Cost of Living in Buffalo County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Buffalo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Buffalo County ranks #559 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Buffalo County, Wisconsin
Buffalo County rents remain affordable
Buffalo County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits below Wisconsin's state average of 14.9% and comfortably within affordability guidelines. The county's $68,722 median household income, while below the national median of $74,755, combines with $822 monthly rents to create solid rental value.
Below-average rent burden statewide
Buffalo County ranks favorably in Wisconsin with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio, better than the state average of 14.9%. Its median household income of $68,722 places it in the upper tier of this comparison group, offering residents relative purchasing power.
Balanced costs between rural and urban
Buffalo County's $822 monthly rent falls between Burnett ($758) and Barron ($859), with a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio that beats most neighbors. Home values of $197,600 are moderate for the region, slightly below Barron but above the northern counties.
Housing takes 14% of household income
Buffalo County renters earning $68,722 annually spend $822/month on rent—just 14.3% of gross income, leaving room for savings and other expenses. Homeowners face $1,058/month payments on $197,600 median-valued properties, a solid middle ground for the region.
Solid value in Wisconsin's bluff country
Buffalo County offers below-average rent burden and respectable median income, appealing to households seeking rural character without sacrificing affordability. If you're comparing Wisconsin counties, Buffalo's balanced profile—reasonable rents, decent wages, and moderate home values—deserves serious evaluation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Buffalo County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Buffalo County is affordable. The median rent is $822/month against a median household income of $68,722, putting rent at 14.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Buffalo County is $822/month, while owner costs run $1,058/month. Renting saves approximately $236/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,343/year. With a median household income of $68,722, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Buffalo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Buffalo County is more affordable than Lincoln County by roughly 7% ($822/mo vs $768/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Buffalo County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,604
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Buffalo County
Median home value is $197,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,578 vs. your max of $1,604.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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