Buffalo, NY โ€” City Data, Demographics & Statistics

Erie County ยท New York

๐Ÿงฌ

City DNA

A unique fingerprint for Buffalo based on 8 key metrics โ€” compared to averages.

PopulationIncomeHome ValueSafetyEducationMedian AgeClimateCost of Living
Buffalo
National Avg
New York Avg
Population: 79Income: 32Home Value: 15Safety: 100Education: 29Median Age: 57Climate: 50Cost of Living: 43

Quick Stats

Population

276,397

2023 ACS

Median Income

$48,050

2023

Median Home Value

$152,300

2023

Median Rent

$989

2023

Median Age

34.3

Unemployment

7.2%

Cost of Living Index

86.7

100 = national avg

Buffalo is a city in Erie County, New York, with a population of 276,397 according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Buffalo is one of the communities in New York.

The median household income in Buffalo is $48,050, and the median home value is $152,300. The cost of living index is 86.7 (where 100 = national average), and the median rent is $989 per month. The unemployment rate is 7.2%, and the median age is 34.3 years.

People & Demographics

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Population

Total Population

276,397

Male

132,239

47.8%

Female

144,158

52.2%

Median Age

34.3

Education & Household

Bachelor's or Higher

20.2%

High School or Higher

38.3%

Foreign Born

10.5%

Veterans

4.0%

Married

25.3%

Avg Household Size

2.2

Marital Status by Age

Race & Ethnicity

Diversity Index

0.654

Simpson's Index (0-1)

Largest Group

White

45.4%

Foreign Born

10.5%

White
45.4%
Black
32.9%
Asian
8.2%
Native American
0.4%
Pacific Islander
0.0%
Two or More
7.4%
Other
5.7%

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. People of any race can identify as Hispanic. This percentage overlaps with the racial categories above.

Hispanic/Latino

12.7%

35,185 people

Not Hispanic/Latino

87.3%

Hispanic/Latino Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Mexican
2,511 (7.1%)
Puerto Rican
26,023 (74.0%)
Cuban
827 (2.4%)
Dominican
2,102 (6.0%)
Salvadoran
261 (0.7%)
Guatemalan
326 (0.9%)
Colombian
528 (1.5%)
Honduran
64 (0.2%)
Ecuadorian
664 (1.9%)
Peruvian
91 (0.3%)
Other Hispanic
1,799 (5.1%)

Asian Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Asian Indian
6,136 (27.0%)
Chinese
1,668 (7.3%)
Filipino
440 (1.9%)
Vietnamese
736 (3.2%)
Korean
511 (2.2%)
Japanese
100 (0.4%)
Pakistani
862 (3.8%)
Thai
244 (1.1%)
Laotian
242 (1.1%)
Taiwanese
20 (0.1%)
Other Asian
11,754 (51.7%)

Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Other Pacific Islander
24 (85.7%)

American Indian & Alaska Native Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Navajo
40 (3.3%)
Other Native American
1,186 (97.5%)

Languages Spoken

Total Speakers (5+)

259,537

English Only

80.8%

#1 Non-English Language

Spanish

19,245 speakers

Limited English

8.2%

Language Distribution

Spanish
19,245 (7.4%)
Other Indo-European
11,656 (4.5%)
Other Asian
5,177 (2.0%)
Other Languages
4,707 (1.8%)
Arabic
2,793 (1.1%)
French/Haitian/Cajun
1,692 (0.7%)
Chinese
1,457 (0.6%)
Slavic Languages
1,163 (0.4%)
Vietnamese
665 (0.3%)
German
641 (0.2%)

English Proficiency

Speaks English Very Well

91.8%

Limited English Proficiency

8.2%

Spanish
37.2% limited English
Other Indo-European
55.4% limited English
Other Asian
55.2% limited English
Other Languages
39.2% limited English
Arabic
38.5% limited English
French/Haitian/Cajun
25.1% limited English
Chinese
35.1% limited English
Slavic Languages
21.2% limited English
Vietnamese
63.3% limited English
German
10.6% limited English

Veterans & Military

Total Veterans

10,970

4.0% of population

Disability Rate

21.9%

2,408 with disability

Veteran Median Income

$41,852

Unemployment Rate

9.1%

Period of Service

Gulf War (2001+)
20.6%
Gulf War (1990-2001)
23.2%
Vietnam
27.7%
Korea
4.7%
World War II
1.2%

