countyscore
60.4
County Score
Health 88.1Disaster Risk 85.5Safety 82.5

County Report Card

About Buffalo County, Wisconsin

Buffalo County Among National Elite

With a high composite score of 60.4, Buffalo County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the top tier of all counties in the United States. It offers a quality of life that is rare for rural American communities.

Outperforming the Wisconsin Average

Buffalo County’s 60.4 score is significantly higher than the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It stands as a model for regional livability within the state. The county provides a level of safety and health that few state neighbors can match.

Unmatched Safety and Health

The county boasts incredible scores in health (88.1), risk (85.5), and safety (82.5). These figures represent a community with very low crime and excellent environmental stability. It is one of the safest and healthiest places to live in the entire Midwest.

Tax and Utility Hurdles

Despite its high overall score, Buffalo County has a low tax score of 16.6 and a water score of 36.7. Residents pay an effective tax rate of 1.423%, which is high relative to its cost of living. Housing affordability is also moderate, with a cost score of 42.1.

The Gold Standard for Safety

This county is perfect for retirees and families who place safety and environmental stability above all else. With a median home value of $197,600, it remains attainable for middle-class buyers. It is the definitive choice for anyone seeking a low-stress, high-health lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax16.6Cost42.1Safety82.5Health88.1Schools70.5Income63.6Risk85.5Water36.7Weather49.3
🏛16.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Winona County
Minnesota
48
Trempealeau County
Wisconsin
56
Wabasha County
Minnesota
64.4
Pepin County
Wisconsin
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La Crosse County
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Eau Claire County
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Olmsted County
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Goodhue County
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Deep Dives

Buffalo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Buffalo County

via TaxByCounty

Buffalo's tax rate sits below national median

Buffalo County's effective tax rate of 1.423% ranks near the 45th percentile nationally, just below the median U.S. rate. The median tax of $2,811 exceeds the national median by $121, reflecting Buffalo's median home value of $197,600.

Buffalo ranks near Wisconsin's state average

At 1.423%, Buffalo's effective rate runs marginally below Wisconsin's state average of 1.436%, placing it in the middle of the state's 72 counties. The median tax of $2,811 is $270 below Wisconsin's median of $3,081.

Nearly identical to Barron County's rate

Buffalo's 1.423% rate matches Barron County (1.424%) almost exactly, positioning both as moderate-tax options in the region. Buffalo slightly undercuts Ashland (1.467%) and Adams (1.299%), while remaining well above Burnett (0.952%).

A $197,600 home costs about $2,811 yearly

The median Buffalo County home valued at $197,600 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $2,811. With mortgage, that's $2,784; without, it's $2,843—nearly equivalent either way.

Check your assessment against comparable homes

Buffalo County homeowners can file free tax appeals if their assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales. Contact your local assessor to review whether your property is fairly valued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Buffalo County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Buffalo County

via IncomeByCounty

Buffalo income trails national average moderately

Buffalo County's median household income of $68,722 falls $6,033 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing an 8% gap. While this shortfall is smaller than many rural counties, Buffalo still lags behind national prosperity benchmarks.

Buffalo near Wisconsin income parity

At $68,722, Buffalo County slightly trails Wisconsin's median of $71,715 by just $2,993—performing nearly at state average. This positions Buffalo in Wisconsin's middle-to-upper range, benefiting from its Mississippi River valley location and regional commercial activity.

Buffalo outearns most rural northern counties

Buffalo's $68,722 median income surpasses Adams ($59,153), Ashland ($57,645), and Barron ($64,619), ranking it in the stronger tier of this comparison set. Only Bayfield ($69,609), Brown ($77,490), and Calumet ($87,700) exceed Buffalo's earnings.

Buffalo offers solid housing affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.3%, Buffalo sits comfortably below the 15% affordability threshold, allowing households to balance housing costs with other expenses. The median home value of $197,600 represents 2.9 years of median household income—quite accessible.

