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

Total population
397
114.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$12,274/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
215
6.4% year-over-year change

Buena Vista population

How many people live in Buena Vista

Buena Vista is home to 397 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 70.8% of Buena Vista locals are male, and 29.2% are female.

Total population
397
114.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
70.8%
281
Female
29.2%
116
Value Percent YoY change
Male 281 70.8% 142.2%
Female 116 29.2% 68.1%
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

Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38
Age breakdown
Under 15
37%
15 to 24
0%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 147 37% N/A
25 to 44 100 25.2% N/A
45 to 64 94 23.7% -26.6%
Over 65 56 14.1% -1.8%
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

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 397 100% 114.6%
Racial breakdown
White
76.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
23.7%
Value Percent
White 303 76.3%
Other 94 23.7%

Households in Buena Vista

A peek inside Buena Vista households

Buena Vista has 171 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45% are families, while the remaining 55% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
171
8.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
94
Family households
77
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 94 55% -26.6%
Family households 77 45% 156.7%
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 215 units, with 56.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
215
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 121 56.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 94 43.7%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Buena Vista

In Buena Vista, the median construction year is 1993. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1970 and 1979 23 10.7% 15.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 51 23.7% 21.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 120 55.8% 3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 21 9.8% -12.5%
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

Meanwhile, 20.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
171
8.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
Owner occupied
171
Value Percent YoY
change
Owner occupied 171 100% 8.2%
Unoccupied housing units
20.5%
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

Median housing costs per month
$99/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.

Education in Buena Vista

Buena Vista education at a glance

Another 12% earned an associate degree and 30% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 145 58% 68.6%
Associate degree 30 12% 11.1%
Bachelor's degree 75 30% 150.0%
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 $14,246 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $12,274, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Buena Vista
$14,246/year
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Buena Vista
$12,274/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Buena Vista income by age

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change

Employment in Buena Vista

Workforce and job types in Buena Vista

Workforce demographics

White collar
Blue collar
49
Value Percent YoY change
Blue collar 49 100% N/A
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
100%
Governmental workers
0%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 49 100% N/A

Transportation in Buena Vista

How people get around in Buena Vista

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 49 100% N/A
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
87712 397 171 $12,274 $14,247

Explore more communities

FAQs about Buena Vista demographics 

What is the total population of Buena Vista?

Buena Vista has a total population of 397 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 +114.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Buena Vista?

The gender ratio in Buena Vista is as follows:
  • 70.8% males (281 residents)
  • 29.2% females (116 residents)

What is the median age in Buena Vista?

The median age in Buena Vista is 38.

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

The age distribution in Buena Vista is as follows:
  • Under 15: 37% (147 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 0% ( residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (100 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (94 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (56 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Buena Vista?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buena Vista is as follows:
  • White: 76.3% (303 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% ( residents)
  • Other: 23.7% (94 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Buena Vista.

How many housing units are there in Buena Vista?

There are 215 housing units in Buena Vista, reflecting a +6.4% 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 171 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 $12,274, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Buena Vista?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 0% ( residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 100% (49 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% ( residents)
  • Private companies: 100% (49 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 0% ( residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% ( 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