Median Income
$105,625
41% higher than US avg
Home Value
$320,100
14% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
182/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.9%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,412
21% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Butte Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,905
Median Age40.1 yrs
Density116/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$105,625
Per Capita$43,028
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$320,100
Rent$1,412
Ownership80.8%
Zillow$420,936
Housing Units1,466
Rent Burden24.4%
Crime
F
Violent182/100K
Property2,522/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking15.5%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain18.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation76 ft (23 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.9%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute34 min
Broadband94.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Butte a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Butte receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Butte offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Butte is $105,625, which is significantly higher than the national average / 41% above $75,149. This places Butte among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Butte is $320,100, 14% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,412 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Butte is below the national average at 182 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,522 per 100,000, 29% above the national average.
Education
30.9% 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 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Butte has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Butte has a population of 3,905 with a density of 116 people per square mile, spread across 15.8 square miles. The median age is 40.1 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (80.9%), with 9.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.1yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Butte is $105,625, which is 41% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,028. The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,829 business establishments, including 785 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $105,625 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,028 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,829 |
| County GDP | $32,113M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 785 |
| Healthcare | 1,392 |
| Retail | 819 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Butte is $320,100, 14% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $420,936, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,412 (21% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,466 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $320,100 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $420,936 |
| Median List Price | $437,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $437,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $77 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,412 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,466 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Butte, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 17.1% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.4% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860. The dentist ratio is 1:750. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Butte vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Butte has a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,522 per 100,000, 29% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Butte receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Butte vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 182.3/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,521.7/100K |
| 29% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Butte has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 274 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 18.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 76 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 36.5°F |
| 32% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 76 ft (23 m) |
| Area | 15.8 sq mi (41.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 116/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.5340°N, 148.9882°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.8"
51% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.36 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,035 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.1. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
109 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
100 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
84 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
54 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.4 |
149 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
103 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
107 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
101 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 |
8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
134 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
56 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
39 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
32 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
56 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
96 km |
| Feb 6, 2022 |
72 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.2 |
136 km |
| Sep 17, 2019 |
28 km NW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.2 |
103 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
70 km |
| Jun 16, 2011 |
14 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.1 |
141 km |
| Feb 6, 2002 |
7 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M5.1 |
53 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska |
M5.1 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 51.8 m (170 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1964 |
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
51.8 m |
139 |
112 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (176 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
176 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SU RIVER (7,050 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
SU RIVER |
7,050 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
66 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
23 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
65 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| May |
43°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| June |
51°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
44°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Butte has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 16°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.1") and April the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Butte. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,567 |
| Toddler | $1,460 |
| Preschool | $1,255 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,124 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $992 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Butte
What is the population of Butte?
Butte has a population of 3,905 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 116 people per square mile, spread across 15.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.1 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Butte expensive to live in?
Butte has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $105,625, 41% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $320,100 (14% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,412 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Butte safe?
Butte is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,522 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Butte receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Butte?
Butte has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Butte?
The job market in Butte is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,436. There are 8,829 business establishments in the area, including 785 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Butte?
The median home value in Butte is $320,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $420,936. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,412. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.8%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Butte?
Schools in Butte have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 30.9% of adults in Butte hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Butte?
The obesity rate in Butte is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Butte?
The average commute in Butte is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 70% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Butte?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Butte is 80.9% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
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