Buffalo Grove, IL
Population 42,824 · Illinois
About Buffalo Grove, IL
Buffalo Grove is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 42,824 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $129,820 per year, which is 73% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Buffalo Grove features a median home value of $392,900, which is 60% above the national median of $244,900. This places Buffalo Grove in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,042, 76% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,567 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (13,097 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (2,971 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buffalo Grove shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Buffalo Grove have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
66.6% of Buffalo Grove residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 36.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Buffalo Grove Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Buffalo Grove, IL
Compared to national averages, Buffalo Grove has a median household income of $129,820 (73% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $392,900, which is 60% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,042 is 76% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Buffalo Grove's income is 73% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 137% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Buffalo Grove, IL?
Buffalo Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $129,820, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 66.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $392,900. However, Buffalo Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Buffalo Grove has a population of 42,824 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Buffalo Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Buffalo Grove
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moline | 42,235 | $63,959 | $141,900 | Compare |
| Lombard | 43,722 | $97,253 | $321,200 | Compare |
| Belleville | 41,722 | $60,529 | $131,000 | Compare |
| Romeoville | 40,996 | $100,022 | $245,200 | Compare |
| Bartlett | 40,531 | $130,479 | $350,500 | Compare |
| DeKalb | 40,464 | $46,564 | $202,900 | Compare |
| Crystal Lake | 40,436 | $105,428 | $287,400 | Compare |
| Elmhurst | 45,538 | $145,374 | $532,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Buffalo Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Grove
What is the population of Buffalo Grove, IL?
The population of Buffalo Grove, IL is 42,824 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Buffalo Grove?
The median household income in Buffalo Grove, IL is $129,820 per year, which is 73% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buffalo Grove?
The median home value in Buffalo Grove, IL is $392,900, which is 60% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Buffalo Grove?
The median monthly rent in Buffalo Grove, IL is $2,042, which is 76% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo Grove?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo Grove, IL is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Buffalo Grove, IL a good place to live?
Buffalo Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 42,824 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Buffalo Grove, IL?
66.6% of residents in Buffalo Grove aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Buffalo Grove, IL: median home value is $392,900 (60% above national), median rent is $2,042/month, and median household income is $129,820. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo Grove?
The poverty rate in Buffalo Grove, IL is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Buffalo Grove, IL?
Buffalo Grove's population is 4.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 36.6% of residents are foreign-born.