Buffalo, NY
Population 276,397 · New York
About Buffalo, NY
Buffalo is a major city located in New York with a population of 276,397 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,050 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Buffalo features a median home value of $152,300, which is 38% below 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 $989, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 136,533 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (51,012 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (68,536 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buffalo shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Buffalo have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.3% 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 0.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 10.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Buffalo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo
What is the population of Buffalo, NY?
The population of Buffalo, NY is 276,397 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in New York.
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo, NY is $48,050 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo, NY is $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Buffalo?
The median monthly rent in Buffalo, NY is $989, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo, NY is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Buffalo, NY a good place to live?
Buffalo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 276,397 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Buffalo, NY?
30.3% 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, NY: median home value is $152,300 (38% below national), median rent is $989/month, and median household income is $48,050. 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, NY is 27.4%, 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, NY?
Buffalo's population is 0.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 31.8% two or more races. 10.5% of residents are foreign-born.