Buena Vista County

Population

Total Population

21,508

Population
Growth Rate

0.37%

Median Age

37

Diversity Index

78.600

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Housing & Income

Households

7,552

Total Housing Units

8,336

Owner Occupied

5,379

Renter Occupied

2,173

Vacant

784

Median Home Value

$196,414

Average Home Value

$271,921

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%

Per Capita Income

2.16%

Income Projection

Median Household

$70,149 $79,061

Average Household

$96,324 $108,567

Per Capita

$33,987 $37,820

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Workforce

Total Businesses

808

Total Employed

10,384

Workers 16+

10,095

2025 Retail Trade Businesses

Businesses

130

Employed

2,324

2025 Educational Services - Businesses

Businesses

24

Employed

1,417

2025 Clothing / Acc / Shoe / Jewelry

Businesses

14

Employed

1,358

2025 Manufacturing Businesses

Businesses

32

Employed

1,332

2025 HealthCare / Social Assistance

Businesses

58

Employed

853

2025 Other Service excl Pub Admin

Businesses

120

Employed

827

Some
High School

1,044

Graduated
High School

4,001

Associates
Degree

1,647

Bachelor's
Degree

2,116

Graduate
Degree

994

Average Commute Time

15 min.

Resident Commuters

8,834

Non-Resident Commuters

1,219

Drive Alone

7,054

Carpooled

1,743

Public

0

Work At Home

634

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

MWI Components
US Senate
Midwest Mechanical
Doll Distributing
Godbersen Metal Works
Cannon Moss Brygger Architects

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/Spencer City Council

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

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, Godbersen Metal Works

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