Buckle assemblies having load indicating features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a buckle assembly includes a tang having an opening that receives a web to secure the buckle assembly to a vehicle or a seat structure. The tang also includes an elongate aperture and one or more deformable protrusions along the edge of the aperture. The tang is operably coupled to a buckle frame via a coupling member that extends through the aperture. Upon the application of a sufficient load to the tang, the coupling member deforms the protrusion(s), allowing the tang to move relative to the frame. Movement of the tang relative to the frame can move a colored load indicating region to a position that is visible through a window in a housing of the buckle assembly.