Median Income
$62,869
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,400
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
92% lower than US avg
How Butler Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population247
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density412/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,869
Per Capita$23,804
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty1.0%
County GDP$2,021M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,400
Ownership73.9%
Zillow$151,578
Housing Units157
Rent Burden27.5%
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking12.5%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Elevation650 ft (198 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.28
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute29 min
Broadband96.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Butler a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Butler receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Butler offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Butler is $62,869, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Butler is $83,400, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Butler enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches, including 13.9 inches of snow.
Butler has a population of 247 with a density of 412 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 35.6 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.3% female and 60.7% male. The city is predominantly White (82.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 6.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
247
Total Population
2023 Census
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Butler is $62,869, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,804 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,603, 12% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 697 business establishments, including 77 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,869 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,804 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,603 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,701 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.0% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 697 |
| County GDP | $2,021M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 77 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 112 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Butler is $83,400, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,578, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 157 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,400 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,578 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.1% |
| Housing Units | 157 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.16% |
In Butler, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 18.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,553. The dentist ratio is 1:1,557. 38.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Butler vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.7% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,553 |
| Dentists | 1:1,557 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,203 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,025/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Butler enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches. The area receives 13.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 650 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 650 ft (198 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 412/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1975°N, 89.5322°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.1"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.06"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
50 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
47 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
47 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
65 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
102 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
70 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 |
3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Apr 16, 1991 |
4 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| Jun 16, 2022 |
4 km ESE of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
655 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 39 fatalities, 660 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
67 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
35°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Butler has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Butler. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $826 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $686 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Butler
What is the population of Butler?
Butler has a population of 247 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 412 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.3% female and 60.7% male.
Is Butler expensive to live in?
Butler has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,869, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,400 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Butler?
Butler enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 42.1 inches, with 13.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Butler?
The job market in Butler is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,603. There are 697 business establishments in the area, including 77 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Butler?
The median home value in Butler is $83,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,578. The homeownership rate is 73.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Butler?
Schools in Butler score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.3% of adults in Butler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Butler?
The obesity rate in Butler is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 18.7% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 38.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,553.
What is transportation like in Butler?
The average commute in Butler is 29 minutes. 97.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Butler?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Butler is 82.2% White. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.9% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.