Choose Country

Butler, MO

Missouri

Butler is a small town in Missouri with a population of 4,594. Residents earn $36,276 per year, which is 52% below the national average.

2.5 /5.0
C+ Fair
4,594 Population 1,129/sq mi density
$36,276 Median Income $21,578 per capita
$124,100 Home Value $166,749 Zillow
$772 Median Rent 35.7% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 261 sunny days/yr
195 Violent Crime/100K 4,454 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.1 / 5.0
$36,276 median income, 6.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.8 / 5.0
$124,100 home value, $772/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
195 violent crimes/100K (49% below avg)
D
Education
1.9 / 5.0
11.8% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $36,276
52% lower than US avg
Home Value $124,100
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 195/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 11.8%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent $772
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 45.3%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment 6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 26.4%
113% higher than US avg

How Butler Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population4,594
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density1,129/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.5%

Economy

C
Median Income$36,276
Per Capita$21,578
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty26.4%
Commute29 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$124,100
Rent$772
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$166,749
Housing Units2,002
Rent Burden35.7%

Crime

F
Violent195/100K
Property4,454/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault170/100K
Burglary900/100K

Health

Obesity45.3%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking26.6%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease7.9%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.6 in/yr
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation869 ft (265 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+11.8%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.42

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute29 min
Broadband77.8%

Is Butler a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Butler receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Butler has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Butler is $36,276, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 26.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Butler is $124,100, 56% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $772 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Butler is below the national average at 195 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,454 per 100,000, 127% above the national average.

Education

11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.

Climate & Weather

Butler experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches, including 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Butler has a population of 4,594 with a density of 1,129 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 4.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.

Population

4,594
Total Population
1,129
People / sq mi
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
4.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.8%
Female 48.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Butler vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish3.3%
75% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Butler vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Butler is $36,276, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,578 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Butler vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$36,276
52% below US avg
Per Capita Income$21,578

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.1%
69% above US avg
Poverty Rate26.4%
113% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time28.8 min
Drive Alone93.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home1.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Butler is $124,100, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,749, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $772 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $682 for a one-bedroom to $895 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 2,002 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 35.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$124,100
56% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$166,749
Median List Price$152,446

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$152,446
$/Sq Ft$101
Homes Sold2
Sale-to-List Ratio0.0%
Price Drops12.5%

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$772
34% below US avg
Rent Burden35.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$660
1 Bedroom$682
2 Bedrooms$895
3 Bedrooms$1,194
4 Bedrooms$1,199

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied52.7%
Housing Units2,002
Median Year Built1960

Property Tax

In Butler, 45.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 38.6% have high blood pressure. 26.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 38.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Butler vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity45.3%
41% above US avg
Diabetes13.8%
Heart Disease7.9%
High Blood Pressure38.6%
Asthma11.8%
COPD12.0%
Cancer7.2%
Stroke4.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking26.6%
90% above US avg
Binge Drinking15.9%
Physical Inactivity38.9%
Depression29.2%
Mental Distress22.8%
Physical Distress18.6%
Short Sleep43.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate91.6%
Uninsured13.1%
52% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.3%
Dental Visits42.8%

Food & Exercise

Butler has a violent crime rate of 195 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 170.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 24.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,454 per 100,000, 127% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,480, burglary at 900, vehicle theft at 73 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Butler receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Butler vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent194.7/100K
49% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape24.3/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault170.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property4,453.6/100K
127% above US avg
Burglary900.5/100K
Theft3,480.2/100K
Vehicle Theft73.0/100K
Arson24.3/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Butler experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches. The area receives 5.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 869 feet.

Temperature

29°F Jan (-2°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average55.2°F
2% above US avg
January Average29°F (-2°C)
July Average79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days261 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall41.6 inches
10% above US avg
Snowfall5.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation869 ft (265 m)
Area4.1 sq mi (10.5 km²)
Population Density1,129/sq mi
Coordinates38.2586°N, 94.3305°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 29°F (-2°C) 1.5 in Coldest, Driest
February 35°F (2°C) 1.7 in
March 45°F (7°C) 3.3 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.0 in
May 65°F (18°C) 5.0 in
June 73°F (23°C) 5.3 in Wettest
July 79°F (26°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.9 in
September 69°F (21°C) 4.7 in
October 58°F (14°C) 3.9 in
November 44°F (7°C) 3.0 in
December 34°F (1°C) 2.0 in

Butler has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F — from 29°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.5").

11.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 65% below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.4 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 77.8% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 93.2% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+11.8%
65% below US avg
High School+88.1%
Graduate Degree+3.9%
School Test Score5.42
D Education Grade (1.9/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,129/sq mi
Total Area4.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access77.8%
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute28.8 min
Drive Alone93.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home1.5%

Frequently Asked Questions About Butler

What is the population of Butler?

Butler has a population of 4,594 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,129 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.

Is Butler expensive to live in?

Butler is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $36,276, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,100 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $772 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Butler safe?

Butler is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 195 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,454 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Butler receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Butler?

Butler has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.6 inches, with 5.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Butler?

The unemployment rate in Butler is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Butler?

The median home value in Butler is $124,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,749. For renters, the median monthly rent is $772. Fair market rent is $682 for a 1-bedroom and $895 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Butler?

Schools in Butler score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.8% of adults in Butler hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Butler?

The obesity rate in Butler is 45.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.6% of adults are smokers. 38.9% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Butler?

The average commute in Butler is 29 minutes. 93.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Butler?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Butler is 90.2% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Compare Butler with another city: