Butler County, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,393
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,092/yr
7.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,455
0.0% year-over-year change

Butler County population

How many people live in Butler County

Butler County is home to 12,393 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Butler County locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
12,393
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
6,414
Female
48.2%
5,979
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,414 51.8% 0.5%
Female 5,979 48.2% -0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Butler County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 25.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
25.9%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,381 19.2% -0.2%
15 to 24 1,321 10.7% 0.8%
25 to 44 3,074 24.8% -1.1%
45 to 64 3,211 25.9% -0.5%
Over 65 2,406 19.4% 2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Butler County, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,079 97.5% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 85 0.7% 14.9%
Non-citizens 229 1.8% -3.8%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.9%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 11,481 92.6%
Black or African American 2 0%
Asian 31 0.2%
Two or more races 732 5.9%
Other 147 1.2%

Households in Butler County

A peek inside Butler County households

Butler County has 4,567 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.1% are families, while the remaining 32.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,567
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,504
Family households
3,063
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,504 32.9% 4.1%
Family households 3,063 67.1% -1.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Butler County

The housing landscape of Butler County

Butler County's housing consists of 5,455 units, with 66.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 24.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,455
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,642 66.8%
1 unit, attached 13 0.2%
2 units 171 3.1%
3 or 4 units 70 1.3%
5 to 9 units 91 1.7%
10 to 19 units 138 2.5%
20 to 49 units 2 0%
Mobile home 1,323 24.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
29
222.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Butler County

In Butler County, the median construction year is 1988. About 7.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 385 7.1% -1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 167 3.1% 39.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 305 5.6% 5.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 495 9.1% -8.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 842 15.4% -8.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 671 12.3% -12.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,058 19.4% -2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 624 11.4% 14.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 879 16.1% 12.1%
Built in 2020 or later 29 0.5% 222.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Butler County occupancy rates

Out of the 4,567 occupied housing units in Butler County, 73.7% are owner-occupied, while 26.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,567
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,200
Owner occupied
3,367
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,200 26.3% -2.0%
Owner occupied 3,367 73.7% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
16.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Butler County housing costs

Housing costs in Butler County come to a median of $619 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $679.

Median housing costs per month
$619/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Butler County
$679/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Butler County

Butler County education at a glance

About 56.3% of the population in Butler County went to high school, while 15.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 978 10.3% 28.5%
High school diploma 5,360 56.3% -5.5%
College diploma 1,436 15.1% -8.5%
Associate degree 871 9.1% 36.1%
Bachelor's degree 481 5% 2.1%
Graduate degree 400 4.2% 3.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Butler County

How much people earn in Butler County

The average annual household income in Butler County was $66,803 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,092, reflecting a +7.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Butler County
$66,803/year
8.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Butler County
$56,092/year
7.9% year-over-year change

Butler County income by age

In Butler County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,153. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $67,891 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,676, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,184 in earnings. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,676 4.9%
25 - 44 $72,153 5.4%
45 - 64 $67,891 19.7%
Over 65 $45,184 18.3%
Above poverty level
9,525
Below poverty level
2,418
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,525 79.8% -2.2%
Below poverty level 2,418 20.2% 10.0%

Employment in Butler County

Workforce and job types in Butler County

The job market in Butler County is powered by 4,935 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16% run their own businesses, 66.8% are employed by private companies, and 10% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,935
2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
3,003
Blue collar
1,932
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,003 60.8% 4.6%
Blue collar 1,932 39.2% -1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
16%
Private companies
66.8%
Governmental workers
10%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 788 16% 12.6%
Private companies 3,299 66.8% 3.6%
Governmental workers 493 10% -23.8%
Not for profit companies 355 7.2% 15.3%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
5.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Butler County stands at 4.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Butler County

How people get around in Butler County

In Butler County, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,482 91.6% -1.2%
Taxicab 16 0.3% N/A
Motorcycle 7 0.1% N/A
Walk 262 5.4% 175.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Butler County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42256 5,124 2,086 $58,794 $77,534
42261 9,641 3,577 $52,953 $63,602
42273 519 241 $59,745 $86,300
42275 855 329 $45,391 $113,284
42339 840 318 $46,667 $70,618

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FAQs about Butler County demographics 

What is the total population of Butler County?

Butler County has a total population of 12,393 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Butler County?

The gender ratio in Butler County is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (6,414 residents)
  • 48.2% females (5,979 residents)

What is the median age in Butler County?

The median age in Butler County is 41.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Butler County?

The age distribution in Butler County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (2,381 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (1,321 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (3,074 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.9% (3,211 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (2,406 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Butler County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Butler County is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (11,481 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (31 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.9% (732 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (147 residents)

What percentage of the population in Butler County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Butler County.

How many housing units are there in Butler County?

There are 5,455 housing units in Butler County, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Butler County and what is the average household size?

Butler County has a total of 4,567 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Butler County?

Butler County has a median household income of $56,092, representing a +7.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Butler County?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Butler County, with a workforce of 4,935 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.8% (3,003 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.2% (1,932 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16% (788 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.8% (3,299 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10% (493 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (355 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025