Veteran Age Distribution

18-34
7.2%
35-54
22.8%
55-64
29.0%
65-74
22.8%
75+
18.1%

Male Veterans

9,437

86.0%

Female Veterans

1,533

14.0%

Veteran vs Non-Veteran Income

Veteran Income

$41,852

Non-Veteran Income

$30,285

Difference

$11,567

38.2% higher

Disability Status

With Disability

2,408

Without Disability

8,562

Disability Rate

21.9%

Ancestry & Heritage

Total Reporting Ancestry

154,922

#1 Ancestry

Irish

10.6% (29,239)

#2 Ancestry

German

10.4% (28,868)

#3 Ancestry

Italian

10.0% (27,622)

Top 20 Ancestries

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Irish
10.6%
German
10.4%
Italian
10.0%
Polish
8.1%
English
4.3%
Sub-Saharan African
2.6%
American
1.7%
French
1.1%
Arab
0.9%
West Indian
0.7%
Scottish
0.7%
Dutch
0.7%
Russian
0.5%
European
0.5%
Ukrainian
0.4%
Hungarian
0.4%
Greek
0.3%
Welsh
0.3%
Swedish
0.3%
Jamaican
0.3%

Families & Households

Total Households

119,548

Family Households

58,256

48.7%

Married Couples

28,758

24.1%

Non-Family Households

61,292

51.3%

Single Mother Households

23,364

19.5%

Single Father Households

6,134

5.1%

Living Alone

49,006

41.0%

Children Under 18

Total Children

53,478

In Married Couple

26,269

49.1%

With Single Mother

22,962

42.9%

With Single Father

4,247

7.9%

Family Income

Median Family Income

$59,741

Married Couple Income

$89,852

Single Mother Income

$35,123

Single Father Income

$53,854

Avg Family Size

2.2

Avg Non-Family Size

2.1

Grandparents w/ Grandchildren

5,040

Grandparents Responsible

2,024

Economy

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Income Overview

Median Household Income

$48,050

-34% vs national

Per Capita Income

$30,995

-17% vs national

Poverty Rate

27.4%

+101% vs national

Gini Index

0.5070

0 = perfect equality

Unemployment

7.2%

+38% vs national

SNAP Recipients

29.9%

of households

How Buffalo Compares

Buffalo vs Similar Cities

Compared to cities with 250,000 - 500,000 residents. Buffalo is highlighted.

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Poverty Rate

Unemployment Rate

๐Ÿ“Š

Where Do You Stack Up?

Enter your household income to see how you compare to other households in Buffalo. The median household income here is $48,050.

$

Income Distribution

<$25K
29.3%
$25-50K
22.3%
$50-75K
16.2%
$75-100K
11.1%
$100-150K
11.9%
$150-200K
4.6%
$200K+
4.6%

Employment Snapshot

Unemployment Rate

7.2%

+44% vs NY avg

Labor Force

132,325

Employed

122,642

How People Get to Work

Employment by Sector

Education & Workforce

Bachelor's Degree+

20.2%

of adults 25+

High School Diploma+

38.3%

of adults 25+

Median Age

34.3

Work from Home

9.6%

of workers

Cost of Living

Overall Index

86.7

100 = national avg

-13.3 vs national average

Living Wage (1 Adult)

$38,156

per year

Living Wage (Family of 4)

$90,188

per year

Cost Index by Category

Housing
96.0
Food
86.7
Transportation
73.5
Healthcare
89.4
Utilities
91.2

100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.

Fair Market Rent

Source: HUD

1 Bedroom

$1,139

per month

2 Bedroom

$1,343

per month

The median household income in Buffalo, NY is $48,050, which is 34.4% below the national average of $73,224. Per capita income is $30,995. The poverty rate of 27.4% is higher than the NY state average of 10.6%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.5070, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. The unemployment rate is 7.2%, compared to the state average of 5.0%. The labor force is 132,325. 20.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. About 64.5% of workers drive alone to work. The overall cost of living index is 86.7, which is 13.3% below the national average. Housing costs are below the national average at an index of 96.0. A single adult needs to earn approximately $38,156 per year to cover basic expenses.

Housing & Real Estate

Market SnapshotRedfin โ€” January 2026

Median Sale Price

$225,750

Median List Price

$179,900

Price Per Sq Ft

$121

Days on Market

34

Active Inventory

369

Months of Supply

2.6

Seller's market

Zillow Home Value

$229,957

ZHVI โ€” January 2026

Zillow Rent Index

$1,373

ZORI โ€” January 2026

Market CompetitivenessRedfin

Sold Above List

55.7%

Off Market in 2 Weeks

23.6%

Sale-to-List Ratio

102.0%

Seller's market

Sold Above Asking
55.7%
Under Contract in 2 Wks
23.6%
Listings with Price Drops
17.3%

Price TrendsRedfin

Sale Price โ†‘ 27.2%List Price โ†“ 0.7%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Market ActivityRedfin

