Buffalo County
WI · Pop. 13,341 · Rural County
Buffalo County, Wisconsin covers 676 square miles with a population of 13,341 and a density of 19.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, hay, soybeans. A median home price of $198,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.42% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 174-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.5°F and average winter lows of 13.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 35.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. St. Elizabeths Medical Center is 14.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.2% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $198,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 92.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, hay, soybeans means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 19.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- An effective property tax rate of 1.42% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, St. Elizabeths Medical Center, is 14.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 13.3°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Buffalo County, WI is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 57/100
- Median home price
- $198k
- Property tax
- 1.42%
- Growing season
- 174 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 35.5"
- Broadband
- 92.2%
- Nearest hospital
- St. Elizabeths Medical Center, 14.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Buffalo County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Buffalo County?
- Buffalo County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 174-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.5°F, and average winter lows of 13.3°F. The established crops are corn, hay, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $198,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.42%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 92.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- St. Elizabeths Medical Center is 14.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Wisconsin Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Wisconsin
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The closest counties to Buffalo County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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