Buena Vista County, Iowa
Buena Vista County is located in northwest Iowa, where agriculture and lakeside living come together. Storm Lake, the county seat, offers a range of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, and relaxing at its public beach.
Buena Vista University is situated near Storm Lake, adding an educational presence to the community. With a population of around 20,000 people, the county is home to a diverse and welcoming community.
The county’s landscape features expansive corn and soybean fields, often dotted with wind turbines that reflect Iowa’s growing focus on renewable energy. With Storm Lake as its county seat and a distinctive square-shaped layout, Buena Vista County has a recognizable character within northwest Iowa.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Buena Vista County |
| County Seat | Storm Lake |
| Etymology | Named after the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican–American War |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Storm Lake, Alta, Sioux Rapids, Newell, Marathon, Albert City, Linn Grove, Rembrandt, Truesdale |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 71, Iowa Highway 3, Iowa Highway 7, Iowa Highway 10 |
| FIPS Code | 19-021 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 580 square miles (land: 574 sq mi, water: 6 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Clay County (North), Pocahontas County (East), Sac County (South), Cherokee County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Iowa |
| Coordinates | 42.64°N, 95.16°W |
| Major Landmarks | Storm Lake, Buena Vista University, Santa’s Castle, Chautauqua Park Historic District |
| Population | 20,000 |
