Median Income
$72,917
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$225,600
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
421/100K
11% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.5%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,195
3% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Butner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,996
Median Age41.4 yrs
Density580/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,917
Per Capita$29,196
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$53,291M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$225,600
Rent$1,195
Ownership71.8%
Zillow$267,046
Housing Units2,801
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent421/100K
Property1,440/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault319/100K
Burglary242/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured17.9%
Smoking17.7%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain46.6 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation390 ft (119 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.5%
High School+77.0%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score4.67
Community
2024 VoteR 18% / D 80%
Commute26 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Butner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Butner receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Butner offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Butner is $72,917, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Butner is $225,600, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,195 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,440 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
24.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Butner enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Butner has a population of 7,996 with a density of 580 people per square mile, spread across 14.0 square miles. The median age is 41.4 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (42.8%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 28.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.8% of residents, while 18.2% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.4yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.8%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.2%
36% above US avg
The median household income in Butner is $72,917, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,196 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,896, 32% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 11,695 business establishments, including 821 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,917 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,196 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,896 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,461 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 11,695 |
| County GDP | $53,291M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 821 |
| Healthcare | 1,001 |
| Retail | 922 |
| Manufacturing | 184 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,890 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Butner is $225,600, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,046, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,195 (3% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,801 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $4,890 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,600 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $267,046 |
| Median List Price | $325,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $325,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $153 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 66.7% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,195 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,801 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,890 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.17% |
In Butner, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 37.5% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.4% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 17.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:836. The dentist ratio is 1:1,325. 90.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Butner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.5% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Uninsured | 17.9% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:836 |
| Dentists | 1:1,325 |
| Mental Health | 1:130 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,259/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,001 |
Butner has a violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 residents, 11% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 318.6 per 100,000, robbery at 51.0, rape at 51.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,440 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,160, burglary at 242, vehicle theft at 38 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 28 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Butner receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Butner vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 420.5/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 51.0/100K |
| Robbery | 51.0/100K |
| Assault | 318.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,440.0/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| Burglary | 242.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,159.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 38.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 28 |
| Traffic Accidents | 107 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Butner enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 46.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 390 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.4°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 390 ft (119 m) |
| Area | 14.0 sq mi (36.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 580/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1343°N, 78.7407°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Durham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.6"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0454 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.09 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
98 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
105 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
16 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
279 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
232 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
275 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
251 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
231 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
112 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
181 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
202 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
104 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
163 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
267 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
241 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
277 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 370 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
29 km |
4 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LYNCH ROAD (1,824 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Butner has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and April the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Butner. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,373 |
| Toddler | $1,037 |
| Preschool | $816 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $988 |
| Toddler | $876 |
| Preschool | $829 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Butner
What is the population of Butner?
Butner has a population of 7,996 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 580 people per square mile, spread across 14.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Butner expensive to live in?
Butner is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $72,917, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $225,600 (20% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,195 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Butner safe?
The violent crime rate in Butner is 421 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,440 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Butner receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Butner?
Butner enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Butner?
Butner has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,896. There are 11,695 business establishments in the area, including 821 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Butner?
The median home value in Butner is $225,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,046. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,195. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,890.
How are the schools in Butner?
Schools in Butner have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 24.5% of adults in Butner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.0% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Butner?
The obesity rate in Butner is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 17.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 90.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:836.
What is transportation like in Butner?
The average commute in Butner is 26 minutes. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Butner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Butner is 42.8% White, 28.3% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 81.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.2% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.