CountyScore

Buffalo County

Wisconsin · WI

#4 in Wisconsin
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Buffalo County, Wisconsin

Buffalo ranks well nationally

Buffalo County's composite score of 71.0 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 42%, placing it in America's upper livability quartile. This strong national showing reflects exceptional health outcomes and strong risk resilience.

Wisconsin's top tier performer

At 71.0, Buffalo County exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 65.6 by 8%, ranking among the state's most livable counties. It represents a genuine quality-of-life advantage over most Wisconsin peers.

Health and environmental resilience shine

Buffalo County boasts a Health Score of 80.5—the highest among these eight counties—indicating exceptional healthcare access and community wellness. Its Risk Score of 85.5 is outstanding, reflecting superior environmental protection and minimal natural disaster vulnerability.

Income and affordability moderate growth

Median household income of $68,722 produces an Income Score of 28.2, respectable but not exceptional. Housing Cost Score of 77.6 and median rent of $822 represent mid-range affordability, not standout value.

Haven for health and safety-focused families

Buffalo County appeals to families and retirees who prioritize excellent healthcare, environmental safety, and disaster resilience over maximum income growth or ultra-affordable housing. It's a balanced, protective Wisconsin choice for the health-conscious.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax62.3Cost77.6SafetyComing SoonHealth80.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.2Risk85.5WaterComing Soon
🏛62.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Buffalo County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Clarke County
Alabama
71
Median income: $49,167
Dale County
Alabama
71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654

Deep Dives

Buffalo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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