Median Income
$62,917
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,900
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$810
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Buffalo City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population916
Median Age57.1 yrs
Density485/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,917
Per Capita$39,577
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$731M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,900
Rent$810
Ownership93.7%
Zillow$241,033
Housing Units511
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.4%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation659 ft (201 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute37 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Buffalo City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo City receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times, high obesity rates. Buffalo City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buffalo City is $62,917, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo City is $165,900, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Buffalo City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches, including 36.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Buffalo City has a population of 916 with a density of 485 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 57.1 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.1yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Buffalo City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Buffalo City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Buffalo City is $62,917, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,577. The average weekly wage is $895, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 401 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Buffalo City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,917 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,577 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,302 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 401 |
| County GDP | $731M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,359 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Buffalo City is $165,900, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,033, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $810 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $742 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 511 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,359 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% 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 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,900 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,033 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $810 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $742 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,184 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,539 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.3% |
| Housing Units | 511 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,359 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Buffalo City, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,434. The dentist ratio is 1:837. 64.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,434 |
| Dentists | 1:837 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,710 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,033/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Buffalo City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Buffalo City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Buffalo City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. The area receives 36.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 659 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 659 ft (201 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 485/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2232°N, 91.8659°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buffalo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.4"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
369 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 347 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
84 km |
21 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
77 km |
4 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
12 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Buffalo City has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 15°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Buffalo City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo City
What is the population of Buffalo City?
Buffalo City has a population of 916 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 485 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is Buffalo City expensive to live in?
Buffalo City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,917, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,900 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buffalo City safe?
Buffalo City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Buffalo City?
Buffalo City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.4 inches, with 36.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Buffalo City?
The job market in Buffalo City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $895. There are 401 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo City?
The median home value in Buffalo City is $165,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,033. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. Fair market rent is $742 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,359.
How are the schools in Buffalo City?
Schools in Buffalo City score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Buffalo City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo City?
The obesity rate in Buffalo City is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 64.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,434.
What is transportation like in Buffalo City?
The average commute in Buffalo City is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo City is 95% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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