CountyScore

Butler County

Ohio · OH

#78 in Ohio
61.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Butler County, Ohio

Butler County outpaces the nation

Butler County's composite score of 64.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties on overall livability. This 29% advantage over the national benchmark reflects solid performance in affordability and tax burden, though income levels lag behind what the rest of the state manages.

Slightly below Ohio's county average

Among Ohio's 88 counties, Butler ranks below the state average composite score of 68.8, indicating room for improvement relative to neighboring counties. Still, its 64.6 score reflects competitive strengths in cost and tax efficiency that appeal to budget-conscious families and retirees.

Affordability and tax efficiency shine

Butler County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 69.5 and maintains reasonable taxes at an effective rate of 1.239%. Median home values of $243,000 and rents around $1,098/month offer middle-market options, while household incomes average $81,194—solid middle-class territory that supports the local economy.

Income growth lags state peers

With an income score of 36.4, Butler County trails most Ohio neighbors in wage levels and earning potential. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unavailable, limiting a fuller assessment of what residents experience daily beyond financial metrics.

A solid landing spot for budget-minded families

Butler County suits families and workers prioritizing affordable housing and moderate taxes over maximum earning potential or amenities. If you're building a middle-class life on a typical salary and want reasonable home prices without premium tax burden, Butler delivers consistent, reliable livability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.4Cost69.5SafetyComing SoonHealth71.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.4Risk8.5WaterComing Soon
🏛67.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡8.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Butler County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calaveras County
California
61.6
Median income: $79,877
Volusia County
Florida
61.6
Median income: $66,581
Washoe County
Nevada
61.6
Median income: $85,600
Greene County
Ohio
61.6
Median income: $85,218
Austin County
Texas
61.6
Median income: $75,994

Deep Dives

Butler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Butler County

via TaxByCounty

Butler County taxes run higher than nation

Butler County's effective tax rate of 1.239% sits well above the national median of 0.84%, placing the county in roughly the 70th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $3,010, compared to the national median of $2,690—meaning Butler County homeowners pay about $320 more annually than the typical American.

Above-average taxes for Ohio

Butler County ranks among Ohio's higher-tax counties with an effective rate of 1.239%, compared to the state average of 1.148%. The median tax bill of $3,010 exceeds Ohio's median by $865, reflecting one of the steeper burdens in the state.

Clermont County leads region in rates

Among southwestern Ohio counties, Clermont County has the highest effective rate at 1.279%, followed closely by Butler at 1.239%. Clark County also runs high at 1.246%, while Clinton and Champaign counties offer slightly lower burdens at around 1.04%.

What $243K home costs annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $243,000 in Butler County pays approximately $3,010 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill typically rises to $3,234 due to escrow adjustments and fees.

Many Butler homeowners can appeal

Countywide, numerous homeowners are assessed above fair market value and don't realize they can file a tax appeal. Consulting with a local assessor's office or tax professional could uncover hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Butler County

via CostByCounty

Butler's rent burden tops national average

Butler County residents spend 16.2% of their income on rent, outpacing the nation's typical 15% threshold and signaling tighter affordability than most American counties. With a median household income of $81,194—well above the national median of $74,755—Butler's higher rent-to-income ratio reflects both stronger local earnings and competitive housing costs across the region.

Slightly above Ohio's affordability benchmark

Butler's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the middle tier of Ohio county affordability. The county's median rent of $1,098 exceeds Ohio's average by 26%, reflecting its position as a more economically vibrant region within the state.

Higher rent, higher incomes nearby

Butler County's median rent of $1,098 is notably higher than Clermont County ($1,040) and Carroll County ($780), though Butler's stronger median income of $81,194 helps offset the cost premium. Among its regional peers, Butler remains competitive but positioned as the pricier option for renters seeking stability and employment.

Housing takes 16.2% of Butler paychecks

Renters in Butler County allocate roughly $1,098 monthly, while homeowners carry mortgage costs averaging $1,247—both substantial but manageable on the county's $81,194 median household income. The typical home value of $243,000 reflects a balanced market where housing costs remain within reach for most middle-income households.

Consider Butler for income-boosted affordability

If you're relocating to Ohio and prioritize stronger wage potential, Butler County offers above-average earnings that help offset its higher housing costs. Compare Butler's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% against nearby options like Carroll County (14.5%) or Clermont County (15.0%) to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Butler County

via IncomeByCounty

Butler outearns the nation

Butler County's median household income of $81,194 runs 8.6% ahead of the $74,755 national median, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This comfortable cushion reflects a strong regional economy anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services.

Top earner among Ohio counties

At $81,194, Butler County ranks among the highest-income counties in Ohio, trailing only the state's wealthiest metro suburbs. This puts it 19.2% above Ohio's county average of $68,101, signaling robust household earning power.

Leading the southwest corridor

Butler County's $81,194 median substantially exceeds nearby Clermont County ($83,178) in the Cincinnati region and Clark County ($60,846) to the north. Among its immediate peers, Butler combines upper-middle-class earning power with access to major employment centers.

Housing costs stay manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.2%, Butler County households spend a below-average share of income on housing, well within the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $243,000 remain accessible to households earning the county median.

Build on income stability

Butler County households earning $81,000+ have real capacity to invest, save for retirement, and build equity in property. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged accounts and diversify beyond home equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Butler County

via HealthByCounty

Butler County lives longer than average

At 75.4 years, Butler County residents live about 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years. Just 18.9% report poor or fair health, below the national rate of 21%, suggesting generally strong health outcomes across the county.

Above Ohio average on longevity

Butler County's 75.4-year life expectancy edges out Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, placing it among the healthier counties statewide. The county's 18.9% poor/fair health rate also outperforms most state peers.

Regional health leader in southwest Ohio

Butler County residents enjoy better health outcomes than most neighbors: life expectancy surpasses Carroll County (75.0) and Clark County (72.3). Its 6.5% uninsured rate is also among the lowest regionally, just below the state average of 7.5%.

Strong provider access supports health

Butler County has 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above the state average—and 291 mental health providers per 100,000, among the highest in the region. Only 6.5% of residents lack health insurance, meaning nearly all have pathways to regular care.

Keep coverage strong year-round

With such strong insurance rates, Butler County residents should maintain coverage to protect gains in health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local community health center to explore plans and ensure uninterrupted access to primary and mental health care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Butler County

via RiskByCounty

Butler County faces above-average disaster risk

Butler County's composite risk score of 91.48 places it well above the national average, signaling elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards. This "Relatively Moderate" rating means residents face meaningfully higher risk than the typical American county, particularly from severe weather events.

Among Ohio's most vulnerable counties

Butler County ranks near the top for disaster risk across Ohio, with a score significantly higher than the state average of 55.03. This makes it one of the counties in Ohio where residents should prioritize preparedness and protective measures most seriously.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Butler County's score of 91.48 substantially exceeds those of neighboring Clermont County (77.86) and Columbiana County (69.05). This variation reflects Butler's particular vulnerability to the specific hazard types that define its composite risk profile.

Tornadoes and floods dominate here

Tornado risk reaches 98.03 in Butler County—exceptionally high—while flood risk stands at 93.00, both far exceeding most Ohio counties. Earthquake risk (85.34) also warrants attention, though wildfire risk remains comparatively low at 41.19.

Prioritize flood and storm coverage

Given the extreme tornado (98.03) and flood (93.00) risks, Butler County residents should ensure comprehensive homeowner's insurance with specific tornado and flood endorsements. A basement safe room or storm shelter can provide life-saving protection during severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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