Median Income
$30,660
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$215,500
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
62/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$740
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.9%
157% higher than US avg
How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population533
Median Age55.5 yrs
Density452/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans1.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$30,660
Per Capita$17,344
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty31.9%
County GDP$314M
Commute18 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$215,500
Rent$740
Ownership67.4%
Zillow$223,845
Housing Units309
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
F
Violent62/100K
Property342/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking23.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation794 ft (242 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute18 min
Broadband95.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Buffalo faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buffalo is $30,660, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 31.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo is $215,500, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $740 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Buffalo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 62 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 342 per 100,000, 83% below the national average.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Buffalo has a population of 533 with a density of 452 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 55.5 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (79.2%), with 9.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 1.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.5yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Buffalo is $30,660, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,344 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $883, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 327 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,660 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,344 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $883 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.9% |
| 157% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 327 |
| County GDP | $314M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,140 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Buffalo is $215,500, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,845. Monthly rent averages $740 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 309 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $2,140 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $215,500 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $223,845 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $740 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.6% |
| Housing Units | 309 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,140 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.99% |
In Buffalo, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,514. The dentist ratio is 1:5,054. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:7,514 |
| Dentists | 1:5,054 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,391 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,355/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 62 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 342 per 100,000, 83% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 62.1/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 341.7/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 794 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.7°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 794 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 452/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5070°N, 85.6990°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Larue County County |
| Nearest Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
99 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| Jan 28, 1991 |
9 km SW of Sacramento, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
100 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
71 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
83 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
91 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
110 km |
| Feb 27, 2020 |
5 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Mar 22, 1990 |
9 km E of Rochester, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
Kentucky |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
7 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
145 km |
| Mar 8, 1990 |
4 km SW of Oak Grove, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
99 km |
| May 2, 1998 |
6 km WNW of Nebo, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Apr 18, 2012 |
13 km W of Owensboro, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
411 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 72 fatalities, 1,450 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
77 km |
31 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
30 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
77 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
45 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1986 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1979 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
48 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
57 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
46 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
52 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
43 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
46 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,083 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
910 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
892 |
98 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
848 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
44 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
641 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
584 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 35°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $732 |
| Toddler | $644 |
| Preschool | $644 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $564 |
| Toddler | $540 |
| Preschool | $540 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo?
Buffalo has a population of 533 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 452 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Buffalo expensive to live in?
Buffalo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $30,660, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $215,500 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $740 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Buffalo safe?
Buffalo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 62 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 342 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. 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 $883. There are 327 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $215,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,845. For renters, the median monthly rent is $740. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,140.
How are the schools in Buffalo?
Schools in Buffalo score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.4% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Buffalo is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,514.
What is transportation like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 79.2% White, 9.9% Black or African American. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 1.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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