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Buena Vista, Colorado Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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Buena Vista, Colorado is a small town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, nestled in Chaffee County. With a population of 2,617 residents as of the 2010 census, it is a quiet mountain town where locals and visitors alike can find peace and tranquility among its majestic peaks and valleys.

The town was founded in 1879 by a group of prospectors who were drawn to Buena Vista’s natural beauty and resources. It was named after the Spanish phrase “buena vista,” which translates to “good view.” The name could not be more fitting, as Buena Vista is home to some of the most stunning views in Colorado. The surrounding Sangre de Cristo Range offers breathtaking views from almost any vantage point.

Buena Vista is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to skiing and snowmobiling. The Arkansas River runs through the middle of town, creating an ideal spot for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Fishing enthusiasts flock to Buena Vista for its plentiful trout streams, including Clear Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and South Fork Lake Creek.

The town also has plenty of cultural attractions for visitors to explore. Its historic downtown district offers shopping and dining options along with art galleries featuring works by local artists. Other popular attractions include Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), Browns Canyon National Monument, Twin Lakes National Monument, San Isabel National Forest, South Park National Heritage Area, Monarch Ski Area & Nordic Center, Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway ,and much more!

Buena Vista also hosts several annual events that bring people together from all over Colorado. These events include the Buena Vista Whitewater Festival in June; Music Fest at Cottonwood Hot Springs in July; Salida Arts Festival in August; BV Mountain Bike Festival in September; BV Oktoberfest in October; Christmas on Main Street in December; plus many other festivals throughout the year!

With its breathtaking scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities combined with its vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere—it’s no wonder why so many people choose to visit or even stay permanently in Buena Vista.

Population: 2,195. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,174 (-1.0% change)
Males: 1,054 (48.0%), Females: 1,141 (52.0%)

Chaffee County

Zip code: 81211

Demographics

Median resident age: 42.2 years
Median household income: $34,800
Median house value: $119,500

Population by Race

Races in Buena Vista:

  • White Non-Hispanic (93.4%)
  • Hispanic (4.7%)
  • Two or more races (1.5%)
  • American Indian (1.2%)
  • Other race (0.7%)

Ancestries: German (22.3%), English (17.5%), Irish (15.6%), Italian (6.9%), United States (6.8%), Norwegian (3.8%).

Elevation: 7955 feet

Land area: 3.4 square miles

Map of Buena Vista, CO

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Buena Vista

  • High school or higher: 90.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.9%
  • Unemployed: 5.6%
  • Mean travel time to work: 13.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Buena Vista town

  • Never married: 19.8%
  • Now married: 60.4%
  • Separated: 1.8%
  • Widowed: 7.4%
  • Divorced: 10.6%

1.4% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +415 (+23.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Buena Vista:

  • HEART OF THE ROCKIES REG MED CENTER (about 23 miles; SALIDA, CO)
  • ST VINCENT GENERAL HOSPITAL DISTRICT (about 30 miles; LEADVILLE, CO)
  • ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL (about 54 miles; ASPEN, CO)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Buena Vista:

  • ASPEN-PITKIN CO/SARDY FIELD (about 58 miles; ASPEN, CO; Abbreviation: ASE)
  • GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE REGIONAL (about 59 miles; GUNNISON, CO; Abbreviation: GUC)
  • EAGLE COUNTY REGIONAL (about 77 miles; EAGLE, CO; Abbreviation: EGE)

Other public-use airports nearest to Buena Vista:

  • CENTRAL COLORADO REGIONAL (about 3 miles; BUENA VISTA, CO; Abbreviation: 7V1)
  • HARRIET ALEXANDER FIELD (about 23 miles; SALIDA, CO; Abbreviation: 0V2)
  • LAKE COUNTY (about 29 miles; LEADVILLE, CO; Abbreviation: LXV)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Buena Vista:

  • WESTERN STATE COLLEGE COLORADO (about 57 miles; GUNNISON, CO; Full-time enrollment: 2,199)
  • UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT COLORADO SPRINGS (about 78 miles; COLORADO SPRINGS, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,953)
  • COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES (about 90 miles; GOLDEN, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,183)
  • RED ROCKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 90 miles; LAKEWOOD, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,835)
  • UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY (about 90 miles; USAFA, CO; Full-time enrollment: 4,330)
  • PIKES PEAK COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 91 miles; COLORADO SPRINGS, CO; Full-time enrollment: 5,307)
  • COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE (about 95 miles; GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,400)

Schools

Public high schools in Buena Vista:

  • BUENA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 316; Location: RAILROAD & MARQUETTE; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • CHAFFEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 37; Location: 613 EAST MAIN STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high school in Buena Vista:

  • DARREN PATTERSON CHR ACADEMY (Students: 75; Location: PO BOX 1243; Grades: KG – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Buena Vista:

  • AVERY/PARSONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 380; Location: 516 EAST MAIN STREET; Grades: PK – 05)
  • HARRY L MC GINNIS MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 247; Location: SOUTH RAILROAD & MARQUETTE; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • ARROWHEAD LEARNING CENTER (Students: 8; Location: 109 BROOKDALE STREET; Grades: 05 – 09)

Libraries

Library in Buena Vista:

  • NORTHERN CHAFFEE COUNTY LIB DIST/BUENA VISTA (Operating income: $282,520; Location: 131 LINDERMAN AVE; 14,021 books; 529 audio materials; 794 video materials; 71 serial subscriptions)

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