Median Income
$99,583
33% higher than US avg
Home Value
$166,700
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
283/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.1%
5% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population213
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density444/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans14.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$99,583
Per Capita$38,660
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$19,105M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$166,700
Rent$575
Ownership90.2%
Zillow$247,528
Housing Units73
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent283/100K
Property1,920/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking12.2%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain23.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,202 ft (366 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.1%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute31 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. 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 $99,583, which is significantly higher than the national average / 33% above $75,149. This places Buffalo among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo is $166,700, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buffalo is below the national average at 283 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,920 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
32.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Buffalo has a population of 213 with a density of 444 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 3.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 14.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Buffalo is $99,583, which is 33% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,660. The average weekly wage is $1,285. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,494 business establishments, including 480 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $99,583 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,660 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,285 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,188 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,494 |
| County GDP | $19,105M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 480 |
| Healthcare | 610 |
| Retail | 678 |
| Manufacturing | 197 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,730 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Buffalo is $166,700, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,528, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $8,730 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $166,700 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,528 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.8% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,730 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.24% |
In Buffalo, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 12.2% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 17.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,014. The dentist ratio is 1:1,235. 89.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.2% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.2% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,014 |
| Dentists | 1:1,235 |
| Mental Health | 1:294 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 70.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 610 |
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 283 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,920 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Buffalo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 282.7/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,919.6/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°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 23.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,202 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,202 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 444/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9193°N, 97.5506°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.6"
38% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0386 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.55 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
480 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 173 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
15 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
83 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
18 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
41 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
MEADOWS (SOUTH) |
569 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
FUGLIE |
545 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| February |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $926 |
| Toddler | $844 |
| Preschool | $784 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $681 |
| Toddler | $642 |
| Preschool | $647 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo?
Buffalo has a population of 213 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 444 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Buffalo expensive to live in?
Buffalo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $99,583, 33% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,700 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buffalo safe?
Buffalo is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 283 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,920 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 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Buffalo?
The job market in Buffalo is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,285. There are 9,494 business establishments in the area, including 480 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $166,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,528. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.2%. The average annual property tax is $8,730.
How are the schools in Buffalo?
Schools in Buffalo score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.1% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Buffalo is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.2% of adults are smokers. 17.2% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 5.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,014.
What is transportation like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 95.3% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 14.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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