Living in New Buffalo, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of New Buffalo · Census data 2020–2024
New Buffalo has 1,338 residents with a median age of 54.5. The median household income is $64,702 (11% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $391,200, the median rent is $1,042/month.
New Buffalo is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
New Buffalo at a glance
- Population
- 1,338
- Median age
- 54.5State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $64,702State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $391,200State: $231,600
- Median rent
- $1,042/moState: $1,129
- Homeowners
- 77.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 42.8%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is New Buffalo a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 21 minutes; unemployment of 1.5%; a poverty rate of 12.7%.
Cons: Median household income 11% lower than the Michigan median; home values 69% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in New Buffalo
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In New Buffalo the median home value is $391,200, 18% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,042 per month, which is 31.9% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,779 a month in housing costs.
New Buffalo median household income
The median household income in New Buffalo is $64,702 and the income per person is $57,021. 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in New Buffalo: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,675
- Owner-occupied
- 77.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 22.8%
- Vacant
- 55.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1973
- Average household size
- 1.79
55.3% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that New Buffalo has many vacation and second homes.
New Buffalo demographics
- Population
- 1,338
- Median age
- 54.5
- Under 18
- 10.5%
- 65 and older
- 33%
- Households
- 749
- Foreign-born
- 6.4%
- Veterans
- 4.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of New Buffalo ›
Education in New Buffalo
42.8% of adults 25 and older in New Buffalo have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 20.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in New Buffalo
- Unemployment rate
- 1.5%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 15.5%
- Drive alone
- 72.7%
- Public transit
- 1.1%
- Walk to work
- 3.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 87.3%
New Buffalo vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Buffalo | 1,338 | $64,702 | $391,200 | $1,042 |
| Grand Beach | 353 | $83,750 | $1,110,300 | — |
| Michiana | 291 | $167,500 | $790,000 | — |
| Michiana Shores | 364 | $91,250 | $451,300 | $1,000 |
| Duneland Beach | 139 | $52,417 | $615,100 | — |
| Long Beach | 1,111 | $121,827 | $672,300 | — |
| Three Oaks | 1,503 | $66,985 | $215,700 | $1,074 |
| Pottawattamie Park | 247 | $103,889 | $233,000 | $1,042 |
| Michigan City | 31,814 | $53,089 | $143,100 | $967 |
More for people moving to New Buffalo
New Buffalo ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in New Buffalo: FAQ
What is the median household income in New Buffalo, MI?
The median household income in New Buffalo is $64,702, 11% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in New Buffalo?
The median home value in New Buffalo is $391,200, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
How much is rent in New Buffalo?
The median gross rent in New Buffalo is $1,042 per month, about 31.9% of household income.
Is New Buffalo, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 21 minutes; unemployment of 1.5%; a poverty rate of 12.7%. Minuses: median household income 11% lower than the Michigan median; home values 69% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in New Buffalo?
The median age in New Buffalo is 54.5 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in New Buffalo?
The average commute to work in New Buffalo is 21 minutes; 15.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in New Buffalo?
The unemployment rate in New Buffalo is 1.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is New Buffalo?
42.8% of adults in New Buffalo have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
Last updated: