Buffalo, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $32,630

57% lower than US avg

Home Value $131,300

53% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 392/100K

3% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 24.6%

27% lower than US avg

Median Rent $647

44% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 39.1%

22% higher than US avg

Unemployment 2.1%

42% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 39.7%

220% higher than US avg

How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population3,358

Median Age32.0 yrs

Density1,119/mi²

Male / Female43% / 58%

Largest GroupWhite 98%

Veterans8.3%

Economy

Median Income$32,630

Per Capita$28,895

Unemployment2.1%

Poverty39.7%

Commute32 min

Housing

Home Value$131,300

Rent$647

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$206,573

Housing Units1,657

Rent Burden28.8%

Crime

Violent392/100K

Property3,068/100K

Murder0.0/100K

Assault359/100K

Burglary620/100K

Health

Obesity39.1%

Uninsured10.8%

Smoking21.3%

Depression27.6%

Heart Disease6.6%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain42.6 in/yr

Sunny Days259/yr

Elevation1,201 ft (366 m)

Education

C+

Bachelor's+24.6%

High School+90.4%

Graduate+9.6%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute32 min

Broadband83.0%

Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Buffalo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Buffalo is $32,630, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. The poverty rate of 39.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Buffalo is $131,300, 53% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $647 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,068 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.

Education

24.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 259 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Buffalo has a population of 3,358 with a density of 1,119 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 32.0 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.5% female and 42.5% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.5% have health insurance coverage.

Population

3,358

Total Population

1,119

People / sq mi

32.0yrs

Median Age

18% below US avg

3.0mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 42.5%

Female 57.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Buffalo vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	96.6%
	23% above US avg
Spanish	3.4%
	75% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Buffalo vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Buffalo is $32,630, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,895 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 39.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Buffalo vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$32,630
	57% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$28,895

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	2.1%
	42% below US avg
Poverty Rate	39.7%
	220% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	31.7 min
Drive Alone	89.0%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	5.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Buffalo is $131,300, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,573, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $647 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 1,657 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$131,300
	53% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$206,573
Median List Price	$212,400

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$212,400
$/Sq Ft	$167
Homes Sold	2
Sale-to-List Ratio	98.8%
Price Drops	18.8%
Inventory	16

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$647
	44% below US avg
Rent Burden	28.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	39.9%
Housing Units	1,657
Median Year Built	1973

Property Tax

In Buffalo, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 21.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 32.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	39.1%
	22% above US avg
Diabetes	11.6%
Heart Disease	6.6%
High Blood Pressure	34.4%
Asthma	11.4%
COPD	9.4%
Cancer	7.4%
Stroke	3.6%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	21.3%
	52% above US avg
Binge Drinking	17.1%
Physical Inactivity	32.4%
Depression	27.6%
Mental Distress	20.6%
Physical Distress	16.1%
Short Sleep	41.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	88.5%
Uninsured	10.8%
	26% above US avg
Checkup Rate	75.3%
Dental Visits	49.2%

Food & Exercise

Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 359.0 per 100,000, robbery at 32.6, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,068 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,415, burglary at 620, vehicle theft at 33 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Buffalo receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	391.6/100K
	3% above US avg
Murder	0.0/100K
	100% below US avg
Rape	0.0/100K
Robbery	32.6/100K
Assault	359.0/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	3,067.9/100K
	57% above US avg
Burglary	620.1/100K
Theft	2,415.1/100K
Vehicle Theft	32.6/100K
Arson	0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 259 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches. The area receives 4.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,201 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 78°F Jul (25°C)

Annual Average	55.3°F
	2% above US avg
January Average	30°F (-1°C)
July Average	78°F (25°C)
Sunny Days	259 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	42.6 inches
	12% above US avg
Snowfall	4.5 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	1,201 ft (366 m)
Area	3.0 sq mi (7.8 km²)
Population Density	1,119/sq mi
Coordinates	37.6439°N, 93.0924°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	30°F (-1°C)	1.7 in	Coldest, Driest
February	36°F (2°C)	2.1 in
March	46°F (8°C)	3.7 in
April	55°F (13°C)	4.0 in
May	64°F (18°C)	4.9 in	Wettest
June	72°F (22°C)	4.6 in
July	78°F (25°C)	3.2 in	Warmest
August	76°F (25°C)	3.6 in
September	69°F (20°C)	4.5 in
October	58°F (14°C)	4.0 in
November	45°F (7°C)	3.7 in
December	35°F (2°C)	2.8 in

Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.7").

24.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 27% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 9.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 83.0% of households have broadband internet access. 89% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	24.6%
	27% below US avg
High School+	90.4%
Graduate Degree+	9.6%
School Test Score	5.51

C+ Education Grade (3.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,119/sq mi
Total Area	3.0 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	83.0%
Alt Fuel Stations	1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	31.7 min
Drive Alone	89.0%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	5.5%

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo

What is the population of Buffalo?

Buffalo has a population of 3,358 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,119 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.5% female and 42.5% male.

Is Buffalo expensive to live in?

Buffalo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $32,630, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,300 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $647 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Buffalo safe?

The violent crime rate in Buffalo is 392 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 3,068 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 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 259 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.6 inches, with 4.5 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 2.1% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Buffalo?

The median home value in Buffalo is $131,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,573. For renters, the median monthly rent is $647. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Buffalo?

Schools in Buffalo score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.6% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 9.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Buffalo?

The obesity rate in Buffalo is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.3% of adults are smokers. 32.4% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Buffalo?

The average commute in Buffalo is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 89% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Buffalo?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 97.8% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 26.1% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Bolivar, MO 10,996 pop · 17.5 mi Fair Grove, MO 1,551 pop · 18.3 mi Marshfield, MO 7,599 pop · 23.4 mi Lebanon, MO 15,157 pop · 23.6 mi Strafford, MO 2,609 pop · 26.0 mi Humansville, MO 1,190 pop · 28.5 mi Willard, MO 6,418 pop · 29.8 mi Springfield, MO 169,432 pop · 31.7 mi Camdenton, MO 4,017 pop · 31.7 mi Ash Grove, MO 1,336 pop · 35.3 mi Rogersville, MO 4,496 pop · 36.5 mi Stockton, MO 2,018 pop · 38.7 mi Seymour, MO 2,081 pop · 38.7 mi Battlefield, MO 6,095 pop · 39.6 mi

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