Is Wood Buffalo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wood Buffalo receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Wood Buffalo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wood Buffalo is $184,000, which is significantly higher than the national average — 145% above $75,149. This places Wood Buffalo among higher-income communities. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wood Buffalo is $472,000, making it a premium housing market at 67% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,530 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 30.5% have completed high school.