Buffalo's balance enables sustainable investing

Buffalo's $68,722 income and favorable 14.3% housing ratio create space for meaningful wealth building through regular retirement contributions and supplemental investments. A household dedicating $300 monthly to long-term portfolios could accumulate nearly $175,000 over 30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Buffalo County

via CrimeByCounty

Among the Safest in America

Buffalo County is one of the safest regions in the country with an elite safety score of 99.3. Its crime rate of 412.7 per 100K is nearly six times lower than the national average.

Leading the State in Safety

The county far exceeds the Wisconsin state average safety score of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 412.7 is less than half of the statewide average of 1103.1.

A Regional Safety Leader

Buffalo County is much safer than its neighbors, reporting a fraction of the crime seen in Barron or Brown counties. With only two reporting agencies, the local footprint of crime is remarkably small.

Statistically Rare Crime Rates

Both property crime (255.1 per 100K) and violent crime (157.6) are extremely low. In Buffalo County, the risk of experiencing crime is statistically rare compared to most of Wisconsin.

Stay Vigilant but Secure

Although crime is infrequent, keeping doors locked and properties well-lit helps maintain this high standard. Staying connected with neighbors is often the best security in tight-knit communities.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Buffalo County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy leads national peers

Buffalo County residents live to 81.7 years on average—nearly 4 years longer than the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 78 years. With just 14.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among America's healthiest communities.

Tops Wisconsin's life expectancy rankings

At 81.7 years, Buffalo County has the highest life expectancy in Wisconsin, exceeding the state average of 77.8 years by nearly 4 years. This exceptional outcome places the county among the nation's healthiest regions.

Dramatically outperforms surrounding areas

Buffalo County's 81.7-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Trempealeau, Jackson, and Pepin counties by 2-6 years. This regional health advantage is one of Wisconsin's most striking geographic disparities, suggesting unique protective factors in Buffalo.

Exceptional health despite provider gaps

Buffalo County has just 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and only 15 mental health providers per 100,000—among Wisconsin's lowest ratios. Yet with a 6.4% uninsured rate and 81.7-year life expectancy, the county achieves remarkable health outcomes suggesting strong community factors beyond provider supply.

Maintain Buffalo's health advantage

6.4% of Buffalo County residents lack health insurance, below state average. Continue supporting the county's exceptional health trajectory by ensuring your family has coverage through BadgerCare+ or marketplace plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Buffalo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Education in Buffalo County

Buffalo County operates 10 public schools across four districts, serving 1,844 students. The county maintains a balanced structure of four elementary and four high schools.

High Graduation Rates and Solid Investment

The county achieves a 93.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. Per-pupil spending of $7,929 supports a competitive school score of 57.4.

Mondovi School District Leads Local Enrollment

Mondovi School District is the largest in the county, educating 962 students across four schools. All local education is provided through traditional public districts as there are no charter schools.

Quiet Rural Schools with Personal Scale

All 10 schools are in rural locales with an average size of 184 students. Mondovi Elementary is the largest with 493 students, while Alma Elementary serves as a small primary hub for 173 children.

Discover a Home Near Great Schools

Exceptional graduation rates make Buffalo County a premier choice for families seeking rural stability. Search for local listings near Mondovi or Cochrane to find a home in a high-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Buffalo County

via RiskByCounty

Buffalo County ranks safest statewide

Buffalo County scores just 14.54 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and among the safest counties nationally. This southwestern Wisconsin county benefits from exceptionally favorable natural disaster exposure compared to state and national averages.

Wisconsin's lowest-risk county

Buffalo County ranks as the safest county in Wisconsin with a composite score of 14.54, well below the state average of 59.08. Few counties anywhere in the nation face such minimal natural disaster exposure.

Exceptionally protected by geography

Buffalo County's 14.54 score stands dramatically below neighboring Adams County (70.90) and Barron County (68.64), reflecting its favorable positioning along the Mississippi River valley. Among all measured counties, Buffalo ranks among the very safest.

Tornado risk is only real concern

Buffalo County's tornado risk of 36.39 represents its primary natural disaster exposure, though even this remains moderate compared to other Wisconsin counties. Flood risk (24.62) presents secondary concerns, while wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane threats remain negligible.

