Buffalo
Buffalo, New York scores 44.0/100 (D grade), ranking #18 of 20 cities in New York. Median income: $46,458. Crime rate: 760.7/100K.
Buffalo vs New York
Scores by Category
Buffalo vs New York
More Cities in New York
Buffalo, New York Overview
Buffalo faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (44.0/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in New York. Even so, the city scores 71/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 10/100.
Income & Employment in Buffalo
Buffalo’s median income of $46,458 is 43% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.1% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Safety in Buffalo
With a violent crime rate of 760.7 per 100,000, Buffalo exceeds the New York average of 364. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4286 per 100,000.
Cost of Living in Buffalo
Buffalo is an affordable pocket within an otherwise expensive state — its cost of living index of 94.4 sits well below New York’s 108 (100 = national average). The median home value is $152,300. Median monthly rent is $989.
Health & Wellness in Buffalo
The adult obesity rate in Buffalo is 38.4%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.4%. Residents report an average of 19.1 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. New York ranks #14 nationally for overall health.
Education & Schools in Buffalo
The high school graduation rate in Buffalo is 71.7%, below the national average and a challenge for the community. The student-teacher ratio of 10.7:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $26,141 per student, well above the national median. The city has 79 public schools serving 42,685 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.
Climate & Commute in Buffalo
Winters in Buffalo are cold, averaging 23.1°F. Summers average 69.7°F. Winters average 23.1°F. Annual precipitation is 38.4 inches. 8.5% of commuters use public transit. The mean commute time is 18.1 minutes, compared to 29.3 for New York overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall score for Buffalo, New York?
Buffalo has an overall score of 44.0 out of 100, earning a D grade and ranking #18 among 20 cities in New York.
What is the median income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo is $46,458, based on Census ACS data.
Is Buffalo safe?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 760.7 per 100,000 residents.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo?
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 94.4 (100 = national average). It is more affordable than the national average.
How are the public schools in Buffalo?
Buffalo has 79 public schools with a 71.7% graduation rate. The student-teacher ratio is 10.7:1.