Butler County

Pennsylvania · PA

#20 in Pennsylvania
67.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Butler County, Pennsylvania

Noticeably Above the National Bar

Butler County's composite score of 68.4 places it 18.4 percentile points above the national median of 50.0, signaling a livable community that outperforms most American counties. This strong showing reflects particularly competitive performance in cost and tax dimensions.

Slightly Above Pennsylvania's Average

Butler County's 68.4 score exceeds Pennsylvania's 66.0 state average by 2.4 points, ranking it in the upper half of state counties. Among the eight profiled counties, it places third overall—a solid mid-tier position in the competitive Pennsylvania landscape.

Affordability and Low Taxes Lead the Way

Butler County excels with a cost score of 72.7 and tax score of 72.2, translating to a median home value of $275,600 and an effective tax rate of just 1.070%. This combination makes it one of Pennsylvania's most affordable and tax-friendly counties.

Income Levels Lag Behind Peers

The county's income score of 40.0 and median household income of $86,775 significantly trail state and regional averages, creating a potential earnings ceiling for residents. This represents the primary trade-off in an otherwise strong value proposition.

Budget-Conscious Families Seeking Value

Butler County is ideal for families prioritizing affordability, low taxes, and stable housing costs over maximum earning potential. It suits working-class and middle-income households seeking long-term stability and avoiding the cost burden of premium PA counties.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.2Cost72.7SafetyComing SoonHealth80.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome40Risk20.7WaterComing Soon
🏛72.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠72.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼40
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
80.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
20.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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 taxes below the national average

At 1.070%, Butler County's effective tax rate sits slightly below the national median of 1.09%, landing in roughly the 48th percentile. The median property tax of $2,950 exceeds the national median of $2,690, but just barely—and homes here cost nearly as much as the national median home value.

One of Pennsylvania's lighter tax burdens

Butler County ranks in the lower third of Pennsylvania counties by effective tax rate, well below the state average of 1.317%. Its median tax bill of $2,950 slightly exceeds the state median of $2,657, but the county's moderate rate keeps the overall burden reasonable.

Butler lighter than Bucks, Clarion even lighter

Butler's 1.070% rate beats nearby Bucks County (1.383%) and Carbon County (1.504%), but trails Clarion County (0.971%), which edges it out as one of the state's lowest. For suburban Pittsburgh residents, Butler offers below-average tax pressure compared to its prosperous neighbors.

Roughly $2,950 per year on median home

On the county median home value of $275,600, the 1.070% effective rate yields an estimated annual property tax of $2,950. This moderate bill reflects Butler's relatively light tax burden for a county with solid property values.

Even modest appeals can add up

Many Butler homeowners overlook the assessment appeal process, despite having legitimate claims to lower valuations. Given the county's reasonable rates, a successful challenge could save hundreds annually—money worth pursuing with a free or low-cost filing.

Cost of Living in Butler County

via CostByCounty

Butler beats national affordability standards

Butler County residents spend just 14.1% of income on rent—well below the 16.5% national benchmark and among the best affordability ratios in Pennsylvania. With a median income of $86,775 and median rent of just $1,018, Butler offers genuine relief compared to most American housing markets.

Pennsylvania's affordability sweet spot

Butler's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks above average for Pennsylvania, where the state average sits at 16.5%. The county's median rent of $1,018 runs only 6% above the state average, making it one of Pennsylvania's most balanced housing markets.

Undercut by rural alternatives, beats suburbs

Butler's $1,018 rent undercuts Bucks County by $519 and Chester County by $673, rivaling the affordability of smaller counties while maintaining stronger economic opportunities. Only Cambria and Clarion counties offer cheaper rents, though Butler provides more job diversity.

Butler's balanced housing equation

Renters allocate $1,018 monthly (14.1% of income) while homeowners spend $1,130 (15.7%), both well below national stress thresholds. The $86,775 median income funds both housing and robust savings potential for Butler households.

