New YorkPop. 276,854Big cities
Is Buffalo a Good Place to Live? Buffalo, New York: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Buffalo ranks #1052 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #39 of 53 big cities and #19 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($164,200, #3 of 53) and low rents ($1,046/mo, #8 of 53), and trails on high poverty (26%, #52 of 53) and low household income ($50,041, #51 of 53).
Buffalo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Buffalo's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Buffalo?
Buffalo's cost of living index is 95.8, 4% below the US level of 100 and #482 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,046/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $248,828, 53% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
| Measure | Buffalo | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 95.8#482 of 1,308 | 107.9 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $248,828#245 of 1,187 | $526,714 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,425/mo#276 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $164,200#116 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,046/mo#260 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 25.1%#1012 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Buffalo housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Buffalo is in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro.
New York housing market →Is Buffalo safe?
Buffalo recorded 729 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times New York's 368. That ranks #980 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #37 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Buffalo Police Department. Property crime runs 3,449 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Buffalo | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 729#980 of 1,085 | 368 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 3,449#1004 of 1,085 | 1,575 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Buffalo?
The median household in Buffalo earns $50,041, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 42% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 26% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Buffalo | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $50,041#1230 of 1,312 | $85,820 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 26%#1256 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Buffalo?
The median resident of Buffalo is 34.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 31.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #746 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Buffalo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 34.3 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 31.2%#746 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 43% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Buffalo's schools and health?
Buffalo's 73 public schools graduate 69.2% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 10.8 students per teacher and $26,039 spent per pupil. 38.4% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Buffalo | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 69.2%#1037 of 1,063 | 86.7% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 10.8#25 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $26,039#47 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 38.4%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.4%#575 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 38,507 students are enrolled in Buffalo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Buffalo?
The average commute in Buffalo is 19.9 minutes (New York 33.2); 8.1% of workers take transit and 11.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Buffalo scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.7°F and winters 27.8°F, with 40.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Buffalo | New YorkNY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 19.9 min#336 of 1,312 | 33.2 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 17.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 62.8% | 48.7% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 8.1% | 24.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 4.5% | 5.8% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 11.3% | 11.8% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.6#225 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). New York is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.1 | 19 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 33.3 | 19.5 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 41.8 | 26.4 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 54.7 | 36.5 | 3.4 |
| May | 67.4 | 48.3 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 75.6 | 58.1 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 80.2 | 63.1 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 79 | 61.7 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 72.3 | 54.5 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 59.6 | 43.9 | 4 |
| Nov | 47.8 | 34.2 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 37.2 | 25.6 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Buffalo.
| Measure | Buffalo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 48.8°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 69.7°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 27.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 40.7 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Buffalo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Buffalo?
Erie County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Erie County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Buffalo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#416 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Erie County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Erie County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0015% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Buffalo compare with similar-size cities?
Buffalo is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #39 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 276,854.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #1052 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 | 19.9 min |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 min |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Chandler, AZPop. 280,136 | #344 | 61.0 | $108,095 | $1,902/mo | 124 | 23.9 min |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #1042 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 | 26.7 min |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #161 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 | 19.4 min |
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #718 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 | 28.6 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Buffalo compare with the rest of New York?
Buffalo ranks #19 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 42% below the New York median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 53% below the typical New York home.
| City | Rank in NY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #1 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data |
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #2 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #3 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #4 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #5 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #6 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 |
| Irondequoit, NYPop. 50,657 | #7 | 62.0 | $79,162 | $1,159/mo | no data |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #8 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data |
| Troy, NYPop. 51,033 | #9 | 58.6 | $58,477 | $1,175/mo | 345 |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #10 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 |
| Hempstead, NYPop. 58,801 | #11 | 55.3 | $90,420 | $1,622/mo | no data |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #12 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 |
| New York, NYPop. 8,483,844 | #13 | 54.8 | $80,483 | $1,821/mo | 660 |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #14 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 |
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #15 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 |
| Rochester, NYPop. 208,772 | #16 | 50.3 | $47,213 | $1,081/mo | 572 |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #17 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #18 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #19 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #20 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 |
All 20 New York cities we track, by overall score. New York statewide: median income $85,820, violent crime 368.4 per 100,000.
How is Buffalo's score calculated?
Buffalo scores 48.8 out of 100, #1052 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New York's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Buffalo. Similar-size median 53.8.
36.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Buffalo's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
35.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Buffalo. Similar-size median 54.8.
40.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Buffalo's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
67.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Buffalo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
80.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Buffalo. Similar-size median 47.2.
13.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Buffalo. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Buffalo. Similar-size median 53.7.
62.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Buffalo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
61.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Buffalo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Buffalo has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Buffalo
Is Buffalo, NY a good place to live?
Buffalo ranks #1052 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #39 of 53 big cities and #19 of 20 in New York. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($164,200, #3 of 53) and low rents ($1,046/mo, #8 of 53), and trails on high poverty (26%, #52 of 53) and low household income ($50,041, #51 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Buffalo?
Buffalo's cost of living index is 95.8, 4% below the US level of 100 and #482 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,046/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $248,828, 53% below the typical New York home ($526,714).
What is the crime rate in Buffalo?
Buffalo recorded 729 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times New York's 368. That ranks #980 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #37 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Buffalo Police Department. Property crime runs 3,449 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household in Buffalo earns $50,041, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 42% below New York ($85,820). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 26% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Buffalo?
Median rent in Buffalo is $1,046/mo (Census), #260 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,425/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Buffalo?
The typical home value in Buffalo is $248,828, up 2.9% in a year, against $526,714 for New York and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $164,200.
How are the public schools in Buffalo?
Buffalo's 73 public schools graduate 69.2% of students in four years (New York 86.7%), with 10.8 students per teacher and $26,039 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Buffalo?
The average commute is 19.9 minutes, #336 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 33.2 minutes across New York. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Buffalo?
Buffalo averages 48.8°F over the year, 69.7°F in summer and 27.8°F in winter, with 40.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Buffalo walkable?
Buffalo scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Buffalo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Erie County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Buffalo?
Erie County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 64% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Buffalo?
Buffalo has 276,854 residents. The median resident of Buffalo is 34.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 31.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #746 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Buffalo compare with the rest of New York?
Buffalo ranks #19 of the 20 New York cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against New York's statewide 54.9. Its households earn 42% below the New York median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 53% below the typical New York home.
What cities are similar in size to Buffalo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Buffalo's population of 276,854 are Anchorage, AK (#888 overall), St. Louis, MO (#1200 overall), Chandler, AZ (#344 overall), North Las Vegas, NV (#1042 overall), and Madison, WI (#161 overall). Buffalo is #1052.