Butler, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,212
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,247/yr
6.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,308
1.1% year-over-year change

Butler population

How many people live in Butler

Butler is home to 13,212 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52% of Butler locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
13,212
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52%
6,865
Female
48%
6,347
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,865 52% 2.2%
Female 6,347 48% -3.7%
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 is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.9% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 30.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.9%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
30.6%
Over 65
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,099 15.9% -4.3%
15 to 24 1,979 15% -3.8%
25 to 44 3,450 26.1% -1.1%
45 to 64 4,042 30.6% 4.4%
Over 65 1,642 12.4% -3.2%
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, 96.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.5% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,780 96.7% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 327 2.5% 6.5%
Non-citizens 105 0.8% 14.1%
Racial breakdown
White
90.5%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 11,957 90.5%
Black or African American 417 3.2%
Asian 70 0.5%
Two or more races 564 4.3%
Other 204 1.5%

Households in Butler

A peek inside Butler households

Butler has 6,116 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.5% are families, while the remaining 55.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,116
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,397
Family households
2,719
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,397 55.5% 7.4%
Family households 2,719 44.5% -5.8%
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

The housing landscape of Butler

Butler's housing consists of 7,308 units, with 53% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
7,308
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,875 53%
1 unit, attached 229 3.1%
2 units 1,091 14.9%
3 or 4 units 739 10.1%
5 to 9 units 337 4.6%
10 to 19 units 307 4.2%
20 to 49 units 120 1.6%
50 or more units 579 7.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 31 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
27
-76.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Butler

In Butler, the median construction year is 1938. About 52.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,840 52.6% 2.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 700 9.6% -4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 833 11.4% -14.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 616 8.4% 6.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 796 10.9% 25.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 213 2.9% 12.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 185 2.5% 38.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 98 1.3% -16.9%
Built in 2020 or later 27 0.4% -76.5%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 6,116 occupied housing units in Butler, 46.1% are owner-occupied, while 53.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,116
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,294
Owner occupied
2,822
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,294 53.9% -2.1%
Owner occupied 2,822 46.1% 5.1%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Butler come to a median of $849 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $818.

Median housing costs per month
$849/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
$818/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

Butler education at a glance

About 48.1% of the population in Butler went to high school, while 17.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.8% earned an associate degree and 16.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 193 1.8% 45.1%
High school diploma 5,152 48.1% -4.8%
College diploma 1,902 17.8% 0.8%
Associate degree 1,263 11.8% 3.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,775 16.6% 8.0%
Graduate degree 420 3.9% 7.7%
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

How much people earn in Butler

The average annual household income in Butler was $64,526 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,247, reflecting a +6.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Butler
$64,526/year
9.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Butler
$44,247/year
6.1% year-over-year change

Butler income by age

In Butler, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,662. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $46,951 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,708, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $30,613 in earnings. Overall, 79.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,708 32.7%
25 - 44 $57,662 30.6%
45 - 64 $46,951 3.8%
Over 65 $30,613 -1.9%
Above poverty level
10,019
Below poverty level
2,648
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,019 79.1% 0.8%
Below poverty level 2,648 20.9% -8.2%

Average renter income in Butler

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Butler, their median household income was $25,282 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,282
Rent-to-income ratio
38.8%
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 Butler

Workforce and job types in Butler

The job market in Butler is powered by 6,015 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 74.4% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,015
3.1% year-over-year change
White collar
4,392
Blue collar
1,623
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,392 73% 3.6%
Blue collar 1,623 27% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
74.4%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 303 5% -3.2%
Private companies 4,476 74.4% 0.3%
Governmental workers 575 9.6% 21.3%
Not for profit companies 661 11% 13.0%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
-7.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Butler stands at 8.2%, 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

How people get around in Butler

In Butler, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
4.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,949 83.4% 4.5%
Bus or trolleybus 98 1.6% 0.0%
Bicycle 69 1.2% 200.0%
Walk 304 5.1% -1.9%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
16001 39,234 17,900 $63,635 $86,332

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FAQs about Butler demographics 

What is the total population of Butler?

Butler has a total population of 13,212 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Butler?

The gender ratio in Butler is as follows:
  • 52% males (6,865 residents)
  • 48% females (6,347 residents)

What is the median age in Butler?

The median age in Butler is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Butler?

The age distribution in Butler is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.9% (2,099 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (1,979 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (3,450 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.6% (4,042 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.4% (1,642 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Butler?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Butler is as follows:
  • White: 90.5% (11,957 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (417 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (70 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (564 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (204 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.7% of the population in Butler.

How many housing units are there in Butler?

There are 7,308 housing units in Butler, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Butler has a total of 6,116 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Butler?

Butler has a median household income of $44,247, representing a +6.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.8% in Butler, with a workforce of 6,015 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73% (4,392 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27% (1,623 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (303 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.4% (4,476 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (575 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11% (661 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