On August 23, 1897, Buffalo Center became the first school west of the Mississippi River to be consolidated, and it is believed to be the second one in the nation. Today, Buffalo Center is a thriving town of about 1000 people. There is a large new community center, a museum, several new businesses and a growing K-12 consolidated school.
As of 2025 the population of Buffalo Center is 819. The population is expected to grow to 824 by 2030 - a growth rate of 0.12%.
The median age of Buffalo Center residents is 44.
The diversity index of Buffalo Center is 26.7, meaning that there is a 27% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Buffalo Center is $81,930 and projected to be $89,081 in 2030. Per capita income is $34,785, projected to be $37,369 in 2030. 1.95% of households – 16 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $1,000,672 and the average disposable income is $63,562.
There are 432 housing units in Buffalo Center; 299 are owner-occupied, 48 are rented, and 85 are vacant. The average home value is $138,871, with 3 homes built in 2010 or later, and 145 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 81 businesses in Buffalo Center, employing 691 workers and pulling from a labor force of 422 age 16 and above. 55 workers commute into Buffalo Center from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
326 residents both live and work in/around Buffalo Center. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 36.5% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 4.91% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 277 drive alone, 28 carpool, and 0 take public transportation. 108 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 9 residents work from home.
242 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 96 have associates degrees, 126 have bachelor’s degrees, and 25 hold a graduate or professional degree.
