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 900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $115,000 and average rents near $700. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (55% 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 900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 46 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 96% White, 0% Black, and 0% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
900
Density
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age
45.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
2.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
95.8%
Black
0.2%
Asian
0.4%
Others
3.6%

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 78.5. Median home values are around $115,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $700. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$115,000
Gross Rent
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
78.5
Grocery
92.0
Housing
59.0
Utilities
103.5
Transportation
90.5
Health Care
99.0
Miscellaneous
88.0

Crime

Is Buffalo Center, IA a safe place to live?

Buffalo Center is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 105. 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
110
Property Crimes Per 100k
950
Crime Index
1,060
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 909
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 105

Weather

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

Buffalo Center experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 8°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
8°F
Max
28°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,000 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$36,500
Household Income
$58,000
Family Income
$71,000
Per Capita Income
$29,500
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$34,000
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
5.2%
Rent
$700
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Public Transport Usage
0.8%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.0%
Bachelors or More
17.5%

Education

How are the schools in Buffalo Center, IA?

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

Public Schools

Name
Buffalo Center-Rake Community School District
Street
104 4th St NW
Phone
641-562-2261
Students
190
Student Teacher Ratio
11.5
Name
North Iowa Community School
Street
111 3rd Ave NW
Phone
641-552-4296
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Patrick School
Street
100 E 3rd St
Phone
641-423-6708
Students
120

Colleges

Name
North Iowa Area Community College
City
Mason City
State
IA
Distance
38 miles
Students
3,400
Name
Iowa Lakes Community College
City
Estherville
State
IA
Distance
37 miles
Students
2,000

Healthcare

Buffalo Center residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mayo Clinic Health System in Lake Mills and MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mayo Clinic Health System in Lake Mills
Address
200 N 9th Ave W, Lake Mills, IA 50450
Phone
(641) 592-5240
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
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $115,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 74%. The market has seen a 3.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.5%. Buffalo Center offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$115,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$700
Owner Occupied Rate
74.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.1%
New Construction Rate
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Buffalo Center handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division, 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 - Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
(515) 237-3110

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 900, median home value $115,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $700, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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