Median Income
$56,719
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,000
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
147/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$763
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Buffalo Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population664
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density976/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,719
Per Capita$24,885
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$1,190M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,000
Rent$763
Ownership73.4%
Zillow$198,314
Housing Units267
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent147/100K
Property1,176/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary294/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking17.7%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,072 ft (327 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute27 min
Broadband75.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Buffalo Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Buffalo Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buffalo Lake is $56,719, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo Lake is $106,000, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Buffalo Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,176 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 37.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Buffalo Lake has a population of 664 with a density of 976 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (69.1%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.9% of residents, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Buffalo Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.9%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.1%
32% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Buffalo Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Buffalo Lake is $56,719, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,885 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,062, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 594 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Buffalo Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,719 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,885 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,062 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 594 |
| County GDP | $1,190M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,983 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Buffalo Lake is $106,000, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,314, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $763 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 267 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,983. 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,000 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,314 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $763 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.6% |
| Housing Units | 267 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,983 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In Buffalo Lake, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,652. The dentist ratio is 1:1,614. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,652 |
| Dentists | 1:1,614 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,587 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,904/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Buffalo Lake has a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 147.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,176 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 882, burglary at 294, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Buffalo Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buffalo Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 147.1/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 147.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,176.5/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| Burglary | 294.1/100K |
| Theft | 882.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 25 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 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 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,072 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.2°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,072 ft (327 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 976/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7368°N, 94.6170°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Renville County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
42 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
511 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 625 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
91 km |
5 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SVOR (661 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Buffalo Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Buffalo Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Lake
What is the population of Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake has a population of 664 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 976 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is Buffalo Lake expensive to live in?
Buffalo Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,719, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,000 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $763 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buffalo Lake safe?
Buffalo Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 147 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,176 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Buffalo Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 37.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Buffalo Lake?
The job market in Buffalo Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,062. There are 594 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo Lake?
The median home value in Buffalo Lake is $106,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,314. For renters, the median monthly rent is $763. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,983.
How are the schools in Buffalo Lake?
Schools in Buffalo Lake score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Buffalo Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo Lake?
The obesity rate in Buffalo Lake is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,652.
What is transportation like in Buffalo Lake?
The average commute in Buffalo Lake is 27 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo Lake is 69.1% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 90.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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