Buffalo, SC
Population 1,232 · South Carolina
About Buffalo, SC
Buffalo is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,232 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $21,831 per year, which is 71% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28 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 $44,400, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Buffalo one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 550 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (385 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (71 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Buffalo shows an unemployment rate of 10.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 43.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Buffalo have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.0% of Buffalo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Buffalo Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Buffalo, SC
Compared to national averages, Buffalo has a median household income of $21,831 (71% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $44,400, which is 82% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Buffalo's income is 63% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 78% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Buffalo, SC?
Buffalo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $44,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($21,831) that falls below the national average. However, Buffalo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Buffalo has a population of 1,232 with a median age of 28 years. Compare Buffalo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Buffalo
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catawba | 1,225 | $55,385 | $198,100 | Compare |
| Whitmire | 1,241 | $32,188 | $51,900 | Compare |
| Lake Secession | 1,209 | $46,933 | $335,500 | Compare |
| Prosperity | 1,198 | $58,276 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Edmund | 1,274 | $35,750 | $100,200 | Compare |
| Meggett | 1,274 | $96,032 | $594,800 | Compare |
| West Pelzer | 1,276 | $53,125 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Murphys Estates | 1,187 | $90,357 | $185,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
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, SC?
The population of Buffalo, SC is 1,232 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo, SC is $21,831 per year, which is 71% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo, SC is $44,400, which is 82% below 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, SC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo, SC is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Buffalo, SC a good place to live?
Buffalo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,232 and a median age of 28, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Buffalo, SC?
5.0% 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, SC: median home value is $44,400 (82% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $21,831. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo?
The poverty rate in Buffalo, SC is 43.6%, 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, SC?
Buffalo's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.