Buffalo Center, IA
Population 1,000 · Iowa
About Buffalo Center, IA
Buffalo Center is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,000 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,474 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.2 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 Center features a median home value of $93,800, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Buffalo Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $646, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 584 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (364 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (140 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buffalo Center shows an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Buffalo Center have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.1% of Buffalo Center residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Buffalo Center With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Buffalo Center?
The median household income in Buffalo Center, IA is $49,474 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buffalo Center?
The median home value in Buffalo Center, IA is $93,800, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Buffalo Center?
The median monthly rent in Buffalo Center, IA is $646, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo Center?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo Center, IA is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Buffalo Center, IA a good place to live?
Buffalo Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,000 and a median age of 58.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Buffalo Center, IA?
26.1% of residents in Buffalo Center 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 Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Buffalo Center, IA: median home value is $93,800 (62% below national), median rent is $646/month, and median household income is $49,474. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo Center?
The poverty rate in Buffalo Center, IA is 8.3%, 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 Center, IA?
Buffalo Center's population is 3.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.