Median Income
$52,500
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$66,700
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.0%
7% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$608
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
89% lower than US avg
How Butte Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population357
Median Age59.5 yrs
Density760/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,500
Per Capita$34,443
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty1.4%
County GDP$140M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$66,700
Rent$608
Ownership81.3%
Zillow$182,292
Housing Units189
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property352/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking16.3%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.4 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,808 ft (551 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.0%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+20.3%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute16 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Butte a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Butte receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $52,500, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Butte is $66,700, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $608 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Butte is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 352 per 100,000, 82% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Butte experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.4 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Butte has a population of 357 with a density of 760 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 59.5 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (81.2%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.4% of residents, while 16.6% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.5yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.4%
6% above US avg
Spanish
16.6%
24% above US avg
The median household income in Butte is $52,500, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,443 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $711, 50% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 92 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,500 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,443 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $711 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,049 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 92 |
| County GDP | $140M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 4.1% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Butte is $66,700, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,292, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $608 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 189 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. 22.5% 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 | $66,700 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $182,292 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $608 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.7% |
| Housing Units | 189 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
In Butte, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 19.0% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789. 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Butte vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,789 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,953/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Butte has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 352 per 100,000, 82% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 108.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 351.6/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Butte experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,808 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,808 ft (551 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 760/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9130°N, 98.8474°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.4"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
17 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
14 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
103 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
13 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
79 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
61 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
78 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
48 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
102 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
376 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 1 fatality, 151 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,910 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
61 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
50 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,130 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
NOVOTNY AND WAGNER |
1,968 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
30 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
81 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Butte has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Butte
What is the population of Butte?
Butte has a population of 357 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 760 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
Is Butte expensive to live in?
Butte is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,500, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $66,700 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $608 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Butte safe?
Butte is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 352 per 100,000 (below 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.4 inches, with 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
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 $711. There are 92 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Butte?
The median home value in Butte is $66,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,292. For renters, the median monthly rent is $608. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.3%.
How are the schools in Butte?
Schools in Butte score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.0% of adults in Butte hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 20.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Butte?
The obesity rate in Butte is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789.
What is transportation like in Butte?
The average commute in Butte is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, 4.1% use public transit, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Butte?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Butte is 81.2% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 83.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.6% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
