Median Income
$57,292
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,800
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.2%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.6%
139% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Butterfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population486
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density1,185/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans16.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$57,292
Per Capita$25,037
Unemployment8.6%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$611M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,800
Rent$683
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$97,746
Housing Units205
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property702/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured15.8%
Smoking13.8%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,188 ft (362 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.2%
High School+70.2%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute17 min
Broadband66.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Butterfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Butterfield receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Butterfield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Butterfield is $57,292, 24% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.6%, unemployment is notably high. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Butterfield is $77,800, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Butterfield is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 702 per 100,000, 64% below the national average.
Education
10.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Butterfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 50.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Butterfield has a population of 486 with a density of 1,185 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (65.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 57.9% of residents, while 42.1% speak Spanish. 16.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 87.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Butterfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
57.9%
26% below US avg
Spanish
42.1%
214% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Butterfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Butterfield is $57,292, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,037 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $929, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 343 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Butterfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,292 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,037 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $929 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,714 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.6% |
| 139% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 343 |
| County GDP | $611M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,808 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Butterfield is $77,800, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,746, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $683 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 205 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,808 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,800 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $97,746 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 205 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,808 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.61% |
In Butterfield, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 15.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856. The dentist ratio is 1:1,846. 71.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Butterfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.3% |
| Uninsured | 15.8% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,856 |
| Dentists | 1:1,846 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,385 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,012/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Butterfield has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 702 per 100,000, 64% below the U.S. average. Overall, Butterfield receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Butterfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 702.3/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 102 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Butterfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. The area receives 50.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,188 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,188 ft (362 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,185/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9587°N, 94.7941°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Watonwan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.1"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
501 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 384 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
80 km |
9 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2017 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Butterfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Butterfield. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfield
What is the population of Butterfield?
Butterfield has a population of 486 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,185 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Butterfield expensive to live in?
Butterfield has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $57,292, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,800 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Butterfield safe?
Butterfield is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 702 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Butterfield receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Butterfield?
Butterfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.1 inches, with 50.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Butterfield?
The job market in Butterfield faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $929. There are 343 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Butterfield?
The median home value in Butterfield is $77,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,746. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,808.
How are the schools in Butterfield?
Schools in Butterfield score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.2% of adults in Butterfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.2% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Butterfield?
The obesity rate in Butterfield is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 15.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 71.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856.
What is transportation like in Butterfield?
The average commute in Butterfield is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Butterfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Butterfield is 65.2% White. 57.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 42.1% speak Spanish. 16.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 87.3% have health insurance coverage.
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