Buffalo, MN
Population 16,388 · Minnesota
About Buffalo, MN
Buffalo is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 16,388 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,306 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 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 $281,900, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Buffalo in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,111, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,468 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (4,825 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (1,463 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buffalo shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Buffalo have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.8% of Buffalo 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 2.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Buffalo, MN
Compared to national averages, Buffalo has a median household income of $88,306 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $281,900, which is 15% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,111 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Buffalo's income is 19% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 38% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Buffalo, MN?
Buffalo offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,306, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,111/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.6%, better than the national average.
Buffalo has a population of 16,388 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare Buffalo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Buffalo
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ham Lake | 16,575 | $116,845 | $430,100 | Compare |
| Red Wing | 16,660 | $65,259 | $224,800 | Compare |
| Hibbing | 16,100 | $55,463 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Hugo | 16,076 | $114,057 | $394,200 | Compare |
| Bemidji | 15,490 | $53,850 | $189,500 | Compare |
| Anoka | 17,941 | $75,262 | $292,900 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 14,629 | $71,730 | $210,300 | Compare |
| Monticello | 14,607 | $81,563 | $298,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
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, MN?
The population of Buffalo, MN is 16,388 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo, MN is $88,306 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo, MN is $281,900, which is 15% above 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, MN is $1,111, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo, MN is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Buffalo, MN a good place to live?
Buffalo offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,388 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Buffalo, MN?
30.8% 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, MN: median home value is $281,900 (15% above national), median rent is $1,111/month, and median household income is $88,306. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo?
The poverty rate in Buffalo, MN is 6.6%, 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, MN?
Buffalo's population is 2.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.