Median Income
$69,875
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,200
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
370/100K
3% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$693
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,244
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density1,121/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,875
Per Capita$26,442
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$329M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,200
Rent$693
Ownership85.9%
Zillow$65,783
Housing Units599
Rent Burden13.5%
Crime
F
Violent370/100K
Property3,143/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured14.7%
Smoking15.6%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation1,826 ft (557 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 10%
Commute13 min
Broadband80.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. 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 $69,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo is $89,200, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $693 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buffalo is below the national average at 370 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,143 per 100,000, 60% above the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Buffalo has a population of 1,244 with a density of 1,121 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (78.5%), with 5.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.5% of residents, while 21.5% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.5%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.5%
60% above US avg
The median household income in Buffalo is $69,875, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,442 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 144 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,875 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,442 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,139 |
| Gini Index | 0.360 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 144 |
| County GDP | $329M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $950 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Buffalo is $89,200, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $65,783, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $693 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 599 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $950 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 13.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,200 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $65,783 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $693 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.1% |
| Housing Units | 599 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $950 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.07% |
In Buffalo, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 15.4% report binge drinking. 31.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 14.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:3,129. 80.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.4% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.7% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:3,129 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,595 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 52.8% |
| Premature Death | 4,840/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 370 per 100,000 residents, 3% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,143 per 100,000, 60% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 369.8/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,143.3/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 1,826 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 58.8°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,826 ft (557 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,121/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8294°N, 99.6377°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Harper County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dodge City Regional (DDC)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,790 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 13, 2016 |
18 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M5.1 |
91 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.7 |
89 km |
| Jun 9, 2018 |
8 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
141 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
90 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
88 km |
| Jul 20, 2015 |
7 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
123 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
89 km |
| Jul 29, 2014 |
9 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
142 km |
| May 13, 2017 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, OK |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| Feb 5, 2015 |
8 km NE of Cherokee, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
120 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
138 km |
| Sep 15, 1995 |
7 km NNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
84 km |
| Jan 18, 2016 |
Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
126 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
65 km |
| Feb 13, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
89 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
90 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
89 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
11 km ENE of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
570 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 129 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF5 |
61 km |
11 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2019 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
81 km |
6 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2002 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2002 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1987 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OKS - STARBUCK (657,299 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
OKS - STARBUCK |
657,299 |
36 km |
| 2016 |
ANDERSON CREEK FIRE |
374,523 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
88,943 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
CATESBY FIRE |
83,975 |
54 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - 283 |
68,558 |
19 km |
| 2016 |
350 COMPLEX |
58,055 |
39 km |
| 2018 |
34 COMPLEX |
57,533 |
37 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - SELMAN |
44,767 |
38 km |
| 2009 |
CHESTER |
34,432 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
HIGGINS |
28,466 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
SLAPOUT FIRE |
23,810 |
44 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
23,123 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
LIPSCOMB COUNTY COMPLEX |
23,028 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
412 FIRE |
22,069 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
BOILING SPRINGS FIRE |
20,264 |
46 km |
| 2022 |
217 |
18,293 |
56 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
16,448 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
16,290 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
BUFFALO |
16,160 |
9 km |
| 2022 |
23 AND DD |
8,885 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 36°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $893 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $772 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo?
Buffalo has a population of 1,244 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 1,121 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Buffalo expensive to live in?
Buffalo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $69,875, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,200 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $693 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, 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 370 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,143 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Buffalo?
The job market in Buffalo is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 144 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $89,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $65,783. For renters, the median monthly rent is $693. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.9%. The average annual property tax is $950.
How are the schools in Buffalo?
Schools in Buffalo score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Buffalo is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 31.4% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 14.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 80.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 78.5% White, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino. 78.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.5% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 24.6% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
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