Buffalo Lake, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
635
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,167/yr
16.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
268
-6.0% year-over-year change

Buffalo Lake population

How many people live in Buffalo Lake

Buffalo Lake is home to 635 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Buffalo Lake locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
635
-4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
320
Female
49.6%
315
Value Percent YoY change
Male 320 50.4% -5.3%
Female 315 49.6% -3.4%
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 Lake is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 22% are children under 15, then 9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.7% of the population, while another 19.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
22%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 44
19.7%
45 to 64
19.1%
Over 65
30.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 140 22% -2.1%
15 to 24 57 9% -16.2%
25 to 44 125 19.7% -7.4%
45 to 64 121 19.1% -4.7%
Over 65 192 30.2% 0.5%
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 Lake, 89.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 569 89.6% -5.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 1.7% 22.2%
Non-citizens 55 8.7% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
66.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
Other
29.6%
Value Percent
White 422 66.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.9%
Two or more races 19 3%
Other 188 29.6%

Households in Buffalo Lake

A peek inside Buffalo Lake households

Buffalo Lake has 210 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.8% are families, while the remaining 35.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
210
-11.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
74
Family households
136
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 74 35.2% -12.9%
Family households 136 64.8% -10.5%
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 Lake

The housing landscape of Buffalo Lake

Buffalo Lake's housing consists of 268 units, with 84.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 9.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
268
-6.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 227 84.7%
3 or 4 units 2 0.8%
10 to 19 units 13 4.8%
Mobile home 26 9.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Buffalo Lake

In Buffalo Lake, the median construction year is 1958. About 19.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 53 19.8% 3.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 33 12.3% 65.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 59 22% -26.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14 5.2% -12.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 53 19.8% 3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 33 12.3% -13.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8 3% -33.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13 4.8% -13.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 0.8% 0.0%
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 Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 210 occupied housing units in Buffalo Lake, 77.6% are owner-occupied, while 22.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
210
-11.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
47
Owner occupied
163
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 47 22.4% -25.4%
Owner occupied 163 77.6% -6.3%
Unoccupied housing units
21.6%
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 Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Buffalo Lake come to a median of $756 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $759.

Median housing costs per month
$756/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 Lake
$759/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 Lake

Buffalo Lake education at a glance

About 49.5% of the population in Buffalo Lake went to high school, while 15.1% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 10.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 43 9.1% -14.0%
High school diploma 233 49.5% 20.7%
College diploma 71 15.1% -16.5%
Associate degree 49 10.4% -31.9%
Bachelor's degree 49 10.4% -19.7%
Graduate degree 26 5.5% -13.3%
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 Lake

How much people earn in Buffalo Lake

The average annual household income in Buffalo Lake was $70,844 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,167, reflecting a +16.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Buffalo Lake
$70,844/year
10.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Buffalo Lake
$66,167/year
16.7% year-over-year change

Buffalo Lake income by age

In Buffalo Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,417. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,375 overall. Overall, 79.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $80,417 28.9%
45 - 64 $64,375 19.6%
Over 65 $56,250 94.0%
Above poverty level
423
Below poverty level
112
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 423 79.1% -9.2%
Below poverty level 112 20.9% 8.7%

Average renter income in Buffalo Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Buffalo Lake, their median household income was $24,444 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,444
Rent-to-income ratio
37.3%
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 Lake

Workforce and job types in Buffalo Lake

The job market in Buffalo Lake is powered by 215 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.6% run their own businesses, 80.9% are employed by private companies, and 6.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
215
-11.2% year-over-year change
White collar
138
Blue collar
77
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 138 64.2% -4.8%
Blue collar 77 35.8% -20.6%
Employer type
Self employees
4.6%
Private companies
80.9%
Governmental workers
6.5%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 10 4.6% -44.4%
Private companies 174 80.9% -6.5%
Governmental workers 14 6.5% -30.0%
Not for profit companies 17 7.9% -5.6%
Unemployment rate
5.7%
-7.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Buffalo Lake stands at 5.7%, 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 Lake

How people get around in Buffalo Lake

Commuting methods vary: 86.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% 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 186 86.5% -10.1%
Walk 11 5.1% 10.0%
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 Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55314 1,187 450 $79,500 $100,417

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FAQs about Buffalo Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Buffalo Lake?

Buffalo Lake has a total population of 635 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 -4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Buffalo Lake?

The gender ratio in Buffalo Lake is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (320 residents)
  • 49.6% females (315 residents)

What is the median age in Buffalo Lake?

The median age in Buffalo Lake is 42.8.

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

The age distribution in Buffalo Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22% (140 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9% (57 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.7% (125 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.1% (121 residents)
  • Over 65: 30.2% (192 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo Lake is as follows:
  • White: 66.5% (422 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3% (19 residents)
  • Other: 29.6% (188 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.6% of the population in Buffalo Lake.

How many housing units are there in Buffalo Lake?

There are 268 housing units in Buffalo Lake, reflecting a -6.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Buffalo Lake has a total of 210 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Buffalo Lake?

Buffalo Lake has a median household income of $66,167, representing a +16.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.3% in Buffalo Lake, with a workforce of 215 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.2% (138 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.8% (77 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.6% (10 residents)
  • Private companies: 80.9% (174 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.5% (14 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (17 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