Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buffalo Lake, NC
Considering a move to Buffalo Lake, NC? With a close-knit population of about 1,800, this area offers affordable living, with median home values around $185,000 and average rents of $950. Commute times average 27 minutes, and residents enjoy a mild climate with 61% sunny days each year. While crime rates are close to state averages, Buffalo Lake features strong owner-occupied housing, access to local healthcare, and a welcoming, diverse community. Explore below for more on costs, schools, and lifestyle amenities!
Demographics - Buffalo Lake, NC
Demographics - Buffalo Lake, NC
Buffalo Lake is home to about 1,800 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.2 years. The community is predominantly White but includes significant Black and other minority populations, reflecting a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. The area features a moderate population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers.
Population:
1,800
Density:
290 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.5%
Black:
20.4%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
17.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Buffalo Lake, NC?
The cost of living in Buffalo Lake is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 86.9 and median home values around $185,000. Residents benefit from reasonable average rents of $950 and below-average housing and utility expenses compared to national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,090
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.9
Grocery:
95.3
Housing:
74.8
Utilities:
99.2
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
95.4
Miscellaneous:
90.8
Crime
Is Buffalo Lake, NC a safe place to live?
Buffalo Lake experiences a relatively low violent crime rate of 205 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime chances are about 1 in 65. These figures place the community close to state averages, providing residents with a sense of safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,745
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 487
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Buffalo Lake, NC year-round?
Residents of Buffalo Lake enjoy a mild climate, with summer highs reaching 89°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 32°F. The area receives about 46 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 61% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in Buffalo Lake typically earn a median income of $52,500, with a family income of $62,400. The community is well-educated, with nearly 88% holding at least a high school diploma, and maintains a low unemployment rate of 4.8%. Residents enjoy a manageable average commute of just over 27 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,700
Household Income:
$52,500
Family Income:
$62,400
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$43,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
13.9%
Non English Speakers:
8.1%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Buffalo Lake, NC?
Families in Buffalo Lake benefit from access to local public and private schools, as well as proximity to higher education options like Central Carolina Community College and Campbell University. The area's schools offer manageable class sizes, and the majority of adults have completed high school or higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Buffalo Lake Elementary School
Street:
1180 Buffalo Lake Rd
Phone:
910-893-4013
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Anderson Creek Academy
Street:
4940 Ray Rd, Spring Lake
Phone:
910-814-2115
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Central Carolina Community College
City:
Sanford
State:
NC
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
5,600
Name:
Campbell University
City:
Buies Creek
State:
NC
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
5,600
Healthcare
Buffalo Lake residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and approximately 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 90% of the population has health insurance, supporting a strong local health profile.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Central Carolina Hospital
Address:
1135 Carthage St, Sanford, NC 27330
Phone:
(919) 774-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
Address:
155 Memorial Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374
Phone:
(910) 715-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Buffalo Lake, NC?
The housing market in Buffalo Lake is favorable for both buyers and renters, with a median home price of $185,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Buffalo Lake is served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Raleigh. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other DMV services both in person and online through the state DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
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.