New Buffalo City Demographics

New Buffalo, Berrien County, MI has a population of about 1,600 (2020 Census). The median age is 51 years, reflecting a relatively older population. Approximately 49% are male and 51% are female. Racially, the city is predominantly White (about 92%), with African Americans at 2%, Asians 1%, and 5% identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race. Other racial groups make up less than 1% each.

Transportation in New Buffalo City

New Buffalo, Berrien County, MI, relies predominantly on personal vehicles, with 82.6% of workers commuting by car and an average commute time of 18.7 minutes (U.S. Census, 2022). Public transit usage is minimal (<1%), and 7.8% of households lack vehicle access. Transportation infrastructure includes U.S. Route 12, Amtrak rail service, and proximity to I-94, facilitating regional connectivity. Most residents work in leisure, hospitality, and retail, with primary employment hubs within the city and nearby Michigan City, IN, or St. Joseph, MI. Active transportation (walking/biking) accounts for less than 2% of commuting.

New Buffalo City Housing

New Buffalo city in Berrien County, MI, features a mix of charming homes and vacation properties, with a median home value around $440,000 in 2024. Owner-occupied housing accounts for about 53%, with median monthly rents near $1,200. The housing stock includes cottages, lakefront homes, and condos, especially in neighborhoods near Lake Michigan. Recent years have seen values rising over 8% annually driven by second-home demand. Property taxes average 1.7% of assessed value. Popular neighborhoods include areas near the harbor and downtown, offering easy access to shops and the beach.

Education in New Buffalo City

New Buffalo, located in Berrien County, MI, has one public high school—New Buffalo High School—serving grades 9-12, with an enrollment of around 200 students and a graduation rate of 95%. Approximately 37% of adults in the city hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Niche rates the district’s overall schools a “B,” reflecting solid academics and school safety. Educational offerings include AP courses and career-tech programs. Adult education opportunities, such as GED courses, are available locally. The district maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, fostering personalized attention for students.

New Buffalo City Healthcare

New Buffalo city, Berrien County, MI, has limited healthcare facilities, with no hospitals within city limits; the nearest is Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph (~15 miles away). The city hosts a few primary care clinics, such as Harbor Country Emergency Medical Services and Northshore Health. Approximately 11.6% of Berrien County residents are uninsured (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). The population skews older, with a median age of 58; common health issues include hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Primary care physician availability in Berrien County is about 1 per 1,460 residents, below the state average.

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