Buffalo Center city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Buffalo Center city, Iowa has a total population of 1,000, the 290th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $49,474, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x.
- Unemployment rate of 9.2% is notably above the national average.
Buffalo Center city Quick Facts
How Buffalo Center city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Buffalo Center city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Buffalo Center city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapleton city | 997 | $52,955 | $116,400 | 19.0% | 10.4% |
| Keosauqua city | 1,014 | $52,083 | $108,000 | 15.8% | 10.3% |
| Afton city | 991 | $57,232 | $99,700 | 23.7% | 13.5% |
| Villisca city | 1,004 | $58,469 | $74,100 | 14.5% | 12.8% |
| Winfield city | 1,065 | $46,364 | $99,800 | 17.8% | 8.6% |
Population Overview
Buffalo Center city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 1,000. It ranks as the 290th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Buffalo Center city is 58.2 years. This is 51% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. Only 14.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 14.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Buffalo Center city is $49,474. This is 32% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 37% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%. This is 25% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 9.2%. This is 154% higher than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $93,800. Housing costs are 52% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x, Buffalo Center city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
Buffalo Center city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.2%) is well below the state average of 7.0%. The Asian population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.
Education
26.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Buffalo Center city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Buffalo Center city, Iowa?
Buffalo Center city, Iowa has a population of 1,000 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Buffalo Center city, IA?
The median household income in Buffalo Center city is $49,474, which is 37% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo Center city, IA?
The poverty rate in Buffalo Center city is 8.3%. This means approximately 80 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Buffalo Center city, Iowa?
Buffalo Center city's population is 94.3% White, 0.0% Black, 3.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Buffalo Center city, IA?
The median home value in Buffalo Center city is $93,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x.
How educated is Buffalo Center city, Iowa?
26.1% of adults (25+) in Buffalo Center city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.