Buffalo Grove, Lake County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
42,891
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$129,395/yr
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,593
0.2% year-over-year change

Buffalo Grove population

How many people live in Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove is home to 42,891 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Buffalo Grove locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
42,891
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
20,592
Female
52%
22,299
Value Percent YoY change
Male 20,592 48% 1.9%
Female 22,299 52% -1.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Buffalo Grove is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 28.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
28.6%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,041 18.8% -1.7%
15 to 24 5,449 12.7% 1.3%
25 to 44 10,379 24.2% 2.3%
45 to 64 12,248 28.6% -2.1%
Over 65 6,774 15.8% 2.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Buffalo Grove, 61% of the population are US-born citizens, while 21.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 17.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59.2% of locals are Caucasian, 3.4% are African American and 29.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
61%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
21.1%
Non-citizens
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,177 61% -2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,069 21.1% -1.8%
Non-citizens 7,645 17.8% 13.3%
Racial breakdown
White
59.2%
Black or African American
3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
29.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 25,408 59.2%
Black or African American 1,452 3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 233 0.5%
Asian 12,767 29.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 32 0.1%
Two or more races 1,915 4.5%
Other 1,084 2.5%

Households in Buffalo Grove

A peek inside Buffalo Grove households

Buffalo Grove has 16,213 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.3% are families, while the remaining 26.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,213
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,336
Family households
11,877
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,336 26.7% 6.9%
Family households 11,877 73.3% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Buffalo Grove

The housing landscape of Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove's housing consists of 16,593 units, with 53.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,593
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,914 53.7%
1 unit, attached 2,253 13.6%
2 units 132 0.8%
3 or 4 units 735 4.4%
5 to 9 units 1,006 6.1%
10 to 19 units 1,211 7.3%
20 to 49 units 1,329 8%
50 or more units 955 5.8%
Mobile home 58 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
47
27.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Buffalo Grove

In Buffalo Grove, the median construction year is 1981. About 1.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 188 1.1% -9.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 61 0.4% 117.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 552 3.3% 18.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,048 12.3% 0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,690 28.3% 1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,062 30.5% -1.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,911 17.5% -4.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 746 4.5% 10.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 288 1.7% 6.7%
Built in 2020 or later 47 0.3% 27.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Buffalo Grove occupancy rates

Out of the 16,213 occupied housing units in Buffalo Grove, 79.8% are owner-occupied, while 20.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,213
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,268
Owner occupied
12,945
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,268 20.2% 10.0%
Owner occupied 12,945 79.8% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
2.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Buffalo Grove housing costs

Housing costs in Buffalo Grove come to a median of $2,122 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,037.

Median housing costs per month
$2,122/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Buffalo Grove
$2,037/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove education at a glance

About 13.7% of the population in Buffalo Grove went to high school, while 13.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.2% earned an associate degree and 36.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 519 1.6% 15.3%
High school diploma 4,440 13.7% -2.4%
College diploma 4,354 13.4% -7.3%
Associate degree 2,000 6.2% -6.2%
Bachelor's degree 11,826 36.5% 0.4%
Graduate degree 9,235 28.5% 6.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Buffalo Grove

How much people earn in Buffalo Grove

The average annual household income in Buffalo Grove was $164,157 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $129,395, reflecting a -0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Buffalo Grove
$164,157/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Buffalo Grove
$129,395/year
-0.3% year-over-year change

Buffalo Grove income by age

In Buffalo Grove, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $137,220. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $149,527 overall. Overall, 92.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $137,220 -0.9%
45 - 64 $149,527 0.3%
Over 65 $77,031 -2.1%
Above poverty level
39,233
Below poverty level
3,077
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 39,233 92.7% -0.4%
Below poverty level 3,077 7.3% 10.3%

Average renter income in Buffalo Grove

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Buffalo Grove, their median household income was $86,079 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$86,079
Rent-to-income ratio
28.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Buffalo Grove

Workforce and job types in Buffalo Grove

The job market in Buffalo Grove is powered by 22,771 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.4% run their own businesses, 69% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
22,771
-1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
20,680
Blue collar
2,091
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 20,680 90.8% -0.3%
Blue collar 2,091 9.2% -7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
12.4%
Private companies
69%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,825 12.4% -3.0%
Private companies 15,712 69% -1.5%
Governmental workers 2,570 11.3% -1.7%
Not for profit companies 1,664 7.3% 9.4%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
9.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Buffalo Grove stands at 2.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Buffalo Grove

How people get around in Buffalo Grove

Commuting methods vary: 63% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,145 63% -6.5%
Taxicab 27 0.1% 80.0%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.1% -69.6%
Subway or elevated 24 0.1% N/A
Railroad 498 2.2% -1.6%
Motorcycle 14 0.1% -41.7%
Walk 220 1% 80.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Buffalo Grove by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60089 42,872 16,206 $129,401 $164,147

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FAQs about Buffalo Grove demographics 

What is the total population of Buffalo Grove?

Buffalo Grove has a total population of 42,891 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Buffalo Grove?

The gender ratio in Buffalo Grove is as follows:
  • 48% males (20,592 residents)
  • 52% females (22,299 residents)

What is the median age in Buffalo Grove?

The median age in Buffalo Grove is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Buffalo Grove?

The age distribution in Buffalo Grove is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (8,041 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (5,449 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (10,379 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.6% (12,248 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (6,774 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo Grove?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo Grove is as follows:
  • White: 59.2% (25,408 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.4% (1,452 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (233 residents)
  • Asian: 29.8% (12,767 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (32 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (1,915 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (1,084 residents)

What percentage of the population in Buffalo Grove are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 61% of the population in Buffalo Grove.

How many housing units are there in Buffalo Grove?

There are 16,593 housing units in Buffalo Grove, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Buffalo Grove and what is the average household size?

Buffalo Grove has a total of 16,213 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Buffalo Grove?

Buffalo Grove has a median household income of $129,395, representing a -0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Buffalo Grove?

The employment rate is 97.3% in Buffalo Grove, with a workforce of 22,771 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.8% (20,680 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.2% (2,091 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.4% (2,825 residents)
  • Private companies: 69% (15,712 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (2,570 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (1,664 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025