Homes Sold

140

New Listings

147

Pending Sales

123

Homes Sold โ†‘ 6.1%New Listings โ†“ 32.3%Pending โ†“ 43.3%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Price Per Square FootRedfin

Median Sale $/SF

$121

Median List $/SF

$114

Sale $/SF โ†‘ 13.1%List $/SF โ†‘ 4.6%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

House Price IndexFHFA

How much have housing prices increased in Buffalo, NY? According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index for the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area, home prices have risen 472.3% over the past 40 years. Over 20 years, prices grew 154.6%. The 10-year growth rate is 112.4%. Over the last 5 years, prices increased 57.7%. In the most recent 2-year period, the index rose 14.5%. The FHFA HPI tracks average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings of single-family properties with conforming mortgages. Because this is a metro-level index, it reflects the broader Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY housing market rather than Buffalo alone.

40yr โ†‘ 472.3%20yr โ†‘ 154.6%10yr โ†‘ 112.4%5yr โ†‘ 57.7%2yr โ†‘ 14.5%Q3 1977 โ†’ Q4 2025

Metro area: Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Buffalo vs Similar CitiesCensus ACS / Redfin

Compared to cities with 250,000 - 500,000 residents. Buffalo is highlighted.

Median Home Value

Median Rent

Median Price Per Sq Ft

Rent Burden

Census Housing DataU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Home Value

$152,300

Median Rent

$989

Total Housing Units

136,533

Vacancy Rate

12.4%

Owner Occupied

42.7%

Renter Occupied

57.3%

Median Property Tax

$1,625

per year

Monthly Cost (w/ Mortgage)

$784

Housing Types

Single Family
39.5%
Multi-Family
60.2%
Mobile Home
0.3%

Property TaxU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Property Tax

$1,625

per year

Effective Tax Rate

1.07%

of home value

Median Home Value

$152,300

Estimated Mean Tax

$2,357

The effective property tax rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax ($1,625) by the median home value ($152,300). In Buffalo, NY, this works out to an effective rate of 1.07%. This is below the national average of approximately 1.1%.

The current median sale price in Buffalo, NY is $225,750 according to Redfin data. Homes spend a median of 34 days on the market. 55.7% of homes sold above asking price. The market has 2.6 months of supply. The median price per square foot is $121. Zillow's observed rent index is $1,373/month. About 42.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. The median year homes were built is 1938. There are 136,533 total housing units. Homeowners pay a median annual property tax of $1,625. The effective tax rate is 1.07%, below the national average.

Crime Overview

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)

Violent Crime Rate

7.07

per 1,000 residents

+172% vs national

Property Crime Rate

38.10

per 1,000 residents

+121% vs national

Total Crimes

12,363

2024

Violent Clearance

39%

cases solved

Property Clearance

10%

cases solved

YoY Change

-6.4%

violent crime rate

improving vs 2023

How Buffalo Compares

Source: FBI (2024)

Buffalo vs Similar Cities

Source: FBI (2024)

Compared to cities with 250,000 - 500,000 residents. Buffalo is highlighted in green.

Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000)

Property Crime Rate (per 1,000)

Murder Rate (per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trends

Source: FBI
Violent โ†“ 36.8%Property โ†“ 12.0%2015 โ†’ 2024

Crime Composition

Source: FBI (2024)

Violent Crime Breakdown

Property Crime Breakdown

Crime Clearance (Solve) Rates

Source: FBI (2024)

Buffalo police solve 79% of murder cases but only 6% of motor vehicle theft cases.

Weapon Used in Violent Crime

Source: FBI (2024)

Crime Breakdown

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)
Crime TypeCategoryCountRate per 1KClearance %
MurderViolent340.1279.4%
RapeViolent1190.437.6%
RobberyViolent4321.5828.5%
Aggravated AssaultViolent1,3484.9244.5%
BurglaryProperty1,1994.3819.4%
Larceny/TheftProperty7,04425.739.7%
Motor Vehicle TheftProperty2,1857.986.0%

Buffalo, NY reported 1,935 violent crimes and 10,428 property crimes in 2024. The violent crime rate of 7.07 per 1,000 residents is 171.9% above the national average of 2.60 per 1,000. Law enforcement cleared 39% of violent crimes. Larceny/theft accounts for 7,044 of the property crime reports. Firearms were involved in 30.9% of aggravated assaults. Violent crime has been trending downward.

