Median Income
$83,750
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$152,900
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
191/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
44.1%
31% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.0%
372% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Buford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population488
Median Age26.8 yrs
Density330/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$83,750
Per Capita$32,721
Unemployment17.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,887M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,900
Ownership95.3%
Zillow$286,684
Housing Units192
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent191/100K
Property2,890/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking19.2%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.7 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation963 ft (294 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+44.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.59
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute35 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Buford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buford receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Buford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buford is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 17.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buford is $152,900, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Buford is below the national average at 191 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,890 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 44.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Buford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.7 inches, including 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Buford has a population of 488 with a density of 330 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 26.8 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.8% female and 58.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.8yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Buford is $83,750, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,721 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $862, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 853 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,750 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,721 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $862 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.0% |
| 372% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 853 |
| County GDP | $1,887M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 98 |
| Retail | 141 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,039 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Buford is $152,900, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,684, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 192 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,039. 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $286,684 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.7% |
| Housing Units | 192 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,039 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.99% |
In Buford, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 30.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,613. The dentist ratio is 1:2,066. 41.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.3% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,613 |
| Dentists | 1:2,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:415 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,714/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 98 |
Buford has a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,890 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Buford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Buford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 190.8/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,889.9/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Buford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 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 46.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 18.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 963 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 963 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 330/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0720°N, 83.8393°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Highland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Butler County Regional/Hogan Field (HAO)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.7"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
32 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
88 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
35 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
52 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
122 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
41 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
53 km |
| Mar 20, 2023 |
13 km SSW of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Mar 27, 2013 |
3 km W of Apple Grove, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
413 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 78 fatalities, 2,890 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
65 km |
36 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
99 km |
7 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
49 km |
4 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
57 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
64 km |
6 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
37 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
52 km |
3 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1977 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,259 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
68 km |
| 2003 |
PEACH ORCHARD |
1,043 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Buford has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 29°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Buford. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Buford
What is the population of Buford?
Buford has a population of 488 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 330 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.8% female and 58.2% male.
Is Buford expensive to live in?
Buford is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,900 (46% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Buford safe?
Buford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,890 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Buford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Buford?
Buford has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.7 inches, with 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Buford?
The job market in Buford faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $862. There are 853 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buford?
The median home value in Buford is $152,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,684. The homeownership rate is 95.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,039.
How are the schools in Buford?
Schools in Buford score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 44.1% of adults in Buford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buford?
The obesity rate in Buford is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 30.3% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 41.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,613.
What is transportation like in Buford?
The average commute in Buford is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buford is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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