Butte, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
34,703
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,814/yr
13.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,115
0.9% year-over-year change

Butte population

How many people live in Butte

Butte is home to 34,703 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.6% of Butte locals are male, and 48.4% are female.

Total population
34,703
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
17,923
Female
48.4%
16,780
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,923 51.6% 0.1%
Female 16,780 48.4% 0.3%
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 Butte is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,761 16.6% -3.7%
15 to 24 4,947 14.3% 0.7%
25 to 44 8,663 25% 1.0%
45 to 64 8,557 24.7% 0.9%
Over 65 6,775 19.5% 1.5%
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 Butte, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 34,156 98.4% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 360 1% -17.4%
Non-citizens 187 0.5% -30.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 31,555 90.9%
Black or African American 19 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 693 2%
Asian 141 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0%
Two or more races 2,105 6.1%
Other 186 0.5%

Households in Butte

A peek inside Butte households

Butte has 15,053 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.5% are families, while the remaining 47.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,053
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,151
Family households
7,902
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,151 47.5% -2.5%
Family households 7,902 52.5% 3.2%
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 Butte

The housing landscape of Butte

Butte's housing consists of 17,115 units, with 72% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% 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 5.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,115
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,319 72%
1 unit, attached 423 2.5%
2 units 558 3.3%
3 or 4 units 806 4.7%
5 to 9 units 462 2.7%
10 to 19 units 337 2%
20 to 49 units 630 3.7%
50 or more units 610 3.6%
Mobile home 971 5.7%
Homes built since 2020
40
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Butte

In Butte, the median construction year is 1978. About 37.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,424 37.5% -0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,054 6.2% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,924 11.2% -3.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,042 6.1% -10.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,406 14.1% 8.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 712 4.2% -12.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,408 8.2% 3.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,008 5.9% 22.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,096 6.4% 4.6%
Built in 2020 or later 40 0.2% 0.0%
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.

Butte occupancy rates

Out of the 15,053 occupied housing units in Butte, 70.1% are owner-occupied, while 29.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,053
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,500
Owner occupied
10,553
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,500 29.9% -0.4%
Owner occupied 10,553 70.1% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
12.0%
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.

Butte housing costs

Housing costs in Butte come to a median of $1,117 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $865.

Median housing costs per month
$1,117/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 Butte
$865/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 Butte

Butte education at a glance

About 38.2% of the population in Butte went to high school, while 26.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 16.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 554 2% -8.1%
High school diploma 10,570 38.2% 0.6%
College diploma 7,377 26.6% 4.3%
Associate degree 2,385 8.6% -6.9%
Bachelor's degree 4,676 16.9% 3.7%
Graduate degree 2,137 7.7% -3.5%
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 Butte

How much people earn in Butte

The average annual household income in Butte was $83,231 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,814, reflecting a +13.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Butte
$83,231/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Butte
$77,814/year
13.2% year-over-year change

Butte income by age

In Butte, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,154. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,265 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,984, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,315 in earnings. Overall, 84.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,984 19.7%
25 - 44 $77,154 3.8%
45 - 64 $107,265 15.9%
Over 65 $53,315 7.9%
Above poverty level
28,402
Below poverty level
5,098
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 28,402 84.8% 1.9%
Below poverty level 5,098 15.2% -7.2%

Average renter income in Butte

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Butte, their median household income was $29,710 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,710
Rent-to-income ratio
34.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Butte

Workforce and job types in Butte

77.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 61.6% are employed by private companies, and 16.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
12,757
Blue collar
3,676
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,757 77.6% 5.1%
Blue collar 3,676 22.4% 6.9%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
61.6%
Governmental workers
16.9%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,617 9.8% -7.5%
Private companies 10,127 61.6% 9.9%
Governmental workers 2,773 16.9% 0.7%
Not for profit companies 1,916 11.7% 3.1%

Transportation in Butte

How people get around in Butte

In Butte, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
6.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,255 96.2% 4.8%
Taxicab 35 0.2% -22.2%
Bus or trolleybus 123 0.8% -14.6%
Walk 399 2.7% -5.5%
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 Butte by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59701 34,232 14,888 $60,437 $80,145
59750 500 178 $95,192 $105,487

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FAQs about Butte demographics 

What is the total population of Butte?

Butte has a total population of 34,703 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 Butte?

The gender ratio in Butte is as follows:
  • 51.6% males (17,923 residents)
  • 48.4% females (16,780 residents)

What is the median age in Butte?

The median age in Butte is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Butte?

The age distribution in Butte is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (5,761 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (4,947 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (8,663 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (8,557 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (6,775 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Butte?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Butte is as follows:
  • White: 90.9% (31,555 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (19 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2% (693 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (141 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (2,105 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (186 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Butte.

How many housing units are there in Butte?

There are 17,115 housing units in Butte, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Butte has a total of 15,053 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Butte?

Butte has a median household income of $77,814, representing a +13.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Butte?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.6% (12,757 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.4% (3,676 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (1,617 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.6% (10,127 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.9% (2,773 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (1,916 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