Median Income
$81,607
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
243/100K
36% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$583
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population282
Median Age54.6 yrs
Density513/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,607
Per Capita$52,782
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$91M
Commute8 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$583
Ownership77.6%
Zillow$183,656
Housing Units235
Rent Burden16.7%
Crime
F
Violent243/100K
Property1,286/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking13.7%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain13.5 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,896 ft (883 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 92% / D 6%
Commute8 min
Broadband93.8%
Libraries2
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, 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 $81,607, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buffalo is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $583 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buffalo is below the national average at 243 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,286 per 100,000, 34% below the national average.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Buffalo has a population of 282 with a density of 513 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 54.6 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.9% female and 63.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.6yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Buffalo is $81,607, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $52,782 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 68 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,607 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $52,782 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,744 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 68 |
| County GDP | $91M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Buffalo is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,656, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $583 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $918 for a one-bedroom to $1,204 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 235 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. 16.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,656 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $583 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $918 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,204 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,444 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,864 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.4% |
| Housing Units | 235 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
In Buffalo, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.9% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. 35.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 243 per 100,000 residents, 36% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,286 per 100,000, 34% below the U.S. average. Overall, Buffalo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buffalo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 243.3/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,285.8/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 311 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 13.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 2,896 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,896 ft (883 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 513/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5864°N, 103.5435°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Harding County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK)
91 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.5"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.15"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 29, 2013.
| Sep 25, 2009 |
15 km E of Alzada, Montana |
M4.2 |
82 km |
| Nov 3, 1999 |
8 km NNW of Broadus, Montana |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Sep 5, 1993 |
4 km NNW of Central City, South Dakota |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Jul 29, 2013 |
18 km SE of Ekalaka, Montana |
M2.6 |
68 km |
| Nov 5, 1991 |
1 km ESE of Lead, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
89 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 1969 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2016 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1963 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2018 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1977 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1972 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 1964 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1955 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2019 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2011 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1999 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1999 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1992 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KRAFT SPRINGS (66,292 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
KRAFT SPRINGS |
66,292 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
BREWER |
48,282 |
49 km |
| 2015 |
SHEEP DRAW |
13,837 |
36 km |
| 2013 |
PAUTRE |
11,733 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
DIVIDE CA |
10,635 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
CEDAR BUTTE |
9,154 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
JOHNSTONE |
8,817 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
MEDICINE ROCK |
8,565 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
TRAVIN |
7,917 |
11 km |
| 2000 |
CAMP CROOK COMPLEX |
6,927 |
27 km |
| 2012 |
DUGAN |
6,688 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
MILL IRON |
6,494 |
45 km |
| 1988 |
SHORT PINES |
5,516 |
37 km |
| 1988 |
MCDOWELLE |
4,096 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
LICKINY |
3,802 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
DEEP CREEK 2 |
3,500 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
BOXELDER |
3,446 |
68 km |
| 2015 |
MOONSHINE |
2,768 |
28 km |
| 2007 |
HAY CREEK |
2,655 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
MEAT HOOK |
2,522 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Buffalo has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in December to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.3").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo?
Buffalo has a population of 282 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 513 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.9% female and 63.1% male.
Is Buffalo expensive to live in?
Buffalo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $81,607, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $583 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, 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 243 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,286 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Buffalo?
The job market in Buffalo is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 68 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,656. For renters, the median monthly rent is $583. Fair market rent is $918 for a 1-bedroom and $1,204 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.6%.
How are the schools in Buffalo?
Schools in Buffalo score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.4% of adults in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buffalo?
The obesity rate in Buffalo is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 35.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buffalo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is 95.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
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