Data

Buena Vista, Virginia is an independent city of approximately 6,581 residents, located at the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley and within the Lexington–Buena Vista–Rockbridge regional economy. The city is positioned along the Maury River and adjacent to Interstate 81, providing convenient access to regional markets across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic. Buena Vista is home to Southern Virginia University and Mountain Gateway Community College, which enroll over 1,200 students combined, contributing to a steady pipeline of young talent and supporting the city’s workforce, housing, and service sectors

Despite its modest size, Buena Vista benefits from a strong regional labor shed with more than 236,000 available employees within a 30-minute drive time, spanning Rockbridge County, Lexington, Augusta County, and portions of the Roanoke and Lynchburg labor markets. The city maintains consistently low unemployment, generally tracking at or below state and national averages in recent years, and operates within Virginia’s right-to-work environment, with statewide unionization rates below 5%. These conditions provide employers with access to a stable, flexible, and work-ready labor force while maintaining a lower overall cost of doing business.

For additional demographic, workforce, and economic data, please explore the linked resources below. For project-specific analysis or customized data, contact the City of Buena Vista Economic Development team.

Local Facts & Figures

The Buena Vista, Lexington, and Rockbridge County region, home to over 36,641 people, is located in the at the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley. This local publication, prepared by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, covers the attractions, economies, and exceptionalism of the region.

U.S. Census Highlights

Explore key community data at a glance — compare Buena Vista’s demographics, income, and educational attainment with national averages in one easy view.

Workforce & Employer Data

A deep dive from the Virginia Employment Commission on Buena Vista’s population, workforce, and employer data.