance

Businesses

55

Employed

1,218

2026 Other Service excl Pub Admin

Businesses

117

Employed

777

Some
High School

1,083

Graduated
High School

3,981

Associates
Degree

1,797

Bachelor's
Degree

2,113

Graduate
Degree

1,085

Average Commute Time

14 min.

Resident Commuters

8,949

Non-Resident Commuters

1,163

Drive Alone

7,359

Carpooled

1,667

Public

57

Work At Home

565

Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31

See The Data

MWI Components
US Senate
Midwest Mechanical
GOMACO
Cannon Moss Brygger Architects
Doll Distributing

Thoughts on the Corridor

"Our experience with the Corridor has been one of genuine partnership. The team demonstrates true interest in community growth by asking questions to provoke thought..."

— Philip Ramstack, MWI Components

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor serves as an incredible conduit between business, economic development, and government. Their tireless advocacy of their region and member communities (and their diverse needs) helps to keep the Lakes region at the forefront and top-of-mind in my work."

— Kolby DeWitt, Outreach Director, US Senate

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has always been the go-to place to find ways of helping current business and future business. There isn’t much they will not do to help, including showing property or finding housing for new employees that come to work in the area. The staff at the Corridor is top notch and very caring."

— Donavon Wunschel, Midwestern Mechanical/Mayor of Spencer

Thoughts on the Corridor

"The Iowa Lakes Corridor has been a valuable resource as we have gone from a startup company to now becoming an established local business, their entire team is very knowledgeable and great to work with."

—Jim Smith, GOMACO

Thoughts on the Corridor

"This is a great homebase in Northwest Iowa with the ability to reach a number of communities. The community is positive about growth and values quality spaces. This is a great place to raise a family and be a part of a community that cares about people."

—Adam Van Gorp, CMBA Architects

Thoughts on the Corridor

"After our initial (BRE) meeting, Joanne and I started discussing challenges that we were facing and warehouse space was at the top of our issues. She asked me if we had interest in taking a look at the Daily Reporter building as they were wanting to possibly downsize their location. Jo did all of the leg work in arranging a meeting between Doll’s and the Daily Reporter. She even was present the day that we looked at the facility. Basically, without Jo, we could of possibly never been told that a solution to our warehouse needs was 4 blocks away! Jo checked in several times throughout the process and was always asking if there was anything else she could help with. We are very happy with our purchase and the growth opportunities that this additional space will provide us. We can’t thank you enough!"

—Jason Halverson, Doll Distributing