Butler attracts smart relocators

Choose Butler if you want suburban amenities, decent job prospects, and genuine housing affordability without sacrificing Pennsylvania's economic vitality. Your relocation math works here: expect $1,018 monthly rent and $275,600 home prices against a solid regional income base.

Income & Jobs in Butler County

via IncomeByCounty

Butler crosses the national threshold

Butler County's median household income of $86,775 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 16%, placing the county solidly in the upper-middle tier nationally. This Western Pennsylvania county outearns roughly 65% of U.S. counties, reflecting a diversified economy of manufacturing, healthcare, and services.

Top third of Pennsylvania counties

Butler County ranks in the top third of Pennsylvania's 67 counties by median household income at $86,775, significantly above the state average of $69,614. The $17,161 income premium over the state mean reflects the region's industrial legacy and modern economic diversification.

Between suburban wealth and rural struggle

Butler County's $86,775 median income sits between affluent Bucks ($111,951) and more modest Clarion ($60,668), capturing the middle-income character of Western Pennsylvania. This positioning reflects Butler's mix of suburban development near Pittsburgh and traditional manufacturing communities.

Low housing burden fuels financial flexibility

Butler County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio is among Pennsylvania's lowest, well below the 30% affordability ceiling, with a median home value of $275,600. This favorable housing burden frees up household budgets for emergency savings, debt repayment, and wealth-building investments.

Build savings with your surplus income

With a 14.1% housing burden and median income of $86,775, Butler County households have room to save 10-15% of gross income for retirement and investments. Establish an emergency fund, maximize 401(k) contributions, and explore diversified investment portfolios to capitalize on your income advantage.

Health in Butler County

via HealthByCounty

Butler's life expectancy slightly above average

Butler County residents live 77.8 years on average, outpacing the national figure of 76.4 years by 1.4 years. With only 12.9% reporting poor or fair health—the lowest in this county set—Butler shows strong community wellness.

Solid health standing across Pennsylvania

Butler County's 77.8-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 76.4 years by 1.4 years, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of Pennsylvania counties. The county's 12.9% poor/fair health rate is notably better than the typical state pattern.

Healthier than Cambria and Clarion

Butler County residents live 3.2 years longer than Cambria County (74.6 years) and 2.9 years longer than Clarion County (74.9 years). However, Chester County (81.0 years) and Centre County (81.3 years) lead the region's longevity rankings.

Good coverage, adequate provider network

Butler's 4.3% uninsured rate ranks among the best in Pennsylvania, well below the state average of 7.0%. The county maintains 68 primary care providers and 236 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, supporting accessible care.

Keep your coverage current

With 4.3% uninsured, Butler County leads the state in coverage, but staying enrolled matters. Check your policy annually at www.healthcare.gov or contact your Pennsylvania health insurance provider to avoid coverage gaps.

Disaster Risk in Butler County

via RiskByCounty

Butler's risk is slightly above average

Butler County's composite risk score of 79.26 places it in the relatively low category, roughly 12 points above Pennsylvania's average of 67.45. While not among the highest-risk areas nationally, Butler residents should still prepare for significant natural hazards.

Moderate risk ranking within Pennsylvania

Butler County ranks in the middle tier of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for overall disaster risk. Its position reflects moderate exposure—not among the state's most vulnerable, but above the least-risk counties.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Butler County's 79.26 score sits between Cambria County (76.43) to the east and Centre County (67.97) to the northeast, suggesting consistent risk levels across this region. Clarion County (30.03) to the north faces significantly lower exposure.

Flooding is Butler's primary concern

Butler County's flood risk score of 89.03 stands as its most prominent hazard and well above state average. While tornado risk (59.80) and earthquake risk (52.13) remain moderate, flooding demands the greatest attention in preparation planning.

Prioritize flood coverage in Butler

With a flood risk score of 89.03, securing standalone flood insurance should be your top home protection priority. Also evaluate your tornado shelter options and maintain an emergency supply kit updated twice yearly.

ByCounty Network

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