Median Income
$64,524
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$342,700
22% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.1%
19% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How New Buffalo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,306
Median Age53.8 yrs
Density529/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,524
Per Capita$53,185
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$9,718M
Commute21 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$342,700
Rent$825
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$632,555
Health
Obesity34.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F
AQI38 (Good)
Rain42.6 in/yr
Elevation640 ft
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.1%
High School+91.9%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute21 min
EV Stations7
Libraries14
Is New Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. New Buffalo stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Buffalo is $64,524, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Buffalo is $342,700, 22% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.3x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
New Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches, including 65.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
New Buffalo has a population of 1,306 with a density of 529 people per square mile. The median age is 53.8 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic.
Population
53.8yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Buffalo vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 89.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Spanish | 10.4% |
| 22% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
New Buffalo vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Buffalo is $64,524, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Income: New Buffalo vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,524 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $53,185 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,573 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,096 |
| County GDP | $9,718M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 391 |
| Healthcare | 432 |
| Retail | 544 |
| Manufacturing | 268 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,061 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Work from Home | 12.4% |
The median home value in New Buffalo is $342,700, 22% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $632,555.
Home Values
| Census Median | $342,700 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $632,555 |
| Median List Price | $669,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $669,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $483 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.1% |
| Price Drops | 4.8% |
| Inventory | 21 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $825 |
| 29% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,061 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.06% |
In New Buffalo, 34.9% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.5% report depression. 20.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: New Buffalo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,398/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 432 |
Crime Rates: New Buffalo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
Safety Score
New Buffalo has an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 42.6 inches |
| 12% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 65.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 640 ft (195 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 529/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7914°N, 86.7425°W |
| County FIPS | 26021 |