countyscore
45
County Score
Property Tax 96.6Cost of Living 84Water Quality 58.9

County Report Card

About Butler County, Alabama

Noticeably below national livability standard

Butler County scores 45.0, trailing the national median of 50.0 by 5 full points and placing it in the lower third nationally. Its income score of 7.2 reflects one of the country's most economically stressed populations.

Well below Alabama's average

Butler ranks below the state average of 52.9 by nearly 8 points, representing one of Alabama's weaker counties. It ranks as the lowest-scoring county in this eight-county group.

Affordability and taxes provide relief

Housing is highly affordable with median home value of $99,700, rents at $722/month, and a cost score of 84.0. Tax burden is reasonable at 96.6, offering financial breathing room on property taxes.

Safety and income severely compromised

Butler's safety score of 9.2 is among the worst in the nation, median household income of $44,881 is well below average, and health (22.8) and schools (18.3) are both weak. These factors compound to create a difficult living environment.

Only for those with deep family roots

Butler suits only those with strong community ties, family support networks, or income sources outside local employment. Newcomers and families with children should look elsewhere in Alabama.

Score breakdown

Tax96.6Cost84Safety9.2Health22.8Schools18.3Income7.2Risk54.9Water58.9Weather44.8
🏛96.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Butler County

Whether buying or refinancing in Butler County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Butler County with Independence County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Independence County
Arkansas
Median income: $56,009
45
Indian River County
Florida
Median income: $71,049
45
Washington County
Georgia
Median income: $44,009
45
Bristol County
Massachusetts
Median income: $84,198
45
Lincoln County
Missouri
Median income: $85,276
45
Northampton County
North Carolina
Median income: $47,935
45
Wayne County
Ohio
Median income: $71,769
45
Asotin County
Washington
Median income: $69,107
45

Nearby counties

Conecuh County
Alabama
58.7
Crenshaw County
Alabama
55.9
Lowndes County
Alabama
55.6
Covington County
Alabama
55.7
Wilcox County
Alabama
58.3
Coffee County
Alabama
44
Montgomery County
Alabama
48.6
Monroe County
Alabama
52.2

Deep Dives

Butler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Butler County

via TaxByCounty

Butler's taxes remain a fraction of national burden

Butler County's 0.343% effective tax rate produces just $342 annually on the median home—one-eighth the national average of $2,690. Even with a slightly above-average state rate, Butler residents enjoy tax bills far below most American homeowners.

Above-average rate, modest absolute taxes

At 0.343%, Butler County's effective rate exceeds Alabama's state average of 0.339%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 67 counties. The county's $342 median tax is notably below the state median of $511, reflecting Butler's low median home value of $99,700.

Mid-range rates for south Alabama

Butler's 0.343% rate sits between neighboring Pike County's lower rate and Coffee County's higher burden. With a $99,700 median home value, Butler represents an affordable real estate market in the southern part of the state.

Plan for approximately $342 annually

A homeowner with Butler's $99,700 median-value property pays roughly $342 per year in property taxes. Mortgage-paying residents typically see $460 in annual escrow, while those owning free-and-clear pay around $283.

Challenge overvalued assessments in slower markets

Butler County's modest home values mean outdated assessments can significantly overstate your property's worth. If comparable sales in your area suggest a lower value, filing an appeal could reduce your tax obligation without major effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Butler County

via CostByCounty

Butler above national affordability standards

Renters in Butler County spend 19.3% of their income on housing, exceeding the national average of 18% and Alabama's state average of 18% by a meaningful margin. The county's median household income of $44,881 falls well below the national median of $74,755, limiting financial flexibility despite rural affordability.

Moderate affordability challenges in Alabama

Butler County ranks below-average for affordability among Alabama counties, with a 19.3% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state norm. The county faces income limitations similar to other rural peers.

Mid-range rural housing costs and incomes

Butler's median rent of $722 sits between Barbour ($644) and Bibb ($802), offering moderate-rural pricing without the lowest-cost advantage. Its median home value of $99,700 is among the lowest in this group, competitive with Barbour and Bullock for first-time homebuyers.

Modest rents strain limited incomes

Renters pay $722 monthly and homeowners $579 from a median income of just $44,881, consuming roughly 19% of household budgets for housing alone. While costs remain affordable in absolute terms, the county's limited income base means housing expenses still pressure family finances.

Butler best for those with stable outside income

Butler County's $722 median rent and $99,700 home values appeal to budget-conscious movers, but its $44,881 median income suggests caution for local job-seekers. If you have remote work or retirement income, Butler's affordable housing and rural character may offer good value; otherwise, explore higher-wage Alabama counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Butler County

via IncomeByCounty

Butler struggles significantly below national income

Butler County's median household income of $44,881 lags the national median of $74,755 by $29,874—a 40% shortfall placing it among lower-income counties nationwide. This substantial gap reflects limited job diversity and the economic pressures facing rural Alabama's agricultural and small-town base.

Below state average, among poorer Alabama counties

At $44,881, Butler's median household income falls 17% below Alabama's state average of $54,196, ranking it among the state's more economically challenged regions. The county mirrors struggles of other rural southeast Alabama counties facing population losses and shrinking employment bases.

Paired with similarly struggling rural counties

Butler's $44,881 income aligns closely with Barbour County ($44,290), forming a pair of adjacent rural counties facing comparable economic headwinds. Both lag stronger-performing areas like Blount and Calhoun by $10,000-$20,000 in household income, reflecting their isolation from job centers and economic hubs.

Low housing costs provide modest relief

Butler's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% sits just under the 20% affordability threshold, and median home values of $99,700 remain highly accessible. However, these low housing costs mask underlying income inadequacy—residents struggle with transportation, healthcare, and education expenses despite affordable shelter.

Build resilience before pursuing investment growth

Butler households earning $44,881 need financial resilience before wealth accumulation—prioritize paying down debt, establishing emergency savings, and stabilizing income. Community action agencies, local workforce programs, and microfinance lenders offer more realistic starting points than traditional investment advice for this income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Butler County

via CrimeByCounty

Butler County Crime Exceeds National Levels

Butler County reports a total crime rate of 2866.0 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 95.5, indicating more frequent incidents than safer neighbors.

Below the Alabama Safety Average

Butler County’s safety score of 95.5 trails the state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 2866.0 is also significantly higher than the Alabama state average of 1731.0 per 100K.

Higher Crime Rates Than Bullock County

With a rate of 2866.0, Butler County sees more than double the crime of neighboring Bullock County at 1365.2. This data shows Butler is a regional outlier with higher reported criminal activity.

Challenges in Both Crime Categories

Violent crime in Butler stands at 532.1 per 100K, well above the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2333.9, compared to the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Invest in Robust Home Protection

High rates of property and violent crime make home security systems a necessary investment. Use high-quality locks and consider a monitored alarm service to provide an extra layer of protection for your family.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Butler County

via HealthByCounty

Butler trails U.S. health averages on key metrics

At 71.5 years, Butler's life expectancy falls 1.9 years below the U.S. average of 73.4 years, with 26.0% of adults in poor or fair health. These figures point to significant chronic disease burden, limited preventive care, or socioeconomic barriers affecting daily wellness.

Among Alabama's lower-performing health counties

Butler's 71.5-year life expectancy sits 0.6 years below Alabama's 72.1 state average, and the 26.0% poor/fair health rate indicates substantial unmet medical needs. At 10.4% uninsured, Butler is roughly aligned with the state average, but limited providers mean coverage alone doesn't guarantee care access.

Limited primary care, stronger mental health support

Butler's 71.5-year life expectancy trails nearby Conecuh and Pike counties, though the 87 mental health providers per 100K is an unexpected strength. However, just 27 primary care providers per 100K leave gaps in routine preventive care, forcing residents to seek specialty behavioral health first.

Imbalanced provider network strains system

Butler's 10.4% uninsured rate affects roughly 1,500 residents, and those with coverage find just 27 primary care providers per 100K available for routine appointments. The county's unusual strength in mental health (87 providers per 100K) suggests targeted investment, but weak primary care undermines upstream disease prevention.

Ensure coverage to access available care

Butler County's 10.4% uninsured rate leaves over 1,500 residents vulnerable, and with only 27 primary care providers per 100K, those without insurance risk untreated illness. Visit Healthcare.gov or Alabama Medicaid to enroll; coverage is essential to access the limited primary care capacity available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Butler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Traditional Education in Butler County

Butler County features seven public schools serving 2,900 students under one unified school district. The system is comprised of two elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and two K-12 'other' schools. This variety of school types helps serve both town centers and outlying rural areas.

Competitive Spending and Academic Scores

The county achieves an 84.0% graduation rate, trailing the state average of 90.7%. Spending is nearly aligned with the state average at $6,091 per pupil, though it remains below the national average of $13,000. Butler County carries a school composite score of 48.4, positioning it near many of its regional neighbors.

One District, One Community

The Butler County School District manages all seven schools and 2,900 students within the county. Greenville High School is the largest campus in the district, enrolling 659 students in grades 9-12. The absence of charter schools means the county maintains a strong focus on its unified public system.

From Town Squares to Rural Paths

The county’s school locales are split between four rural sites and three town settings. With an average school size of 483 students, the environment is personal and avoids the overcrowding seen in larger counties. McKenzie High and Georgiana School offer unique PK-12 environments, serving as total-community schools.

