Median Income
$32,630
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$131,300
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
65/100K
83% lower 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
C
Median Income$32,630
Per Capita$28,895
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty39.7%
Commute32 min
Housing
A
Home Value$131,300
Rent$647
Ownership39.9%
Zillow$206,573
Housing Units1,657
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent65/100K
Property3,026/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault65/100K
Burglary488/100K
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%
EV Stations4
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, low crime rates, 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
Buffalo is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 65 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,026 per 100,000, 54% 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 2.9 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
32.0yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
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
| 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 |
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% |
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. 39.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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
| Homeownership | 39.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 60.1% |
| 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 65 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 65.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,026 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,180, burglary at 488, vehicle theft at 358 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 | 65.1/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 65.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,026.4/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| Burglary | 488.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,180.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 358.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 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 |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,201 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,119/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6439°N, 93.0924°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.6"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
38 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
54 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
98 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
70 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
42 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
140 km |
| May 2, 2001 |
10 km NW of Bakersfield, Missouri |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
462 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 369 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
84 km |
2 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
41 km |
3 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
37 km |
4 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
33 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
29 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
31 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
24 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
96 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
35 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
27 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
24 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
39 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
27 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
30 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,590 |
34 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,575 |
35 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,569 |
32 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,418 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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 2.9 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?
Buffalo is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 65 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,026 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. The homeownership rate is 39.9%.
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.
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