Crime History

Source: FBI
YearViolentPropertyViolent RateProperty Rate
20241,93510,4287.0738.10
20232,08311,5457.5541.84
20222,1398,9227.7632.36
20212,4337,8619.5930.97
20202,6858,42010.5433.07
20192,5338,2989.9132.45
20182,6929,85210.4338.15
20172,6119,82710.1938.36
20162,85710,59911.1041.17
20152,88611,17511.1843.30

Natural Hazard Risk

Source: FEMA National Risk Index

Risk Score

97.7

Relatively High

Expected Annual Loss

97.4

Score (0-100)

Social Vulnerability

47.7

Score (0-100)

Community Resilience

95.3

Score (0-100)

Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.

Disaster History & Federal Spending

Source: FEMA

Total Declarations

27

Public Assistance

$502.9M

Individual Assistance

$13.6M

Most Common Type

Snowstorm

11 declarations

Public Assistance by Category

Total: $524.0M
DisasterTypeDatePA $IA $
Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm โ†’SnowstormMar 2023$17.8Mโ€”
Severe Winter Storm โ†’Winter StormDec 2022โ€”โ€”
Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm โ†’Winter StormNov 2022$243Kโ€”
Covid-19 Pandemic โ†’BiologicalMar 2020$348.1M$7.8M
Covid-19 โ†’BiologicalMar 2020โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and โ€ฆ โ†’Severe StormDec 2019$4.3Mโ€”
Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooโ€ฆ โ†’SnowstormDec 2014$20.4Mโ€”
Hurricane Sandy โ†’HurricaneOct 2012โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Irene โ†’HurricaneAug 2011$43Kโ€”
Severe Storms and Flooding โ†’Severe StormSep 2009$9.5M$23K
Severe Storms and Flooding โ†’Severe StormOct 2006$100.5M$5.8M
Lake Effect Snowstorm โ†’SnowstormOct 2006โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Katrina Evacuation โ†’HurricaneSep 2005โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms and Flooding โ†’Severe Storm(s)Apr 2005$3Kโ€”
Severe Storms and Flooding โ†’Severe StormAug 2004โ€”โ€”
Power Outage โ†’OtherAug 2003โ€”โ€”
Severe Winter Storm โ†’SnowstormMar 2002โ€”โ€”
Snow โ†’SnowstormDec 2001โ€”โ€”
Fires and Explosions โ†’FireSep 2001$429Kโ€”
Snow โ†’SnowstormDec 2000โ€”โ€”

Showing 20 of 30 disasters

PA = FEMA Public Assistance (infrastructure recovery). IA = Individual Assistance (homeowner/renter aid).

Flood Insurance (NFIP)

Source: FEMA NFIP

Total Claims

2,477

Total Claims Paid

$12,577,007

Avg Claim Payout

$5,078

County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.

Hazard Mitigation

Source: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance

Mitigation Projects

32

Federal Funding

$4,610,320

Properties Protected

2

Avg Benefit-Cost Ratio

1.28

BCR

Top Mitigation Project Types

Project TypeProjectsFederal $
301.1: Shoreline Stabilization (Riprap, etc.)5$1,183,850
402.1: Infrastructure Protective Measures (Roads and Bridges)4$322,166
405.1: Other Minor Flood Control3$0
403.2: Stormwater Management - Diversions3$184,736
302.1: Landslide Stabilization - Structural3$1,945,013

Federally funded projects to reduce future disaster risk. Only includes completed or obligated projects.

Buffalo has a relatively high overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are cold wave, winter weather, tornado. The area has had 27 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is snowstorm (11 declarations). 2,477 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. FEMA has obligated $502,882,315 in public assistance recovery funding. $13,623,533 has been distributed in individual assistance to disaster-affected residents. 32 hazard mitigation projects have been funded to reduce future risk.

Health

Community Health

Source: CDC PLACES

Obesity Rate

38.4%

2.3pp above the national average

Depression Rate

20.7%

2.8pp below the national average

Diabetes Rate

13.4%

1.5pp above the national average

Uninsured Rate

9.4%

1.2pp below the national average

Health Scorecard

Higher scores indicate better health outcomes relative to the national average (50 = average)

Health Outcomes

Age-adjusted prevalence rates. Green bars indicate rates below the national average; red indicates above.

High Cholesterol

34.1%

Arthritis

25.3%

Cancer (excl. skin)

5.8%

Teeth Lost (65+)

21.4%

Health Risk Behaviors

Prevention & Screening

Green bars indicate rates above the national average (more preventive care); red indicates below.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Frequent Mental Distress

19.1%

14+ days in past month

Depression

20.7%

Loneliness

34.5%

Lack of Support

28.2%

Disability Prevalence

Any Disability

29.7%

Mobility

15.9%

Cognitive

15.7%

Hearing

5.3%

Vision

7.7%

Self-Care

5.8%

Independent Living

11.2%

Health-Related Social Needs

Prevalence of social risk factors affecting community health

Buffalo has an obesity rate of 38.4%, which is 2.3pp above the national average. The depression rate is 20.7%, 2.8pp below the national average. About 9.4% of adults lack health insurance. 81.8% of residents had an annual checkup in the past year.

