Buffalo, NY
Population 276,397 · New York
About Buffalo, NY
Buffalo is a major city in New York with a population of 276,397 residents. The median household income is $48,050 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Buffalo is 34.3 years.
Housing in Buffalo has a median home value of $152,300 and median monthly rent of $989. Of the 136,533 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 51,012 owner-occupied and 68,536 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 7.2% and the poverty rate is 27.4%. 30.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.9 minutes.
How Buffalo Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Buffalo, NY
Compared to national averages, Buffalo has a median household income of $48,050 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,300, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $989 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Buffalo's income is 50% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 61% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $989/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,050) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Buffalo provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Buffalo has a population of 276,397 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Buffalo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Buffalo
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester | 209,720 | $46,628 | $120,600 | Compare |
| Yonkers | 209,529 | $81,816 | $478,000 | Compare |
| Syracuse | 146,211 | $45,845 | $125,100 | Compare |
| Albany | 100,081 | $59,485 | $223,000 | Compare |
| New Rochelle | 81,591 | $103,813 | $667,300 | Compare |
| Cheektowaga | 76,251 | $66,293 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 72,528 | $77,171 | $449,600 | Compare |
| Schenectady | 68,521 | $56,398 | $152,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo, NY?
The population of Buffalo, NY is 276,397 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo, NY is $48,050 per year.
What is the median home value in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo, NY is $152,300.
What is the average rent in Buffalo?
The median monthly rent in Buffalo, NY is $989.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo, NY is 7.2%.