Median Income
$88,306
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$281,900
0% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
97/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.8%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,111
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,388
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density2,112/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,306
Per Capita$38,972
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$7,314M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$281,900
Rent$1,111
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$370,305
Housing Units6,467
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent97/100K
Property1,632/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault43/100K
Burglary97/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking13.9%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,015 ft (309 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.8%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+11.4%
School Score6.92
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute28 min
Broadband92.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. 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 $88,306, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo is $281,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,111 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Buffalo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,632 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches, including 39.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Buffalo has a population of 16,388 with a density of 2,112 people per square mile, spread across 9.6 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Buffalo is $88,306, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,972. The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,984 business establishments, including 224 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,306 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,972 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,811 |
| Gini Index | 0.379 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,984 |
| County GDP | $7,314M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 224 |
| Healthcare | 366 |
| Retail | 401 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,714 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in Buffalo is $281,900, 0% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $370,305, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,111 (4% 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. 76.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,467 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $4,714 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $281,900 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $370,305 |
| Median List Price | $384,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $384,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $171 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.9% |
| Price Drops | 15.8% |
| Inventory | 38 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,111 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,243 |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.3% |
| Housing Units | 6,467 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,714 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.67% |
In Buffalo, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,541. The dentist ratio is 1:2,509. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
3.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
4.3
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
157.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,541 |
| Dentists | 1:2,509 |
| Mental Health | 1:748 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,106/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 366 |
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 42.6 per 100,000, robbery at 6.1, rape at 48.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,632 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,486, burglary at 97, vehicle theft at 49 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 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 | 97.4/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 48.7/100K |
| Robbery | 6.1/100K |
| Assault | 42.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,632.1/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
| Burglary | 97.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,485.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 48.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 467 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 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 31.7 inches. The area receives 39.8 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 1,015 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.8°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,015 ft (309 m) |
| Area | 9.6 sq mi (24.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,112/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1795°N, 93.8640°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wright County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.7"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0501 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
91 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
479 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 1,122 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
6 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
40 km |
5 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
37 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
36 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
40 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
39 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
38 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
35 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
35 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
35 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
36 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
34 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
37 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
33 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
33 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
35 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
36 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
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) |
$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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo?
Buffalo has a population of 16,388 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 2,112 people per square mile, spread across 9.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Buffalo expensive to live in?
Buffalo 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 $88,306, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $281,900 (0% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,111 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buffalo safe?
Buffalo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,632 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.7 inches, with 39.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Buffalo?
The job market in Buffalo is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 3,984 business establishments in the area, including 224 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $370,305. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,111. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,714.
How are the schools in Buffalo?
Schools in Buffalo score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.8% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Buffalo is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,541.
What is transportation like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 28 minutes. 79.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 92.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
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