Nearby Hospitals

Source: CMS Hospital Compare

Nearest Hospitals

5

With Emergency Services

3

Avg CMS Rating

2.7 / 5

Nearest Hospital

2.0 mi

Brylin Hosp

Loading mapโ€ฆ
HospitalDistanceTypeRatingER
Brylin Hosp2.0 miPsychiatricโ€”โ€”
Buffalo Psychiatric Center2.2 miPsychiatricโ€”โ€”
Kaleida Health3.0 miAcute Care Hospitals3/5Yes
Mercy Hospital Of Buffalo4.0 miAcute Care Hospitals2/5Yes
Sisters Of Charity Hospital4.1 miAcute Care Hospitals3/5Yes

Climate & Environment

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

13

Pop. Served

793,487

Violations (5yr)

3

System NamePop. ServedViolations (5yr)
ECWA DIRECT335,0000
BUFFALO WATER AUTHORITY276,0000
ECWA AMHERST80,2280
ECWA ORCHARD PARK23,3870
ECWA WEST SENECA23,1810
ECWA LANCASTER21,4280
ECWA EVANS12,4170
ECWA HAMBURG (V)9,7440
ECWA BOSTON6,6040
ECWA NEWSTEAD5,3190
SPRINGVILLE MOBILE VILLAGE900
TWIN FAWN ESTATES500
PLEASANT VALLEY MOBILE HOME PK393

Greenhouse Gas Emitters

Source: EPA GHGRP (2023)

Facilities Reporting

1

Total COโ‚‚e

25.4K MT

Top Emitter

Aurubis Buffalo Inc.

25.4K MT COโ‚‚e

Total COโ‚‚e vs Similar Cities (250,000 - 500,000)

FacilitySectorCOโ‚‚e (MT)
Aurubis Buffalo Inc.
Aurubis Buffalo Inc
Metals25,393

Data from EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Includes facilities emitting 25,000+ metric tons COโ‚‚e/year.

There are 13 water systems serving the area. 3 water quality violations have been reported in the past 5 years. 1 industrial facility reports greenhouse gas emissions totaling 25.4K metric tons of COโ‚‚e.

Infrastructure

Commute Overview2023 ACS

Drive Alone

64.5%

-18% vs national

Public Transit

8.5%

+840% vs national

Work From Home

9.6%

+3% vs national

Carpool

9.9%

Walk / Bike

5.3%

combined

How Buffalo's Commute ComparesCensus ACS 2023

How People Get to WorkCensus ACS 2023

Commute Mode BreakdownCensus ACS 2023

Traffic Fatalities

Source: NHTSA FARS (2023)

Fatalities

22

2023

6-Year Avg

18

fatalities/yr

Pedestrian

8

Cyclist

1

Nighttime

15

dark conditions

YearCrashesFatalitiesAlcoholPedestrianCyclist
20232022081
20222428043
20212121062
20201416231
20191213641
20181010230

Data from NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Includes only crashes involving at least one fatality.

Commute data for Buffalo, NY covers travel times and transportation modes. 64.5% of workers drive alone, compared to the national average of 78.7%. 9.6% work from home, which is below the NY state average of 11.1%. Public transit is used by 8.5% of commuters, compared to the national average of 0.9%. 9.9% of workers carpool. 4.7% walk to work. 0.6% commute by bicycle. In 2023, there were 22 traffic fatalities from 20 fatal crashes. 8 were pedestrians.

Internet & Broadband Access

Source: Census ACS

Broadband Access

86.7%

of households

Cable / Fiber / DSL

70.9%

of households

No Internet

9.9%

of households

Total Households

119,548

Internet Subscription Types

Cable, Fiber, or DSL
70.9%
Cellular Data Plan
80.5%
Satellite
4.7%
Cellular Only (no wired)
13.0%
No Internet Access
9.9%

Device Ownership

Source: Census ACS

Has Computer

92.6%

of households

Smartphone

87.3%

of households

Desktop / Laptop

69.9%

of households

Tablet

56.1%

of households

Any Computing Device
92.6%
Smartphone
87.3%
Desktop / Laptop
69.9%
Tablet
56.1%
Smartphone Only
13.3%
No Computer
7.4%

Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).

