IncomeBy County

Buffalo County, South Dakota

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-30% vs. South Dakota average
$47,000
Median Household Income
$17,408
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$47,000
-30% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$17,408
-56% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
43.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#61 / 66
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Buffalo County Compares

Buffalo County$47,000
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$47,000
Median Household Income
$17,408
Per Capita Income
$108,000
Median Home Value
43.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Buffalo County

Income Verdict

Buffalo County has a median household income of $47,000 and per capita income of $17,408 — a gap of $29,592, indicating a strong family-earning economy with multiple earners per household.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $535/month and a median household income of $47,000, rent consumes approximately 13.7% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $47,000, residents of Buffalo County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $17,408 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Buffalo County earns approximately 29.8% below the South Dakota state median household income of $66,926.

Data Story

About Household Income in Buffalo County, South Dakota

Buffalo lags nation by 37%

Buffalo County's median household income of $47,000 falls $27,755 short of the national median of $74,755—a substantial 37% deficit. This gap reflects profound economic challenges facing isolated rural communities across America.

Among South Dakota's lowest earners

Buffalo's $47,000 median trails South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by nearly $20,000, ranking it among the lowest-earning counties in the state. Per capita income of just $17,408 represents only 49% of the state average of $35,667.

Struggles with limited economic base

Buffalo's $47,000 edges out only Bennett County ($44,569) among peers, while falling far behind Aurora ($74,130), Brule ($74,043), Brown ($70,239), and Brookings ($67,341). Isolation and limited employer diversity constrain earning potential across the county.

Housing costs strain limited income

Buffalo's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% means housing consumes roughly one-seventh of median income—manageable on paper. However, the median home value of $108,000 represents 2.3 years of household income, concentrating household wealth in housing while limiting flexibility.

Build stability before aggressive investing

Buffalo households earning $47,000 should prioritize income stability and emergency savings before expanding investment portfolios. Explore employer benefits, skills training, and remote work opportunities that can supplement household earnings and create pathways to higher income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Buffalo County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Buffalo County, South Dakota is $47,000, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Buffalo County?
The per capita income in Buffalo County is $17,408, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $47,000.
How does Buffalo County compare to the South Dakota average?
Buffalo County's median household income of $47,000 is lower than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $17,408, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Buffalo County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Buffalo County, South Dakota is $17,408, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Buffalo County a low-income area in South Dakota?
Buffalo County's median household income of $47,000 is below the South Dakota average of $66,926. The per capita income of $17,408 is also lower than the state average of $35,667. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Buffalo County rank for income in South Dakota?
Buffalo County ranks #61 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $47,000 and per capita income of $17,408, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Buffalo County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Buffalo County median

County median: $47,000 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-30%

vs. National Median

-37%

vs. Buffalo County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average▼ 30% below
vs. National Median▼ 37% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.3x

Your monthly income ($3,917) vs. median rent ($535/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Buffalo County, South Dakota? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Covington County
Mississippi
$47,001
+0%
Crittenden County
Kentucky
$47,003
+0%
Terrell County
Texas
$46,989
+0%
Cross County
Arkansas
$47,012
+0%
Pickens County
Alabama
$47,014
+0%
Lincoln County
Montana
$47,018
+0%
Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in South Dakota

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

Explore more data for this county

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateHealthSchoolsRiskWaterWeatherCounty Score