Quiet Neighborhoods and Steady Schools

Butler County provides a traditional Alabama lifestyle with schools that are deeply integrated into town life in Greenville and Georgiana. The mix of town and rural schools offers families diverse housing options from historic town homes to rural acreage. Explore what this community has to offer for your family's next move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Butler County

via RiskByCounty

Butler ranks low on national disaster scale

Butler County's composite risk score of 45.17 places it in the Relatively Low category nationally. The county benefits from its inland position and distance from major earthquake zones, though some hazards remain present.

Below-average risk for Alabama

Butler's 45.17 score sits well below Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it one of the state's safer counties. The southern location exposes it to hurricane effects, but flood and wildfire risks remain manageable.

Butler safer than some, riskier than others

Butler (45.17) has lower risk than Autauga (57.57) and Barbour (48.12) but higher than Bibb (39.12) and Bullock (25.25). Its south-central position places it in Alabama's moderate-risk band, with balanced hazard exposure.

Hurricane and tornado risks lead threats

Hurricane risk of 85.86 is Butler's highest exposure, reflecting the county's southern position and tropical system vulnerability. Tornado risk of 67.24 represents the secondary concern, while flood (36.13) and wildfire (31.08) risks remain relatively low.

Storm coverage and basic prep matter

Butler homeowners should ensure wind and hail coverage for tropical system impacts and tornado events. Flood insurance is optional for most properties but recommended for those in or near mapped floodplains in this moderate-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Butler County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm humid deep south

Butler averages 64.5°F annually, significantly warmer than the national median and characteristic of the Deep South. Its climate is dominated by warm air from the Gulf.

Warmer than the state average

This county runs hotter than the 63.2°F Alabama average, contributing to the state's warm reputation. It experiences more intense heat than the northern mountain regions.

Higher heat than Bullock

With 71 days of extreme heat, Butler feels noticeably warmer than neighboring Bullock's 54 days. It also sees about five inches more rain annually than its neighbor to the east.

Heavy rain and high heat

Heavy rainfall of 60.3 inches pairs with 80.2°F July temperatures to create a very humid summer environment. Snow is a rarity, with only 0.3 inches recorded on average.

Gutter and AC maintenance

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling and ensure gutter systems can handle the heavy 60.3-inch annual rainfall. Moisture control is key to home maintenance in this humid climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Butler County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ground in Butler

Butler's soils likely align with the Alabama average pH of 5.21, which is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidic baseline is a common challenge for local horticulturists and farmers.

Mapping Butler's Soil Mix

Current datasets do not provide specific sand, silt, or clay percentages for the county. Most Butler acreage features loamy textures that offer a balance of workability and drainage for various uses.

Boosting the State Average

With Alabama's organic matter averaging 1.74%, Butler growers have room to improve soil health toward the 2.0% national benchmark. Better soil structure helps hold moisture more effectively than the state average of 0.138 in/in.

Drainage for Diverse Landscapes

Butler's dominant drainage class is not currently recorded, requiring site-by-site evaluations for builders. Effective water management is essential for maintaining the health of the county's vast timberlands.

Blooming Success in Zone 8b

As a Zone 8b region, Butler is famous for its camellias and lush ornamental gardens. The mild winters and long summers are perfect for growing everything from azaleas to summer squash.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Butler County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf Care in Butler County

Butler County has a lawn difficulty score of 22.9, indicating it is significantly harder to manage than the national average. This score also places it below the state average of 29.5, suggesting local challenges. Residents in this Zone 8b area must be proactive with their lawn care routines.

Hot and Humid Growing Conditions

With 71 extreme heat days and 60.3 inches of rain, Butler County is both hotter and wetter than many of its neighbors. This high level of precipitation can lead to nutrient runoff and rapid weed growth. You will need to balance frequent mowing with careful moisture management.

Preparing the Ground for Growth

Specific soil metrics like pH and drainage class are not available for Butler County. Given the high annual rainfall, you should ensure your lawn has proper grading to prevent water from pooling. Testing your soil locally is the best way to determine your specific fertilization needs.

Managing Water During Severe Drought

The county is currently facing 100% severe drought (D2+) and has dealt with 25 weeks of drought in the past year. To conserve water, you should only irrigate in the early morning to minimize loss from evaporation. These steps are crucial for maintaining lawn health during intense dry periods.

Planting Advice for Butler County

Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses are excellent choices for Butler’s hot, humid climate. Start your planting or sodding after the final frost on March 28 to give the grass its best chance. This timing allows for a strong root system to develop before the 71 days of extreme heat begin.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butler County's county score?
Butler County, Alabama has a composite county score of 45 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Butler County rank among counties in Alabama?
Butler County ranks #58 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Butler County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Butler County is $342, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Butler County a tax score of 96.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butler County?
The median household income in Butler County, Alabama is $44,881 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butler County earns an income score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butler County, Alabama a good place to live?
Butler County scores 45/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Butler County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Butler County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.