Buffalo, New York Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Buffalo, New York had a total population of 276,854, the 2nd largest city in New York, with a median household income of $50,041, which is 42% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Buffalo is the 2nd largest city in New York with a population of 276,854.
- Household income is 42% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in New York (diversity index: 70/100).
Buffalo Quick Facts
How Buffalo Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 276,854 | +0.2% |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $50,041 | +4.1% |
| Median home value | $152,300 | $164,200 | +7.8% |
How Buffalo Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Buffalo Rankings in New York
Explore New York Rankings
Other Cities in Erie County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheektowaga | 76,056 | $68,613 | 10.7% | $185,500 |
| Tonawanda Town | 56,806 | $77,679 | 10.0% | $215,200 |
| West Seneca | 45,303 | $79,709 | 8.8% | $232,800 |
| Lackawanna | 19,753 | $52,110 | 23.2% | $140,700 |
| Kenmore | 15,044 | $77,639 | 9.1% | $208,600 |
| Tonawanda | 15,030 | $58,326 | 13.8% | $173,600 |
| Depew | 15,000 | $73,556 | 9.4% | $196,500 |
| Eggertsville | 14,894 | $82,767 | 14.0% | $248,100 |
| Lancaster | 10,113 | $66,148 | 6.7% | $202,200 |
| Hamburg | 9,792 | $112,292 | 3.0% | $248,600 |
Cities Similar to Buffalo
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester | 208,772 | $47,213 | $139,600 | 30.0% | 27.8% |
| Yonkers | 209,978 | $83,549 | $501,600 | 35.7% | 13.8% |
| Syracuse | 146,384 | $47,819 | $138,400 | 31.3% | 28.8% |
| Albany | 100,492 | $61,986 | $234,700 | 45.3% | 22.9% |
| Cheektowaga | 76,056 | $68,613 | $185,500 | 29.6% | 10.7% |
Population Overview
Buffalo is a major urban center located in New York, within Erie County. The total population is 276,854. It ranks as the 2nd most populous out of 1,289 Census-designated places in New York.
Age Demographics
The median age in Buffalo is 34.3 years. This is 14% lower than the state median of 39.8 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Buffalo is $50,041. This is 42% lower than the state median of $85,974. It is also 38% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 26.0%. This is 85% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 7.3%. This is 14% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $164,200. Housing costs are 61% lower than the state median of $423,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 43.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% lower than the state average of 54.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Buffalo is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 31.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (31.3% vs 13.4%).
Education
31.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 22% lower than the state rate of 40.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Buffalo, New York is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against New York state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,289 Census-designated places in New York. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Buffalo, New York?
Buffalo, New York has a population of 276,854 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Buffalo, NY?
The median household income in Buffalo is $50,041, which is 38% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo, NY?
The poverty rate in Buffalo is 26.0%. This means approximately 70,101 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Buffalo, New York?
Buffalo's population is 42.4% White, 31.3% Black, 12.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 8.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Buffalo, NY?
The median home value in Buffalo is $164,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Buffalo, New York?
31.2% of adults (25+) in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.