Buffalo, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Buffalo, SC Utility & Living Guide

Buffalo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Union County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,266 at the 2010 United States census.

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$45,500
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🌤️ Live Weather — Buffalo
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Buffalo
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Buffalo Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Industries
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$45,500
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Buffalo is stable with moderate demand. Prices have risen slightly due to limited inventory, but remain affordable compared to larger cities nearby.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

South Carolina has a progressive income tax ranging from 0% to 7% based on income brackets.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in manufacturing, agriculture, and retail.
Top Local Concerns
Infrastructure maintenance, school funding, job opportunities
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit options; most families rely on personal vehicles.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Buffalo Community Park
  • 🎯
    SC Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Buffalo Public Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Oakwood area is popular for families due to its proximity to schools and parks. The downtown area offers walkable amenities but has fewer family-sized homes.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Buffalo based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations. Noise ordinances are enforced after 10 PM.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Buffalo — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$19,770
🏠 Homeownership Rate
81.0%
🔑 Renter Rate
19.0%
📉 Poverty Rate
38.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
10.7%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see higher electric bills due to air conditioning use, while winter heating costs are minimal as temperatures rarely drop below freezing.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rate of 100 mills, no local surtaxes specific to Buffalo county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks are present in downtown but uneven in some areas. Parks are accessible but transit lacks elevators.

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