59.7
County Score
Health 90.1Income & Jobs 89.9Schools 80.7

County Report Card

About Butler County, Pennsylvania

Butler County Significantly Beats National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 59.7, Butler County sits well ahead of the national median score of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a quality of life that is superior to a large majority of U.S. counties.

A Top-Tier Pennsylvania Performer

Butler County’s score of 59.7 is nearly eight points higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It ranks as one of the most well-rounded counties in the state for health and economic stability.

Exceptional Health and Income Levels

The county boasts an impressive Health Score of 90.1 and an Income Score of 89.9, supported by a median household income of $86,775. Safety also remains a major draw, with a score of 79.1 providing peace of mind for residents.

Addressing Housing Costs and Environmental Risk

While generally stable, the county faces a Cost Score of 24.0, indicating that housing is less affordable than in more rural neighbors. The Risk Score of 20.7 also suggests that the area has notable exposure to natural hazards.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Professionals

Butler County is an excellent choice for families and retirees who value superior healthcare and safe neighborhoods. It offers a premium lifestyle where high income potential justifies the slightly higher than average housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax33.1Cost24Safety79.1Health90.1Schools80.7Income89.9Risk20.7Water51.2Weather54.4
🏛33.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠24
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼89.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡79.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
90.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓80.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
20.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧51.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤54.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨44.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱63.7
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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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 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.

Safety in Butler County

via CrimeByCounty

Butler County Achieves Elite Safety Status

Butler County boasts a stellar 99.2 safety score, one of the highest in the region. The total crime rate of 497.0 per 100,000 is approximately one-fifth of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Pennsylvania

Butler County significantly outpaces the state average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate is nearly half of the Pennsylvania average of 932.4 per 100,000 residents.

Setting the Standard for the Region

Butler's crime rate of 497.0 is lower than nearby Clarion County's rate of 792.2. It even edges out Centre County, which reports a rate of 519.3 per 100,000.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime stands at a very low 51.9 per 100,000, while property crime is 445.1. These figures indicate that residents are notably safer from both theft and physical harm than the average American.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Local police across 28 agencies emphasize that prevention is key to keeping crime rates low. Simple home security habits help maintain Butler County's reputation as a safe place to live and work.

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.

Schools in Butler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Districts North of Pittsburgh

Butler County operates 38 public schools across eight school districts, serving a total of 24,522 students. The landscape is evenly split between secondary and primary levels, with 20 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and nine high schools. This structured system provides a consistent pipeline for students from kindergarten through graduation.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves a 93.0% graduation rate, which is six points higher than the national average. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $9,825, slightly trailing the state average of $10,336. Despite the lower spending, the county maintains a school score of 61.2, outperforming the state average of 60.9.

Seneca Valley and Butler Area Lead

Seneca Valley School District is the county's largest, enrolling 7,381 students across eight schools. Butler Area School District follows closely, managing nine schools and 5,942 students. Notably, the county currently operates no charter schools, keeping all 24,522 students within traditional public districts.

A Mix of Rural and Town Settings

The county's school character is defined by its 20 rural and 11 town-based campuses, creating a sense of local community. Seneca Valley High School is the largest facility with 2,307 students, though the countywide average school size is 645. Students here experience a blend of large-scale secondary schools and intimate elementary settings.

Education as a Homebuying Factor

Butler County offers a variety of residential settings, from suburban neighborhoods near Seneca Valley to rural properties in the northern districts. High graduation rates make the area a top choice for families moving to the Greater Pittsburgh region. Consider local school boundaries as you evaluate your next home purchase.

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.

Weather & Climate in Butler County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Climates in Western Pennsylvania

Butler County's 48.3°F average annual temperature sits below the national median. This reflects a typical humid continental profile common in the northern United States.

Trailing the State Temperature Average

At 48.3°F, Butler County is cooler than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F. The county experiences more traditional, colder winters than the metropolitan areas in the east.

Warmer and Drier Than Northern Clarion

Butler County stays warmer than neighboring Clarion County's 46.9°F average. It also records slightly less precipitation than the state average, totaling 44.2 inches annually.

Substantial Snow and Mild Summers

Winter brings 34.9 inches of snow, keeping the January average at a chilly 25.5°F. July is comfortable at 69.8°F, with only 10 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually.

Prioritize Winter Readiness and Heating

Invest in high-quality snow removal equipment to manage the nearly 35 inches of annual snowfall. Modern insulation helps maintain comfort during the 28.0°F winter average.

Soil Quality in Butler County

via SoilByCounty

Silt loams and acidic Entisols

Butler County features a dominant silt loam texture and belongs to the Entisols taxonomic order. With a pH of 5.18, these soils are more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This combination indicates relatively young soil that may require pH adjustments for optimal crop yields.

Silt-heavy composition aids workability

The soil mix consists of 27.1% sand, 47.4% silt, and 16.5% clay. This high silt-to-clay ratio creates a fertile medium that holds moisture well while remaining easy to till. It provides a better balance for nutrient retention than more sandy neighboring regions.

Superior water capacity boosts growth

Butler's available water capacity of 0.161 inches per inch beats the state average of 0.151, providing a buffer during dry spells. Organic matter stands at 5.48%, which is more than double the national average of 2.0%. These factors combine to create a highly productive environment for local agriculture.

Well-drained soil with high runoff potential

The soil is classified as well-drained, which is ideal for root health and preventing rot. However, it belongs to Hydrologic Group D, meaning it has a high runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Farmers and builders should implement erosion controls to manage water flow during heavy Pennsylvania rains.

Gardening in the heart of Zone 6a

Butler County is in Hardiness Zone 6a, making it ideal for hardy perennials and cool-season vegetables like kale and carrots. The well-drained silt loam provides an excellent foundation for diverse planting. Now is the perfect time to prep your beds for a bountiful harvest.

Lawn Care in Butler County

via LawnByCounty

Butler County Offers Ideal Lawn Growing Conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 63.7, Butler County is one of the easier places in the state to maintain a healthy yard. This score beats both the Pennsylvania average of 59.2 and the national median of 50.0. Residents in hardiness zone 6a benefit from a climate that is naturally supportive of turfgrass.

Moderate Temps Keep Cool-Season Grasses Happy

Lawns in Butler enjoy 44.2 inches of annual precipitation, falling perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range. The county experiences only 10 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average and helps prevent grass from going dormant in July. Lower growing degree days of 2503 mean a manageable mowing schedule compared to southern counties.

Silt Loam Provides a Solid Foundation

Butler County features well-drained silt loam soil that naturally manages moisture and aeration well. However, the average soil pH of 5.18 is quite acidic compared to the target 6.0-7.0 range. You will likely need to incorporate lime and organic matter to bring those levels up for optimal growth.

Consistent Moisture Minimizes Drought Stress

The county only experienced 7 weeks of drought over the last year, showing much higher resilience than neighboring regions. Currently, just 11.1% of the county is considered abnormally dry. To maintain this advantage, focus on mulching your clippings to retain soil moisture during the occasional dry week.

Plant Cool-Season Varieties by Early May

Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass thrive in the 6a climate of Butler County. Plan your spring seeding after the last frost on May 7th or target the late August window for even better results. Healthy growth starts with a soil test to address that low 5.18 pH before you spread seed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butler County's county score?
Butler County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 59.7 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 Pennsylvania?
Butler County ranks #6 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Butler County is $2,950, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Butler County a tax score of 33.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butler County?
The median household income in Butler County, Pennsylvania is $86,775 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butler County earns an income score of 89.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butler County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Butler County scores 59.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Pennsylvania. 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.