Buena Vista CDP, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Buena Vista CDP, Michigan has a total population of 5,904, the 160th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $38,835, which is 45% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 31.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 45% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (31.4%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 7.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x.
- Unemployment rate of 16.8% is notably above the national average.
Buena Vista CDP Quick Facts
How Buena Vista CDP Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Buena Vista CDP Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Cities Similar to Buena Vista CDP
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dowagiac city | 5,677 | $38,433 | $110,300 | 12.1% | 30.4% |
| Zeeland city | 5,691 | $49,367 | $248,100 | 30.8% | 11.4% |
| Houghton Lake CDP | 5,761 | $50,861 | $122,800 | 17.4% | 21.7% |
| Springfield city | 5,295 | $43,681 | $105,300 | 10.9% | 22.1% |
| Allegan city | 5,182 | $42,261 | $161,100 | 15.3% | 15.1% |
Population Overview
Buena Vista CDP is a small city located in Michigan. The total population is 5,904. It ranks as the 160th most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Buena Vista CDP is 34.7 years. This is 13% lower than the state median of 40.1 years. With 31.1% of the population under 18, Buena Vista CDP has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Buena Vista CDP is $38,835. This is 45% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 51% lower. The poverty rate stands at 31.4%. This is 141% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 16.8%. This is 190% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $51,800. Housing costs are 76% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x, Buena Vista CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 66.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 72.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Buena Vista CDP is Black or African American, making up 72.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 14.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (11.7%) is well below the state average of 73.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (72.4% vs 13.2%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (14.1% vs 5.7%).
Education
7.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 77% lower than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 83.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Buena Vista CDP, Michigan is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Michigan state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 745 Census-designated places in Michigan. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Buena Vista CDP, Michigan?
Buena Vista CDP, Michigan has a population of 5,904 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Buena Vista CDP, MI?
The median household income in Buena Vista CDP is $38,835, which is 51% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Buena Vista CDP, MI?
The poverty rate in Buena Vista CDP is 31.4%. This means approximately 1,836 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Buena Vista CDP, Michigan?
Buena Vista CDP's population is 11.7% White, 72.4% Black, 14.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Buena Vista CDP, MI?
The median home value in Buena Vista CDP is $51,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x.
How educated is Buena Vista CDP, Michigan?
7.5% of adults (25+) in Buena Vista CDP hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.