Minimal insurance complexity needed

Buffalo County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection given the county's remarkably low overall risk profile. Properties in mapped floodplains should carry flood insurance as a precaution, but the vast majority of Buffalo County faces minimal catastrophic natural disaster risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Buffalo County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm for the Upper Midwest

Buffalo County's 46.3°F annual average is warmer than much of Wisconsin but still below the national median. Its location along the Mississippi River contributes to its specific weather patterns.

Warmer Than the Wisconsin Median

Buffalo County averages 46.3°F, making it nearly 2 degrees warmer than the statewide average of 44.4°F. It also receives 36.5 inches of precipitation, which is higher than the state average.

Wetter and Warmer Than Barron

Buffalo is significantly warmer than Barron County to the north, which averages just 42.2°F. It also sees nearly 3 inches more annual precipitation than its inland neighbors.

Hot Summers and Managed Snowfall

Buffalo County reaches 90°F on 11 days a year, significantly more than most northern Wisconsin counties. Winter brings 45.3 inches of snow, which is lower than the amounts seen in the state's lake-effect zones.

Prepare for Summer Heat Waves

Strong air conditioning is important here to handle the 11 days of extreme heat. While winters are warmer than northern counties at 20.0°F, residents still need to prepare for 45 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Buffalo County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soil Along the River

Buffalo County has an average pH of 5.89, which is slightly more neutral than the state average of 5.63. While it remains below the national median of 6.5, it provides a flexible base for many regional crops.

Loamy Sand and Silt Mix

The soil is a fairly even split between sand (42.6%) and silt (41.3%), with 12.0% clay. This creates a loamy texture that offers a great balance of drainage and workability.

Leaner Organic Profiles

Organic matter sits at 4.49%, which is lower than the state average of 11.02% but still healthy by national standards. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in is slightly below the state average, requiring attentive watering.

Responsive Local Hydrology

With no dominant drainage class recorded, the balanced sand and silt levels suggest the soil is naturally responsive to rain. Farmers here typically benefit from soil that doesn't stay saturated for too long.

Great Garden Potential in 4b

Hardiness Zone 4b is perfect for a classic midwestern vegetable garden. Given the lower organic matter, adding compost will help you get the most out of Buffalo County's loamy ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Buffalo County

via LawnByCounty

The Gold Standard for Wisconsin Lawns

Buffalo County is a premier location for lawn care, boasting a difficulty score of 75.3. This is significantly higher than the Wisconsin state average of 64.4 and far surpasses the national median of 50.0. Conditions in this Zone 4b county are highly conducive to maintaining a lush and vibrant landscape.

High Energy and Optimal Rainfall

Lawns here benefit from 36.5 inches of annual precipitation and 2,717 growing degree days, which is the highest energy profile in this regional group. However, the 11 extreme heat days mean that mid-summer dormancy can occur without irrigation. The 72.0°F July average keeps the grass moving at a fast clip, requiring a steady mowing schedule.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Turf

Buffalo County features a soil pH of 5.89, which is very close to the ideal range of 6.0-7.0. With a texture containing 12.0% clay and 42.6% sand, the soil provides a decent balance of moisture retention and drainage. Minor adjustments with lime or organic compost can easily push these soils into the perfect range for high-performance turf.

High Moisture Stability This Year

Buffalo County is currently free of any drought or abnormally dry conditions, a rarity for the region. Over the past year, the county only experienced 5 weeks in drought, ensuring that lawns had consistent access to water. This natural reliability makes Buffalo County one of the most water-secure areas for turf management.

An Extended Window for Growth

The local frost-free window runs from May 10 to October 14, providing a generous growing season for a Zone 4b region. Consider a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass for its beauty and Turf-Type Tall Fescue for its ability to handle those 11 days of heat. Late August is also a prime time for overseeding in this climate to take advantage of warm soils and cooling air.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buffalo County's county score?
Buffalo County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 60.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Buffalo County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Buffalo County ranks #4 among all counties in Wisconsin on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Buffalo County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Buffalo County is $2,811, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Buffalo County a tax score of 16.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Buffalo County?
The median household income in Buffalo County, Wisconsin is $68,722 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Buffalo County earns an income score of 63.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Buffalo County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Buffalo County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Buffalo County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Buffalo County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.