countyscore
36.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85Lawn Care 83.5

County Report Card

About Butler County, Ohio

Butler County Trails National Standards

Butler County earns a composite score of 36.2, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a lower overall ranking compared to typical counties across the United States.

Falling Below the Ohio Average

The county's 36.2 overall score lags behind the Ohio state average of 48.6. It struggles to match the livability benchmarks set by higher-performing counties within the state.

High Earning Potential and Clean Water

Butler excels with an income score of 85.0, supported by a strong median household income of $81,194. It also maintains exceptional water quality with a score of 86.0, ensuring a reliable local resource.

Confronting High Risk and Costs

Natural disaster risk remains a significant challenge with a low score of 8.5. Housing affordability is also tight, as a 18.4 cost score reflects the pressure of $1,098 median monthly rents.

A Hub for Prosperous Professionals

This county best serves high-earning households who value income growth and infrastructure over low costs. It is ideal for families who can trade housing affordability for access to a high-performing labor market.

Score breakdown

Tax23.9Cost18.4Safety31Health60.4Schools33.1Income85Risk8.5Water86Weather53
🏛23.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.5
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 →
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Nearby counties

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47.3
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Ohio
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Hamilton County
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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 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

Safety in Butler County

via CrimeByCounty

Butler County remains safer than national benchmarks

Butler County reports a total crime rate of 1628.6 per 100K residents, performing significantly better than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a high safety score of 97.4 out of 100.

Matching the high safety standards of Ohio

The county's safety score of 97.4 sits just slightly below the Ohio state average of 97.8. Despite a slightly higher total crime rate than the state average, Butler remains a secure region by broader standards.

Higher crime activity than southern neighbors

Butler's crime rate of 1628.6 per 100K is higher than neighboring Clermont County, which maintains a lower rate of 1190.3. However, Butler remains much safer than Clark County to the northeast.

Property theft drives local crime statistics

Property crimes make up 1472.0 of the total incidents per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 156.6. This means residents are nearly ten times more likely to encounter theft than a violent encounter.

Prioritize residential security and theft prevention

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on securing homes and vehicles. Smart cameras and upgraded locks offer an effective first line of defense against local theft trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Butler County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Infrastructure in Butler

Butler County manages a large network of 89 public schools serving 59,856 students across 16 different districts. The system includes 51 elementary, 16 middle, and 20 high schools to accommodate the significant student population. This diverse infrastructure supports a broad range of learners across one of the state's most populated counties.

Evaluating Performance and Educational Investment

The county reports an 86.2% graduation rate, which sits just below the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 88.3%. Per-pupil expenditure currently averages $6,943, trailing the state average of $7,994 and the national benchmark of $13,000. Despite lower spending, the county maintains a school score of 51.4, remaining competitive with the national median.

Spotlighting Major Districts and School Choices

Lakota Local stands as the largest district with 17,699 students across 22 schools, followed by Hamilton City with 9,337 students. Families have access to five charter schools, which represent 5.6% of the total school landscape in the county. Large urban districts like Middletown City also play a vital role, serving over 6,100 students.

Suburban Learning at a Significant Scale

With 74 of its 89 schools located in suburban settings, the county offers a traditional neighborhood school feel. The average school size is 680 students, though Lakota West High School reaches a massive 2,740 students. This mix primarily favors suburban environments, with a smaller portion of 14 schools serving rural areas.

Finding Your Home Near Butler Schools

Prospective homeowners will find a wide variety of residential options near high-performing suburban districts like Lakota. School quality remains a primary driver of property values across the county's 16 districts. We encourage families to explore local real estate to find the perfect match for their educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Butler County

via WeatherByCounty

Butler County’s Warm Continental Profile

Butler County averages 53.7°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median for temperate climates. This humid continental region experiences more warmth than many of its Midwestern counterparts.

Warmer Than the Ohio Average

The county ranks as one of the warmer spots in the state, exceeding the Ohio average of 51.5°F by more than two degrees. Its 42.8 inches of annual precipitation also sits slightly higher than the state baseline of 41.2 inches.

A Local Heat Leader

Butler is significantly warmer than northern neighbors like Champaign, which averages only 51.2°F. While it shares a similar heat profile with Clermont County, Butler experiences more extreme heat days than Clark County to the northeast.

Hot Summers and Light Snow

Summer brings 32 days of heat at or above 90°F, making July averages reach a balmy 75.7°F. Winters stay relatively mild for Ohio, with a January average of 30.1°F and just 9.7 inches of total annual snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Humidity Control

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency air conditioning to manage the frequent 90°F days. Because snowfall is under 10 inches, residents can focus less on heavy plowing equipment and more on summer heat safety.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Butler County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Mollisols Lead Butler County

Butler County features Mollisols with a pH of 6.50, matching the national median exactly. This neutral profile is significantly less acidic than the Ohio state average of 5.97.

Silty Clay Loam Dominates

The soil consists of 55.0% silt and 20.3% clay, creating a heavy silty clay loam texture. While the 24.7% sand helps with some aeration, the high silt content requires careful management to avoid compaction.

Strong Water Capacity Despite Lower Organic Matter

The soil holds 0.205 inches of water per inch, beating the state average of 0.186. Although organic matter sits at a modest 2.09%—less than half the state average—the high water capacity fuels steady growth.

Managing Water in C/D Hydrologic Groups

These soils are classified as very poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group C/D. Local builders and farmers must prioritize drainage systems to manage the ground's natural tendency to stay saturated.

Thriving in Zone 6b

With a hardiness zone of 6b and neutral pH, Butler County is a haven for vegetable staples like tomatoes and peppers. The soil's ability to retain moisture supports a productive home garden throughout the summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Butler County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Conditions for Butler County Lawns

Butler County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 83.5, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. As a Hardiness Zone 6b region, it outpaces the Ohio state average of 76.0 for growing ease. Residents can enjoy lush landscapes with much less struggle than the typical American homeowner.

Managing High Heat and Rainfall

The county receives a healthy 42.8 inches of annual precipitation, which sits right in the ideal range for cool-season grasses. However, homeowners must navigate 32 extreme heat days per year, which is more than double the state average of 15. The 3650 growing degree days signal a fast-moving season that requires a frequent mowing schedule.

Navigating Silty Clay and Drainage

The local soil is a silty clay loam with a near-perfect pH of 6.50, sitting right in the 6.0-7.0 ideal window. While the chemistry is excellent, the soil is classified as very poorly drained, meaning aeration is essential to prevent waterlogging. Homeowners should focus on managing runoff to keep roots from suffocating in the 20.3% clay mix.

Consistent Moisture with Low Drought Risk

Butler County has experienced only 5 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 0% of the area faces abnormally dry conditions. This stability reduces the need for heavy supplemental irrigation compared to drier neighbors. To maintain this resilience, continue deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth.

Best Growing Times for Zone 6b

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the top choices for this climate, thriving between the April 22 last frost and October 22 first frost. With such a high difficulty score, Butler County is an ideal place to start a new lawn or overseed existing turf. Early fall is the best time to seed here to take advantage of cooling temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butler County's county score?
Butler County, Ohio has a composite county score of 36.2 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 Ohio?
Butler County ranks #81 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Butler County is $3,010, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Butler County a tax score of 23.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butler County?
The median household income in Butler County, Ohio is $81,194 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butler County earns an income score of 85/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butler County, Ohio a good place to live?
Butler County scores 36.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Ohio. 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.