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Market MapIowaBuena Vista

Buena Vista County

IowaPopulation: 20,687
67
/100
Buy
#167 of 1,000 counties
#63 in Iowa (99 counties)
Analysis by RentalCalcs Research·Independent data + algorithm-driven scoring
Updated January 1, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$181,817
Median Home Price
22% below national median
$10,796/mo
Est. Rent
Based on regional data
5.94%
Rent-to-Price Ratio
Estimated from price data
+$0
Est. Monthly Cash Flow
With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Price History

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score
67/100
67
Cash Flow(30%)
0/100

Rent data not available for cash flow calculation.

Appreciation(25%)
66/100

Based on 1.6% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)
50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)
86/100

Price-to-income ratio of 2.9x. Lower ratios indicate more affordable markets.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

  • +Affordable relative to local incomes

Challenges

  • -Negative leverage (cap rate 0.0% < mortgage rate 6.9%)
  • -Limited rent data (estimates used)

Economic Indicators

Population
20,687
Median Income
$62,662
vs $57,059 national est.
Unemployment Rate
—
Data pending
Price-to-Income
2.9x
Very affordable

Who this market fits

Skip if
  • −You can't tolerate negative leverage (cap rate below mortgage rate today)

Compare to Nearby Counties

CountyVerdict
CurrentBuena VistaIA
67$181,817Est. pending—Buy
DelawareIA
67$225,426Est. pending—BuyView
PottawattamieIA
67$232,170$1,2906.67%BuyView
WapelloIA
67$124,305Est. pending—BuyView
ClarkeIA
67$189,690$1,1187.07%BuyView
LinnIA
66$228,475$1,0725.63%BuyView

The Bottom Line

BuyBuena Vista offers solid investment potential with positive cash flow at typical financing.

Buena Vista County in Iowa scores 67/100, ranking #167 of 1,000 US counties (top 22%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental roughly breaks even on cash flow. The deal works on appreciation or with better terms, not on month-one cash flow.

Monthly Cash Flow
+$0/mo
Cap Rate
0.0%
Cash-on-Cash
0.0%

Related markets

Markets like Buena Vista with stronger cash flow

  • Clarke County for cash-flow rentals
  • Pottawattamie County for cash-flow rentals
  • Linn County for cash-flow rentals

Cheaper alternatives to Buena Vista

  • Wapello County, lower entry price

Head-to-head comparisons

  • Buena Vista vs Delaware for rentals
  • Buena Vista vs Pottawattamie for rentals
  • Buena Vista vs Wapello for rentals
All counties in Iowa →

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