Median Income
$125,809
67% higher than US avg
Home Value
$131,000
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
173/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.3%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population814
Median Age56.9 yrs
Density343/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans19.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$125,809
Per Capita$43,872
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,514M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$176,960
Housing Units544
Rent Burden27.0%
Crime
F
Violent173/100K
Property2,078/100K
Health
Obesity46.3%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking19.5%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation660 ft (201 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+74.0%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score5.96
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 26%
Commute29 min
Broadband94.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include 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 $125,809, which is significantly higher than the national average / 67% above $75,149. This places Buffalo among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo is $131,000, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buffalo is below the national average at 173 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,078 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.9 inches, including 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Buffalo has a population of 814 with a density of 343 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 56.9 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.9% female and 63.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 19.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.9yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Buffalo is $125,809, which is 67% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,872 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 706 business establishments, including 52 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $125,809 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,872 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,512 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 706 |
| County GDP | $1,514M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 52 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,703 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 52.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Buffalo is $131,000, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,960, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 544 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $2,703 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $131,000 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,960 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 544 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,703 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.06% |
In Buffalo, 46.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,739. The dentist ratio is 1:2,733. 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.3% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,739 |
| Dentists | 1:2,733 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,917 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,851/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,078 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 173.2/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,078.3/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| 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 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°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 38.9 inches. The area receives 26.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 660 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 660 ft (201 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 343/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8894°N, 86.7361°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | White County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.9"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
127 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
611 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 159 fatalities, 2,358 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
55 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
31 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
91 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
71 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February 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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo?
Buffalo has a population of 814 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 343 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.9% female and 63.1% male.
Is Buffalo expensive to live in?
Buffalo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $125,809, 67% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,000 (54% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buffalo safe?
Buffalo is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,078 per 100,000 (above 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.9 inches, with 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Buffalo?
The job market in Buffalo is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 706 business establishments in the area, including 52 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $131,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,960. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,703.
How are the schools in Buffalo?
Schools in Buffalo score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.0% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Buffalo is 46.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 43.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,739.
What is transportation like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 29 minutes. 52.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 97.3% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 19.2% of the population are military veterans. 25.6% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.