Buffalo, NY Census Data
The 2nd largest city in New York by population · 17 cities ranked
Buffalo is the 2nd largest city in New York by population and ranks 15th of 17 for median household income. With 276,397 residents, its poverty rate of 27.4% ranks among the higher rates in New York. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
276,397
47.8% male · 52.2% female
Median Age
34.3
4.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$48,050
$30,488 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
30.3%
4.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 86.6%
Poverty Rate
27.4%
15.0% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 3.7%
Broadband Access
92.6%
2.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$152,300
Median rent: $989 · 43% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.2%
Labor force participation: 55.5%
Per Capita Income
$35,012
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.1%
Disability rate: 16.5%
How Buffalo Compares to Other New York Cities
Rankings among all 17 New York cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 17 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 15th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 15th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 12th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 13th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Buffalo, NY Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Buffalo, NY?
The population of Buffalo, NY is 276,397 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.3 years.
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo, NY is $48,050, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,012.
What is the poverty rate in Buffalo?
The poverty rate in Buffalo, NY is 27.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 3.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Buffalo residents have a college degree?
30.3% of adults (25+) in Buffalo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 86.6% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo, NY is $152,300. Median rent is $989 per month, with 43% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Buffalo?
Buffalo's population is 45.4% White, 32.9% Black, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 8.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Buffalo rank among New York cities?
Buffalo is the 2nd largest city in New York by population, the 15th highest for median household income, the 15th lowest for poverty rate, the 12th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked New York cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Buffalo?
The unemployment rate in Buffalo, NY is 7.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 55.5%. Per capita income is $35,012.
Cities Similar to Buffalo
Other New York cities with comparable population and income levels.