Median Income
$49,474
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,800
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
302/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$646
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Buffalo Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,000
Median Age58.2 yrs
Density935/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,474
Per Capita$38,663
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$690M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,800
Rent$646
Ownership72.2%
Zillow$144,305
Housing Units561
Rent Burden40.5%
Crime
F
Violent302/100K
Property1,260/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking16.3%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,182 ft (360 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations8
Libraries5
Is Buffalo Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo Center receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Buffalo Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buffalo Center is $49,474, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo Center is $93,800, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $646 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buffalo Center is below the national average at 302 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,260 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Buffalo Center has a population of 1,000 with a density of 935 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 58.2 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.2yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Buffalo Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Buffalo Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Buffalo Center is $49,474, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,663. The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 393 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Buffalo Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,474 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,663 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,658 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 393 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Buffalo Center is $93,800, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,305, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $646 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 561 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,053. 40.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,800 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,305 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $646 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.8% |
| Housing Units | 561 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.25% |
In Buffalo Center, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552. The dentist ratio is 1:1,517. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,552 |
| Dentists | 1:1,517 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,285 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Buffalo Center has a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,260 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Buffalo Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buffalo Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 302.3/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,259.8/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,182 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,182 ft (360 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 935/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3894°N, 93.9428°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winnebago County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
582 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 935 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
96 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
70 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
46 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
57 km |
6 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Buffalo Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Buffalo Center. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $653 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Center
What is the population of Buffalo Center?
Buffalo Center has a population of 1,000 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 935 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Buffalo Center expensive to live in?
Buffalo Center is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,474, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,800 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $646 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buffalo Center safe?
Buffalo Center is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,260 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Buffalo Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buffalo Center?
Buffalo Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Buffalo Center?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo Center is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 393 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo Center?
The median home value in Buffalo Center is $93,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,305. For renters, the median monthly rent is $646. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,053.
How are the schools in Buffalo Center?
Schools in Buffalo Center score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.1% of adults in Buffalo Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo Center?
The obesity rate in Buffalo Center is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552.
What is transportation like in Buffalo Center?
The average commute in Buffalo Center is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo Center is 95.4% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
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