Buffalo County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 67th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Buffalo County, Wisconsin is 13,341 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 67th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $68,722, the median home value is $197,600, and the median age is 46.4.
The population of Buffalo County has declined 0.6% since 2010 (13,551 → 13,464), a -0.05% annualized rate.
13,341
Population
-0.05%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$68,722
Median Income
$197,600
Median Home Value
Buffalo County covers 676 sq mi of land at 19.7 people per square mile.
About Buffalo County, WI
Buffalo County skews on age — the median resident is 46.4, older than the national median. With 13,341 residents, Buffalo County is a county in Wisconsin.
Median household income is $68,722, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 7.0%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $197,600, with typical rent around $822.
Roughly 22.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.4%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Buffalo County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Buffalo County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Buffalo County had a population of 13,551 in 2010 and 13,464 in 2024, a -0.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,551 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.04%.
13,464
Population (2024)
13,551
Population (2010)
13,551
Peak (2010)
-0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,551 |
| 2011 | 13,441 |
| 2012 | 13,344 |
| 2013 | 13,367 |
| 2014 | 13,234 |
| 2015 | 13,245 |
| 2016 | 13,148 |
| 2017 | 13,115 |
| 2018 | 13,126 |
| 2019 | 13,012 |
| 2020 | 13,323 |
| 2021 | 13,340 |
| 2022 | 13,400 |
| 2023 | 13,440 |
| 2024 | 13,464 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.4
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,722$-6,948 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,608 |
| Per-capita income | $36,164 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Buffalo County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
4.0%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
9.4%
Work from home
25.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$197,600$-49,800 vs state
Median home value
$822
Median rent
78.3%
Homeownership rate
6,546
Total housing units
87.0%
Occupied
13.0%
Vacant
21.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.2%
With health insurance
90.6%
With broadband internet
38.6%
Foreign-born
8.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.0%
High School+
22.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Buffalo County, Wisconsin has a population of 13,341 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 67th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Buffalo County has declined 0.6% since 2010 (13,551 → 13,464), a -0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Buffalo County, Wisconsin is $68,722, with mean (average) household income of $80,608 and per-capita income of $36,164. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Buffalo County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Buffalo County, Wisconsin is 46.4 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Buffalo County is $197,600 and median monthly rent is $822. 78.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,546 total housing units, 13.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Buffalo County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Buffalo County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
Buffalo County, WI Climate
Buffalo County, WI has an average annual temperature of 7°C (45°F) and receives about 831 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7°C
Avg Temp
831
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 13° | 23 mm |
| February | -7° / 20° | 20 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 50 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 77 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 97 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 103 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 113 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 102 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 104 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 66 mm |
| November | 1° / 33° | 46 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 30 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Buffalo County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Buffalo County, WI are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Buffalo County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.