Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wales Center, NY
Thinking about relocating to Wales Center, NY? This quiet rural hamlet of about 2,000 residents features affordable housing, with median home prices around $235,000 and average rents near $900. You’ll enjoy a low crime rate (violent crime just 80 per 100K), short commutes averaging 30 minutes, and a scenic, four-season climate. Strong public schools, proximity to Buffalo’s healthcare and colleges, and a lower-than-average cost of living make Wales Center an inviting spot for families and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Demographics - Wales Center, NY
Demographics - Wales Center, NY
Wales Center, NY is a small rural community of around 2,000 people, where the median age is 45 and the population is predominantly White. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a close-knit feel, with a low percentage of non-English speakers. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life within a setting that feels both welcoming and familiar.
Population:
2,000
Density:
80 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.1
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wales Center, NY?
Wales Center boasts a cost of living index below the national average, making it an affordable place to settle. Median home values are about $235,000, and average rents are around $900, helping families and newcomers enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without high expenses. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, further enhancing the area's appeal.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.0
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Wales Center, NY a safe place to live?
Wales Center is a safe community, with a very low violent crime rate of 80 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime rates well below national averages. Residents benefit from a strong sense of security, making it an attractive choice for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
650
Crime Index:
730
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 153
Weather
What is the weather like in Wales Center, NY year-round?
The town experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 17°F and warm summers peaking near 79°F. Annual rainfall is moderate at just over 41 inches, and about 46% of days are sunny, allowing residents to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn a median income of $73,000 and enjoy a low poverty rate of 6.8%. The community is well-educated, with over 92% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and most residents commute about 30 minutes to work, reflecting a blend of rural charm and accessibility.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$73,000
Family Income:
$82,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,500
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
27.0%
Education
How are the schools in Wales Center, NY?
Wales Center families benefit from strong local public schools such as Wales Primary School, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio. Higher education opportunities are close at hand, with institutions like the University at Buffalo and SUNY Erie Community College located less than 30 minutes away.

Public Schools
Name:
Wales Primary School
Street:
4650 Woodchuck Rd
Phone:
716-652-3000
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Erie Community College
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
University at Buffalo
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
32,000
Healthcare
Wales Center residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Buffalo, such as Buffalo General Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. With over 95% health insurance coverage and a solid number of physicians per capita, quality healthcare is readily available for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Buffalo General Medical Center
Address:
100 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone:
(716) 859-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
Address:
565 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220
Phone:
(716) 826-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.5%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wales Center, NY?
The local housing market features median home prices around $235,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 85%, indicating a stable and family-friendly environment. Rents remain affordable at approximately $900 for a two-bedroom, and the area sees steady home appreciation with low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Buffalo, offering full services for licensing and registration. The DMV is easily accessible via a short drive, with additional information available on the official New York DMV website.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
170 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
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.