Buena Vista, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,717
-12.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$28,878/yr
-10.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
850
-7.9% year-over-year change

Buena Vista population

How many people live in Buena Vista

Buena Vista is home to 1,717 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 38.8% of Buena Vista locals are male, and 61.2% are female.

Total population
1,717
-12.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
38.8%
667
Female
61.2%
1,050
Value Percent YoY change
Male 667 38.8% -20.7%
Female 1,050 61.2% -6.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Buena Vista is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.8% are children under 15, then 16.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.6% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.8%
15 to 24
16.9%
25 to 44
21.6%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
18.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 391 22.8% -6.7%
15 to 24 290 16.9% -21.2%
25 to 44 370 21.6% -21.8%
45 to 64 350 20.4% -17.6%
Over 65 316 18.4% 12.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Buena Vista, 92.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,590 92.6% -9.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 32 1.9% 0.0%
Non-citizens 95 5.5% -48.9%
Racial breakdown
White
18%
Black or African American
68.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Other
7.3%
Value Percent
White 310 18%
Black or African American 1,178 68.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 1%
Two or more races 85 5%
Other 126 7.3%

Households in Buena Vista

A peek inside Buena Vista households

Buena Vista has 697 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.2% are families, while the remaining 44.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
697
-6.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
312
Family households
385
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 312 44.8% 6.5%
Family households 385 55.2% -15.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Buena Vista

The housing landscape of Buena Vista

Buena Vista's housing consists of 850 units, with 36.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 29.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
850
-7.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 313 36.8%
1 unit, attached 16 1.9%
2 units 48 5.6%
3 or 4 units 5 0.6%
5 to 9 units 28 3.3%
10 to 19 units 63 7.4%
20 to 49 units 102 12%
50 or more units 23 2.7%
Mobile home 252 29.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Buena Vista

In Buena Vista, the median construction year is 1984. About 7.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 67 7.9% -11.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 11 1.3% -15.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 36 4.2% -59.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 54 6.4% 10.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 193 22.7% 28.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 178 20.9% -2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 195 22.9% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 96 11.3% -23.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 20 2.4% -54.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Buena Vista occupancy rates

Out of the 697 occupied housing units in Buena Vista, 40.2% are owner-occupied, while 59.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
697
-6.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
417
Owner occupied
280
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 417 59.8% -6.7%
Owner occupied 280 40.2% -7.0%
Unoccupied housing units
18.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Buena Vista housing costs

Housing costs in Buena Vista come to a median of $553 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $592.

Median housing costs per month
$553/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Buena Vista
$592/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Buena Vista

Buena Vista education at a glance

About 56.6% of the population in Buena Vista went to high school, while 23.7% pursued college studies. Another 3.5% earned an associate degree and 4.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 117 9.2% -41.8%
High school diploma 716 56.6% -11.1%
College diploma 300 23.7% -6.0%
Associate degree 44 3.5% 7.3%
Bachelor's degree 59 4.7% 20.4%
Graduate degree 29 2.3% -21.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Buena Vista

How much people earn in Buena Vista

The average annual household income in Buena Vista was $40,420 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -18.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $28,878, reflecting a -10.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Buena Vista
$40,420/year
-18.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Buena Vista
$28,878/year
-10.3% year-over-year change

Buena Vista income by age

In Buena Vista, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $47,917. Overall, 64.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $47,917 -7.6%
Over 65 $24,148 24.2%
Above poverty level
1,031
Below poverty level
567
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,031 64.5% -20.3%
Below poverty level 567 35.5% 1.4%

Average renter income in Buena Vista

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Buena Vista, their median household income was $21,593 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$21,593
Rent-to-income ratio
32.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Buena Vista

Workforce and job types in Buena Vista

The job market in Buena Vista is powered by 558 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 63.4% are employed by private companies, and 20.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
558
-13.5% year-over-year change
White collar
395
Blue collar
163
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 395 70.8% -5.5%
Blue collar 163 29.2% -28.2%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
63.4%
Governmental workers
20.1%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 28 5% -59.4%
Private companies 354 63.4% -25.2%
Governmental workers 112 20.1% 24.4%
Not for profit companies 64 11.5% 392.3%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
57.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Buena Vista stands at 1.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Buena Vista

How people get around in Buena Vista

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 511 91.6% -11.0%
Bus or trolleybus 11 2% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Buena Vista by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
31803 4,499 1,827 $45,189 $64,640

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FAQs about Buena Vista demographics 

What is the total population of Buena Vista?

Buena Vista has a total population of 1,717 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -12.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Buena Vista?

The gender ratio in Buena Vista is as follows:
  • 38.8% males (667 residents)
  • 61.2% females (1,050 residents)

What is the median age in Buena Vista?

The median age in Buena Vista is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Buena Vista?

The age distribution in Buena Vista is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.8% (391 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.9% (290 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.6% (370 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (350 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.4% (316 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Buena Vista?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buena Vista is as follows:
  • White: 18% (310 residents)
  • Black or African American: 68.6% (1,178 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5% (85 residents)
  • Other: 7.3% (126 residents)

What percentage of the population in Buena Vista are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.6% of the population in Buena Vista.

How many housing units are there in Buena Vista?

There are 850 housing units in Buena Vista, reflecting a -7.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Buena Vista and what is the average household size?

Buena Vista has a total of 697 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Buena Vista?

Buena Vista has a median household income of $28,878, representing a -10.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Buena Vista?

The employment rate is 98.1% in Buena Vista, with a workforce of 558 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.8% (395 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.2% (163 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (28 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.4% (354 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.1% (112 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (64 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025