Median Income
$43,750
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.1%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$623
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.4%
24% higher than US avg
How Butternut Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population421
Median Age48.5 yrs
Density266/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,750
Per Capita$37,920
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty15.4%
County GDP$235M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,300
Rent$623
Ownership56.5%
Zillow$212,865
Housing Units248
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property885/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking16.8%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,507 ft (459 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.1%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute19 min
Broadband73.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Butternut a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Butternut receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Butternut has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Butternut is $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 15.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Butternut is $74,300, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $623 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Butternut is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 885 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
14.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Butternut has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches, including 134.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Butternut has a population of 421 with a density of 266 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 48.5 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.5yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Butternut vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Butternut vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Butternut is $43,750, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,920. The average weekly wage is $779, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 228 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Butternut vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,750 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,920 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $779 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,358 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 228 |
| County GDP | $235M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Butternut is $74,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,865, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $623 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 248 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,800 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,865 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $623 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.5% |
| Housing Units | 248 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,800 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.46% |
In Butternut, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,178. The dentist ratio is 1:2,075. 47.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Butternut vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,178 |
| Dentists | 1:2,075 |
| Mental Health | 1:623 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,870/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Butternut has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 885 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Butternut receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Butternut vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 84.3/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 885.3/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Butternut has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. The area receives 134.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,507 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,507 ft (459 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 266/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0133°N, 90.4974°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE) 74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 76.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 31.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
119 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 104 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
10 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1982 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1961 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1958 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
92 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
33 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
58 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK J RX |
911 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
37 km |
| 2022 |
BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX |
725 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
33 km |
| 2022 |
LDF MARSH BURN 2022 |
503 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Butternut has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 13°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Butternut. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| 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) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut
What is the population of Butternut?
Butternut has a population of 421 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 266 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Butternut expensive to live in?
Butternut is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,300 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $623 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Butternut safe?
Butternut is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 885 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Butternut receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Butternut?
Butternut has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches, with 134.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Butternut?
The job market in Butternut is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $779. There are 228 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Butternut?
The median home value in Butternut is $74,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,865. For renters, the median monthly rent is $623. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,800.
How are the schools in Butternut?
Schools in Butternut score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.1% of adults in Butternut hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Butternut?
The obesity rate in Butternut is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 47.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,178.
What is transportation like in Butternut?
The average commute in Butternut is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Butternut?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Butternut is 97.6% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.