Buffalo, IA
Population 1,090 · Iowa
About Buffalo, IA
Buffalo is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,090 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,773 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Buffalo features a median home value of $120,400, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Buffalo one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $821, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 523 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (371 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (103 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buffalo shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Buffalo have an average one-way commute time of 29.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.3% of Buffalo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Buffalo, IA
Compared to national averages, Buffalo has a median household income of $74,773 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,400, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $821 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Buffalo's income is 10% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 9% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Buffalo, IA?
Buffalo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $821/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,773) that falls below the national average. However, Buffalo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Buffalo has a population of 1,090 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Buffalo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Buffalo
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sully | 1,092 | $86,576 | $165,600 | Compare |
| Eddyville | 1,085 | $61,205 | $107,300 | Compare |
| Neola | 1,098 | $68,859 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Winthrop | 1,081 | $64,904 | $149,200 | Compare |
| Larchwood | 1,076 | $69,327 | $189,700 | Compare |
| Fruitland | 1,107 | $101,375 | $219,000 | Compare |
| Lansing | 1,111 | $49,537 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Winfield | 1,065 | $46,364 | $99,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Buffalo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo, IA?
The population of Buffalo, IA is 1,090 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo, IA is $74,773 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo, IA is $120,400, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Buffalo?
The median monthly rent in Buffalo, IA is $821, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo, IA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Buffalo, IA a good place to live?
Buffalo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,090 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Buffalo, IA?
12.3% of residents in Buffalo aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Buffalo, IA: median home value is $120,400 (51% below national), median rent is $821/month, and median household income is $74,773. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo?
The poverty rate in Buffalo, IA is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Buffalo, IA?
Buffalo's population is 2.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.