Median Income
$74,773
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,400
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
618/100K
63% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$821
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,090
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density161/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,773
Per Capita$33,527
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$12,607M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,400
Rent$821
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$157,395
Housing Units501
Rent Burden18.3%
Crime
F
Violent618/100K
Property850/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault618/100K
Burglary232/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.7%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation677 ft (206 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+88.3%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute30 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries11
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Buffalo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buffalo is $74,773, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo is $120,400, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $821 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 618 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Buffalo has a population of 1,090 with a density of 161 people per square mile, spread across 6.5 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Buffalo is $74,773, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,527 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,391. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,880 business establishments, including 375 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,773 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,391 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,635 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,880 |
| County GDP | $12,607M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Healthcare | 405 |
| Retail | 411 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Buffalo is $120,400, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,395, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $821 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 501 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $6,655 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,400 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,395 |
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $64 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $821 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 501 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.53% |
In Buffalo, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 24.6% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042. The dentist ratio is 1:1,275. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,042 |
| Dentists | 1:1,275 |
| Mental Health | 1:334 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 70.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,429/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 405 |
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 618 per 100,000 residents, 63% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 618.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 850 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 541, burglary at 232, vehicle theft at 77 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Buffalo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 618.2/100K |
| 63% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 618.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 850.1/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Burglary | 231.8/100K |
| Theft | 541.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 77.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.3 inches. The area receives 36.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 677 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 677 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 6.5 sq mi (16.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 161/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4613°N, 90.7689°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock Island County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
628 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 264 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1966 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1965 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1962 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
47 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
47 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
48 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Buffalo. 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 | $1,220 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $729 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo?
Buffalo has a population of 1,090 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 161 people per square mile, spread across 6.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is Buffalo expensive to live in?
Buffalo 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 $74,773, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,400 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $821 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buffalo safe?
Public safety is a concern in Buffalo, with a violent crime rate of 618 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Buffalo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buffalo?
Buffalo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Buffalo?
The job market in Buffalo is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,391. There are 2,880 business establishments in the area, including 375 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $120,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,395. For renters, the median monthly rent is $821. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,655.
How are the schools in Buffalo?
Schools in Buffalo score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.3% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Buffalo is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042.
What is transportation like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 30 minutes. 87.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 90.4% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
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