Iowa / County

Moving to Buffalo Center, IA

Thinking of making a move to Buffalo Center, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buffalo Center, IA

Considering a move to Buffalo Center, IA? This welcoming community of 866 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $91,000 and average rents near $650. Commute times average 14 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Buffalo Center's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Buffalo Center, IA

Buffalo Center has a population of 866 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 45 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 95% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
866
Density
950 per sq mi
Median Age
45.2
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
94.5%
Black
0.8%
Asian
0.5%
Others
4.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Buffalo Center, IA?

The cost of living in Buffalo Center is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 81.7. Median home values are around $91,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$91,000
Gross Rent
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$940
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$400
State Taxes
Low: 0.33%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
81.7
Grocery
93.2
Housing
56.5
Utilities
98.0
Transportation
89.0
Health Care
95.5
Miscellaneous
86.0

Crime

Is Buffalo Center, IA a safe place to live?

Buffalo Center is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 80 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 149. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
80
Property Crimes Per 100k
670
Crime Index
750
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 149

Weather

What is the weather like in Buffalo Center, IA year-round?

Buffalo Center experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 32 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
7°F
Max
27°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
36°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
38°F
Max
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches
31.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $54,000 and a low poverty rate of 9.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 14 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$37,900
Household Income
$54,000
Family Income
$63,000
Per Capita Income
$29,700
Income Male
$41,500
Income Female
$33,800
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Non English Speakers
4.5%
Rent
$650
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Public Transport Usage
0.0%
Commute Time
14.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.5%
Bachelors or More
18.2%

Education

How are the schools in Buffalo Center, IA?

Buffalo Center offers quality education options, with public schools like North Iowa Elementary School and North Iowa High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Waldorf University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
North Iowa Elementary School
Street
111 3rd Ave NW
Phone
641-562-2525
Students
180
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5
Name
North Iowa High School
Street
111 3rd Ave NW
Phone
641-562-2525
Students
180
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8

Colleges

Name
Waldorf University
City
Forest City
State
IA
Distance
17 miles
Students
2,500

Healthcare

Buffalo Center residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Forest City Medical Center and MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 92.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MercyOne Forest City Medical Center
Address
635 W US Hwy 9, Forest City, IA 50436
Phone
(641) 585-2904
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
Address
1000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
Phone
(641) 428-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
92.7%
Health Care Index
71.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Buffalo Center, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $91,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.2%. Buffalo Center offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$91,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$650
Owner Occupied Rate
75.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Buffalo Center handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ankeny. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
515-244-8725

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Buffalo Center, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Buffalo Center, review the core fields on this page: population 866, median home value $91,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $650, commute time 14.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

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