Electricity Rates

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024)

Residential Rate

24.4ยข

per kWh

+36% vs 250,000 - 500,000 avg

Commercial Rate

18.8ยข

per kWh

+27% vs 250,000 - 500,000 avg

Industrial Rate

9.2ยข

per kWh

-20% vs 250,000 - 500,000 avg

Avg Monthly Bill

$140

residential

+0% vs 250,000 - 500,000 avg

43% above the national average of 17.1ยข/kWh

Residential electricity in New York averages 24.4ยข per kWh, compared to the national average of 17.1ยข. The average monthly electric bill is $140. State-level averages from EIA Electric Sales & Revenue data (2024).

Buffalo vs Similar Cities

Source: EIA (2024)

Comparing electricity rates with randomly selected cities of similar population (250,000 - 500,000). Each city represents its state's average rate.

Residential Rate (ยข/kWh)

Commercial Rate (ยข/kWh)

Industrial Rate (ยข/kWh)

Average Monthly Bill

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

13

Population Served

793,487

Violations (5yr)

3

System NameTypeSourcePop. ServedViolations
ECWA DIRECTCommunitySurface water335,0000
BUFFALO WATER AUTHORITYCommunitySurface water276,0000
ECWA AMHERSTCommunityPurchased surface water80,2280
ECWA ORCHARD PARKCommunityPurchased surface water23,3870
ECWA WEST SENECACommunityPurchased surface water23,1810
ECWA LANCASTERCommunityPurchased surface water21,4280
ECWA EVANSCommunityPurchased surface water12,4170
ECWA HAMBURG (V)CommunityPurchased surface water9,7440
ECWA BOSTONCommunityPurchased surface water6,6040
ECWA NEWSTEADCommunityPurchased surface water5,3190
SPRINGVILLE MOBILE VILLAGECommunityGround water900
TWIN FAWN ESTATESCommunityGround water500
PLEASANT VALLEY MOBILE HOME PKCommunityGround water393

86.7% of households in Buffalo have broadband internet access. 70.9% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 13.0% rely solely on cellular data without a wired connection. 9.9% of households have no internet access. 13.3% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 13 water systems, providing water to 793,487 people. A total of 3 water quality violations have been recorded over the past 5 years.

Politics & Government

County-level data: Election results are reported at the county level. Buffalo is located in Erie County, NY. Results reflect all voters in the county, not just those in Buffalo.

Election Overview

Source: Erie County (2024)

2024 Winner

Democrat

Dem Votes

248,651

54.8%

GOP Votes

204,774

45.2%

Total Votes

453,425

Margin

D+9.7%

Shift from 2020

R+5.0pp

vs prior election

๐Ÿ“ŠElection Results by Year
2016โ€“2024
๐Ÿ“ˆPartisan Lean Trend
D+9.7%

Election History

Source: County-Level Election Results
YearDem VotesGOP VotesTotalDem %GOP %Margin
2024248,651204,774453,42554.8%45.2%D+9.7
2020267,174197,527473,02156.5%41.8%D+14.7
2016192,065173,817383,24850.1%45.4%D+4.8

In the 2024 presidential election, Erie County recorded 453,425 total votes. Democrats won the county with 54.8% of the vote compared to 45.2% for Republicans, a margin of D+9.7%. Compared to 2020, the margin shifted R+5.0pp from the previous election. Since 2016, Erie County has shifted 4.9 percentage points toward Democrats.

Official City Website

Source: buffalony.gov

Public Records Request

Source: buffalony.nextrequest.com

Submit a public records request to Buffalo โ€” Uses NextRequest portal.

Source: buffalony.nextrequest.com

Nonprofits Overview

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Total Nonprofits

2,461

Total Assets

$12.6B

Total Income

$8.1B

Per 10K Residents

89.0

nonprofits

+56.4% vs peers avg

Orgs with >$1M Assets

498

Median Assets

$528K

Oldest Active

1933

ruling year

Newest Org

2026

ruling year

Nonprofits by Category

Source: IRS / NTEE Classification
Philanthropy
347
Religion
259
Education
208
Arts & Culture
197
Human Services
186
Youth Development
115
Community Improvement
103
Health Care
88
Housing & Shelter
79
Recreation & Sports
79
Crime & Legal
31
Mental Health
30
Animal-Related
27
Public Benefit
27
Environment
24
International
20
Food & Agriculture
19
Medical Research
18
Voluntary Health
16
Civil Rights
13
Public Safety
11
Employment
10
Unknown
10
Science & Tech
8
Social Science
2
Mutual Benefit
2
48.2%of all nonprofit assets are held by the 10 largest organizations

Top 10 hold $6.1B of $12.6B total

Nonprofit Size Distribution

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Number of nonprofits by total asset size

When Were Nonprofits Founded?

