Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Buffalo

Affordability in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo is a majority-renter city, with 57% of households renting their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). The median household income is $50,041 per year, while the median gross rent is $1,046 per month -- making income-based and HUD-assisted housing an important resource for many residents.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Buffalo Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 770 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting methods and definitions.

Getting Around Buffalo

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Buffalo rates 66 (Somewhat Walkable) for walking, 51 (Good Transit) for public transit, and 68 for biking.

Schools

Buffalo is served by 89 schools across 23 districts, including 53 elementary, 4 middle, 30 high schools, and 2 other schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programming vary by school and district, so renters should look up the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Living

The median household income in Buffalo is $50,041 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates (as of 2024). The citywide median rent is $1,046 per month by the same source, which can represent a significant share of income for many residents -- making income-restricted housing an important resource here.

Buffalo has 50 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties with 4,289 total units tracked on Lease Lantern, offering options at rents set below market rate for qualifying households.

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 50 assisted properties in Buffalo were mapped against FEMA flood zone data, and none are located in a high-risk flood zone. Flood exposure appears to be a low concern for HUD-assisted renters in this city.