Buffalo Center, IA
Population 1,000 · Iowa
About Buffalo Center, IA
Buffalo Center is a small community in Iowa with a population of 1,000 residents. The median household income is $49,474 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Buffalo Center is 58.2 years.
Housing in Buffalo Center has a median home value of $93,800 and median monthly rent of $646. Of the 584 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 364 owner-occupied and 140 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Buffalo Center is 9.2% and the poverty rate is 8.3%. 26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.6 minutes.
Cost of Living in Buffalo Center, IA
Compared to national averages, Buffalo Center has a median household income of $49,474 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $93,800, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $646 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Buffalo Center's income is 27% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 29% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Buffalo Center, IA?
Buffalo Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $93,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $646/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,474) that falls below the national average. However, Buffalo Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Buffalo Center has a population of 1,000 with a median age of 58.2 years. Compare Buffalo Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Buffalo Center
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladbrook | 998 | $63,125 | $117,200 | Compare |
| Woodward | 1,002 | $68,571 | $179,500 | Compare |
| Mapleton | 997 | $52,955 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Villisca | 1,004 | $58,469 | $74,100 | Compare |
| Afton | 991 | $57,232 | $99,700 | Compare |
| Aplington | 1,012 | $70,093 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Janesville | 1,012 | $84,231 | $214,700 | Compare |
| Newhall | 1,012 | $68,295 | $171,500 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Center
What is the population of Buffalo Center, IA?
The population of Buffalo Center, IA is 1,000 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Buffalo Center?
The median household income in Buffalo Center, IA is $49,474 per year.
What is the median home value in Buffalo Center?
The median home value in Buffalo Center, IA is $93,800.
What is the average rent in Buffalo Center?
The median monthly rent in Buffalo Center, IA is $646.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo Center?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo Center, IA is 9.2%.