Median Income
$36,276
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,100
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,382/100K
264% higher 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
13.4%
272% 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
D
Median Income$36,276
Per Capita$21,578
Unemployment13.4%
Poverty26.4%
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,100
Rent$772
Ownership52.7%
Zillow$172,094
Housing Units2,002
Rent Burden35.7%
Crime
F
Violent1,382/100K
Property3,022/100K
Health
Obesity45.3%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking26.6%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain43.6 in/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%
EV Stations2
Is Butler a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Butler receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty 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. At 13.4%, unemployment is notably high. 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
With 1,382 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,022 per 100,000, 54% 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 enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches, including 9.5 inches of snow.
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 3.4% Hispanic, 4.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,594
Total Population
2023 Census
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
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 13.4% (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
| Median HH Income | $36,276 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,578 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.4% |
| 272% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.4% |
| 113% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Butler is $124,100, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,094, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $187,500 with homes selling in an average of 63 days. 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. 52.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 Values
| Census Median | $124,100 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,094 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $187,500 |
| Median List Price | $152,446 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $187,500 |
| Median List Price | $152,446 |
| $/Sq Ft | $101 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 63 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 12.5% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $772 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $682 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $895 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,194 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,199 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,002 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
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. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Butler vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.3% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 12.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.6% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.9% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 22.8% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 43.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 42.8% |
Food & Exercise
Butler has a violent crime rate of 1,382 per 100,000 residents, 264% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,022 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. Overall, Butler receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Butler vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,382.4/100K |
| 264% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,022.5/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Butler enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches. The area receives 9.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 869 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.6°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 869 ft (265 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,129/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.2586°N, 94.3305°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.6"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.26"
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 4, 2015.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
39 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
99 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
443 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 311 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
78 km |
5 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
27 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,763 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
46 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
70 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,023 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,840 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
27 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
68 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,282 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,045 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
940 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
938 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
840 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
48 km |
| 2009 |
REYNOLDS HOLLOW |
728 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
SALT CREEK MARSH |
720 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
6.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
35°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Butler has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.3") and January the driest (1.6").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
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?
Public safety is a concern in Butler, with a violent crime rate of 1,382 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,022 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 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 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.6 inches, with 9.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Butler?
The job market in Butler faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. 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 $172,094. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $187,500, with homes typically selling within 63 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $772. Fair market rent is $682 for a 1-bedroom and $895 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.7%.
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. 10.2% 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, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 24.6% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.