Source: IRS Ruling Date

Number of currently active nonprofits by founding decade

Nonprofits per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: IRS BMF + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 250,000 - 500,000

Largest Nonprofits in Buffalo

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF
OrganizationCategoryAssetsIncomeEst.IRS
UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO FOUNDATION INCEducation$1.4B$343.1M1963
KALEIDA HEALTHHealth Care$1.3B$2.0B1997
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER BUFFALO INCPhilanthropy$944.0M$87.6M1987
CATHOLIC HEALTH SYSTEM INCโ€”$602.2M$210.1M1946
BUFFALO FINE ARTS ACADEMYArts & Culture$360.9M$81.1M1940
JOHN R OISHEI FOUNDATIONโ€”$330.0M$34.3M1942
SISTERS OF CHARITY HOSPITAL OF BUFFALO NEW YORKHealth Care$291.0M$470.9M1946
MERCY HOSPITAL OF BUFFALOHealth Care$288.6M$594.3M1946
CANISIUS UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO NEW YORKEducation$278.8M$122.9M1971
DYOUVILLE COLLEGEEducation$238.5M$253.0M1943
M & T CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONโ€”$182.2M$19.3M1994
BUFFALO URBAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONCommunity Improvement$171.9M$38.3M2014
KENMORE MERCY HOSPITALHealth Care$165.4M$225.4M1946
MOUNT ST MARYS HOSPITAL OF NIAGARA FALLSHealth Care$161.9M$160.3M1946
ROSWELL PARK ALLIANCE FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$160.6M$33.7M1996
HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN & CENTRAL NEW YORK INCโ€”$159.5M$21.8M2002
UBF FACULTY-STUDENT HOUSING CORPEducation$147.3M$30.5M1990
U B FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES INCโ€”$145.5M$111.2M1991
THE CULLEN FOUNDATION OF WESTERN NEW YORK INCPhilanthropy$137.1M$5.0M2022
BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION INCEducation$115.6M$25.6M1966
BESTSELF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INCโ€”$110.3M$84.9M1973
NICHOLS SCHOOL OF BUFFALOEducation$108.7M$29.5M1950
BUFFALO NIAGARA MEDICAL CAMPUS INCHealth Care$102.2M$13.4M1991
MCAULEY-SETON HOME CARE INCHealth Care$89.5M$49.8M1946
THE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL OF BUFFALO FOUNDATIONHealth Care$84.8M$31.1M1989
MARGARET L WENDT FOUNDATIONโ€”$75.5M$25.7M1958
EHS INCVoluntary Health$72.7M$124.7M1985
FEEDMORE FOUNDATION OF WESTERN NEW YORK INCHuman Services$71.6M$10.7M1995
CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIESEducation$65.1M$49.0M2002
FACULTY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION OF STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORKEducation$61.9M$54.4M1966
43NORTH FOUNDATION INCโ€”$61.2M$18.6M2020
YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION BUFFALO NIAGARAHuman Services$60.7M$31.6M1954
SAY YES BUFFALO SCHOLARSHIP INCEducation$57.1M$53.0M2015
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE CHARTER SCHOOLEducation$56.5M$26.0M2004
UB ASSOCIATES INCEducation$56.2M$11.9M2000
ALEXANDER & JANE BOYD TA FDNReligion$54.0M$6.3M1983
RICHARDSON CENTER CORPORATIONCommunity Improvement$53.6M$1.3M2007
TROCAIRE COLLEGEEducation$51.7M$48.1Mโ€”
CUBRC INCScience & Tech$49.8M$57.0M1998
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHTS MARTIN HOUSE CO RPORATIONArts & Culture$49.2M$3.3M1993
MERCY FLIGHT INCโ€”$48.6M$28.7M1984
WESTERN NEW YORK BLOODCARE FOUNDATION INCHealth Care$47.7M$16.8M2014
JAMES H CUMMINGS FOUNDATION INCโ€”$46.4M$5.2M1964
CATHOLIC HEALTH SYSTEM PROGRAM OF ALL INCLUSIVE CARE FOR THE ELDERLYโ€”$45.8M$31.1M2010
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF BUFFALOPhilanthropy$42.6M$30.2M1946
TAPESTRY CHARTER SCHOOLEducation$42.1M$19.9M2002
BRASS FOUNDATION INCORPORATEDEducation$41.3M$2.6M2022
BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA FOUNDATION INCโ€”$41.2M$5.5M1980
TOWER FAMILY FUND INCPhilanthropy$40.7M$22.0M2007
NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER OF WNY INCโ€”$39.6M$59.1M1987

Buffalo, NY has 2,461 registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with combined assets of $12.6B. The most common category is Philanthropy & Grantmaking, with 347 organizations. 498 nonprofits have assets exceeding $1 million. That works out to 89.0 nonprofits per 10,000 residents. The oldest active nonprofit dates back to 1933.

SBA Lending Overview

Source: SBA FOIA Loan-Level Data

Total SBA Loans

3,675

Total Approved

$617.3M

Jobs Supported

28,075

Per 10K Residents

133.0

SBA loans

+67.7% vs peers avg

Unique Lenders

105

Top Lender

Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company

1,349 loans

Top Industry

Accommodation & Food Services

Data Span

1992โ€“2026

Loan Program Breakdown

Source: SBA FOIA
7(a)98% of all loans

Loans

3,597

Total Amount

$580.7M

Avg Loan

$161,430

Median Loan

$71,000

SBA Guaranteed

$409.1M(70%)

Jobs Supported

26,694

5042% of all loans

Loans

78

Total Amount

$36.7M

Avg Loan

$470,256

Median Loan

$321,000

7(a) โ€” 98%504 โ€” 2%

Recent Activity (Last 5 Years)

Source: SBA FOIA

Recent Loans

468

13% of all-time total

Recent Amount

$124.2M

20% of all-time total

Avg Recent Loan

$265,473

Top Industries Funded

Source: SBA FOIA / NAICS Codes
Accommodation & Food Services388 loans
NAICS 72
$77.5M
Retail Trade317 loans
NAICS 44
$43.2M
Professional & Technical Services315 loans
NAICS 54
$46.3M
Construction302 loans
NAICS 23
$46.5M
Other Services300 loans
NAICS 81
$37.4M

SBA Loans per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: SBA FOIA + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 250,000 - 500,000

Top SBA Borrowers

Source: SBA FOIA
BusinessLoansAmount
Dip Hospitality Llc1$5.0M
Goldi Group Inc.1$4.6M
Robert J Lacarrubba Dds Pc1$4.1M
Dm Saxon Inc.2$3.9M
Amherst Alarm Inc.2$3.9M
Uba Hotels Llc1$3.8M
Vans Tire of Buffalo Llc1$3.6M
Niagara Lubricant Company Inc.4$3.4M
Cleve-hill Auto & Tire Holding Corp.2$3.2M
Thrasher Properties Llc1$3.1M

Buffalo, NY has received 3,675 SBA loans totaling $617.3M in approved funding between 1992 and 2026. The 7(a) program accounts for 3,597 loans (98% of the total), supporting 26,694 jobs. The 504 program, focused on real estate and large equipment, has funded 78 loans totaling $36.7M. The most common industry receiving SBA funding is Accommodation & Food Services. The most active SBA lender in Buffalo is Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company with 1,349 loans. That works out to 133.0 SBA loans per 10,000 residents.

ZIP Code Overview

Source: Census ACS

ZIP Codes

29

Total Population

573,095

Avg Median Income

-$45,923,487

Avg Home Value

-$68,782,783

ZIP Code Details

Source: Census ACS
ZIP CodePopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueMedian RentArea (sq mi)
1404324,799$73,373$192,800$1,0729.1
1415041,585$70,294$181,900$1,09414.9
1420112,545$34,204$327,900$9531.1
142023,764$47,990$495,800$7090.9
142032,526$48,529N/A$1,1672.8
142047,748$26,000$151,700$8141.8
1420622,427$46,842$111,600$8865.0
1420725,731$38,951$111,200$9433.9
1420812,731$46,940$118,900$9321.2
142098,373$49,359$408,600$1,0250.9
1421015,454$51,059$124,300$9253.1
1421123,951$34,490$91,600$1,0083.9
1421213,603$35,517$89,900$8292.1
1421323,072$52,597$192,300$1,0591.9
1421421,162$56,573$234,600$1,0723.3
1421542,813$43,326$102,800$9934.8
1421623,221$70,260$260,700$1,1522.8
1421722,566$72,205$193,200$9703.2
1421820,661$50,484$135,000$8298.1
1421910,894$75,465$181,800$9287.0
1422023,786$68,337$180,200$9743.8
1422215,440$83,692$408,100$1,1681.3
1422322,363$83,528$202,200$9763.5
1422441,101$76,250$219,800$1,07720.3
1422533,801$65,562$154,500$93711.5
1422629,482$83,023$237,500$1,0936.9
1422721,669$67,349$190,400$1,0848.2
14260857N/AN/AN/A0.3
142614,970N/AN/AN/A1.1

Buffalo, NY has 29 ZIP codes with a combined population of 573,095. The average median household income across all ZIP codes is -$45,923,487. The average median home value is -$68,782,783. The average median monthly rent is -$45,976,092.

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