Iowa · Off-grid & homestead potential

Buena Vista County

62BoltScore / 100
#61 of 99 in Iowa

Buena Vista County is a solid bolthole (62/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 97 mi to the nearest city and almost no federal land or extraction.

How Buena Vista County scores

Hazard Safety61
Freedom60
Food58
Isolation74
Sovereignty73
Water60
Affordability48
$191kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$11,332Land / acre
31"Annual rain
22.9% of yrsSevere drought
97 miNearest metro
35.8People / sq mi
0.4%Federal land
46.8°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Buena Vista County, Iowa

Is Buena Vista County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Buena Vista County is a solid bolthole (62/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 97 mi to the nearest city and almost no federal land or extraction.

How much does land cost in Buena Vista County, Iowa?

Land in Buena Vista County runs about $11,332 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Buena Vista County?

Buena Vista County gets about 31" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 22.9% of years.

How remote is Buena Vista County?

The nearest major metro is about 97 miles away, and population density is 35.8 people per square mile.

How Buena Vista compares in Iowa

See all 99 Iowa counties ranked →