Buffalo, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
276,854
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,041/yr
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
136,850
0.2% year-over-year change

Buffalo population

How many people live in Buffalo

Buffalo is home to 276,854 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Buffalo locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
276,854
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
132,086
Female
52.3%
144,768
Value Percent YoY change
Male 132,086 47.7% -0.1%
Female 144,768 52.3% 0.4%
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 is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 14.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.5% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
14.5%
25 to 44
30.5%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 51,925 18.8% -0.7%
15 to 24 40,102 14.5% -0.6%
25 to 44 84,447 30.5% 1.9%
45 to 64 61,101 22.1% -2.6%
Over 65 39,279 14.2% 2.8%
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, 85.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 44.3% of locals are Caucasian, 32.2% are African American and 8.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10%
Non-citizens
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 235,482 85.1% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27,772 10% 4.6%
Non-citizens 13,600 4.9% 0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
44.3%
Black or African American
32.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9%
Other
5.3%
Value Percent
White 122,709 44.3%
Black or African American 89,107 32.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,233 0.4%
Asian 24,364 8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 14 0%
Two or more races 24,856 9%
Other 14,571 5.3%

Households in Buffalo

A peek inside Buffalo households

Buffalo has 119,630 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.7% are families, while the remaining 51.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
119,630
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
61,330
Family households
58,300
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 61,330 51.3% 0.1%
Family households 58,300 48.7% 0.1%
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

The housing landscape of Buffalo

Buffalo's housing consists of 136,850 units, with 36.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.3% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
136,850
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 49,580 36.2%
1 unit, attached 4,476 3.3%
2 units 47,870 35%
3 or 4 units 11,407 8.3%
5 to 9 units 5,183 3.8%
10 to 19 units 3,250 2.4%
20 to 49 units 5,444 4%
50 or more units 9,252 6.8%
Mobile home 317 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 71 0%
Homes built since 2020
587
64.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Buffalo

In Buffalo, the median construction year is 1938. About 61% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 83,498 61% 0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10,447 7.6% -5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 15,923 11.6% -1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,976 5.1% 8.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,912 4.3% 3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,229 3.1% 5.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,569 2.6% -14.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,381 1.7% 15.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,328 2.4% -2.9%
Built in 2020 or later 587 0.4% 64.0%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 119,630 occupied housing units in Buffalo, 43% are owner-occupied, while 57% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
119,630
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
68,134
Owner occupied
51,496
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 68,134 57% -0.6%
Owner occupied 51,496 43% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
12.6%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Buffalo come to a median of $964 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,046.

Median housing costs per month
$964/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
$1,046/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

Buffalo education at a glance

About 34.8% of the population in Buffalo went to high school, while 22.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 17% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,421 4.8% -1.1%
High school diploma 74,848 34.8% -0.9%
College diploma 47,447 22.1% -1.5%
Associate degree 19,067 8.9% -0.4%
Bachelor's degree 36,525 17% 2.4%
Graduate degree 26,745 12.4% 6.3%
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

How much people earn in Buffalo

The average annual household income in Buffalo was $71,605 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,041, reflecting a +4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Buffalo
$71,605/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Buffalo
$50,041/year
4.1% year-over-year change

Buffalo income by age

In Buffalo, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,600. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,731 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,122 in earnings. Overall, 74.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,000 -0.1%
25 - 44 $57,600 4.0%
45 - 64 $50,731 6.8%
Over 65 $42,122 3.5%
Above poverty level
198,465
Below poverty level
69,192
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 198,465 74.2% 2.5%
Below poverty level 69,192 25.8% -4.3%

Average renter income in Buffalo

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Buffalo, their median household income was $33,879 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,879
Rent-to-income ratio
37%
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

Workforce and job types in Buffalo

The job market in Buffalo is powered by 124,111 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
124,111
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
101,424
Blue collar
22,687
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 101,424 81.7% 1.0%
Blue collar 22,687 18.3% 2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,322 6.7% 6.1%
Private companies 77,412 62.4% 1.0%
Governmental workers 19,766 15.9% -1.1%
Not for profit companies 18,611 15% 2.4%
Unemployment rate
7.3%
2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Buffalo stands at 7.3%, 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

How people get around in Buffalo

Commuting methods vary: 73% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.5% 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 88,110 73% -0.8%
Taxicab 1,148 1% 38.0%
Bus or trolleybus 9,212 7.6% -2.6%
Subway or elevated 456 0.4% N/A
Railroad 11 0% -8.3%
Motorcycle 49 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 813 0.7% 11.2%
Walk 5,414 4.5% -2.8%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14201 12,369 6,022 $40,512 $64,518
14202 3,862 2,203 $56,528 $105,905
14203 2,424 1,668 $56,141 $64,981
14204 7,932 4,353 $28,182 $43,539
14206 21,631 9,320 $50,450 $60,867
14207 26,327 10,550 $39,753 $53,779
14208 12,572 4,727 $48,476 $65,715
14209 8,313 4,323 $50,046 $85,126
14210 15,563 7,258 $54,197 $62,650
14211 24,663 9,671 $36,300 $55,223

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FAQs about Buffalo demographics 

What is the total population of Buffalo?

Buffalo has a total population of 276,854 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?

The gender ratio in Buffalo is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (132,086 residents)
  • 52.3% females (144,768 residents)

What is the median age in Buffalo?

The median age in Buffalo is 34.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Buffalo?

The age distribution in Buffalo is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (51,925 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.5% (40,102 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.5% (84,447 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (61,101 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.2% (39,279 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buffalo is as follows:
  • White: 44.3% (122,709 residents)
  • Black or African American: 32.2% (89,107 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (1,233 residents)
  • Asian: 8.8% (24,364 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (14 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9% (24,856 residents)
  • Other: 5.3% (14,571 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.1% of the population in Buffalo.

How many housing units are there in Buffalo?

There are 136,850 housing units in Buffalo, 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 and what is the average household size?

Buffalo has a total of 119,630 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Buffalo?

Buffalo has a median household income of $50,041, representing a +4.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.7% in Buffalo, with a workforce of 124,111 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.7% (101,424 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.3% (22,687 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (8,322 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (77,412 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (19,766 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15% (18,611 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