Median Income
$67,321
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,400
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
576/100K
52% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.2%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$475
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population405
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density1,157/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans10.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,321
Per Capita$37,993
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$15,669M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,400
Rent$475
Ownership71.9%
Zillow$205,950
Housing Units190
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent576/100K
Property1,009/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.5%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation610 ft (186 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.2%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations33
Libraries13
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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. 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 $67,321, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo is $122,400, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 576 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,009 per 100,000, 49% below the national average.
Education
30.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 21.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Buffalo has a population of 405 with a density of 1,157 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (87.7%), with 7.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 10.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Buffalo is $67,321, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,993. The average weekly wage is $1,334. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 4,970 business establishments, including 544 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 15.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,321 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,993 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,334 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,970 |
| County GDP | $15,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 544 |
| Healthcare | 489 |
| Retail | 672 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.3% |
The median home value in Buffalo is $122,400, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,950, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $475 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 190 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $7,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,400 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $475 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.1% |
| Housing Units | 190 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.95% |
In Buffalo, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,165. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:310 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,880/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 489 |
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 576 per 100,000 residents, 52% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,009 per 100,000, 49% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 30 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 | 576.4/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,008.7/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.0 inches. The area receives 21.8 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 610 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.0°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 610 ft (186 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,157/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8499°N, 89.4091°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sangamon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
116 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
760 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 826 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
87 km |
3 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
27 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 28°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.7").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $848 |
| Toddler | $815 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo?
Buffalo has a population of 405 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,157 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Buffalo expensive to live in?
Buffalo has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $67,321, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,400 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buffalo safe?
The violent crime rate in Buffalo is 576 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,009 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 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 21.8 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 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,334. There are 4,970 business establishments in the area, including 544 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 15.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $122,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,950. For renters, the median monthly rent is $475. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.9%. The average annual property tax is $7,281.
How are the schools in Buffalo?
Schools in Buffalo score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.2% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Buffalo is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829.
What is transportation like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 26 minutes. 70.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 87.7% White, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 10.6% of the population are military veterans. 20.7% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
