Butte County, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,676
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,652/yr
11.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,783
1.0% year-over-year change

Butte County population

How many people live in Butte County

Butte County is home to 10,676 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Butte County locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
10,676
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
5,360
Female
49.8%
5,316
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,360 50.2% 1.8%
Female 5,316 49.8% 0.8%
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 County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,127 19.9% 2.9%
15 to 24 1,297 12.2% 4.4%
25 to 44 2,415 22.6% -0.5%
45 to 64 2,688 25.2% -1.2%
Over 65 2,149 20.1% 3.3%
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 County, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. Another 1.6% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,352 97% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 295 2.8% 57.8%
Non-citizens 29 0.3% 11.5%
Racial breakdown
White
89%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 9,496 89%
American Indian and Alaska Native 167 1.6%
Asian 50 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 16 0.2%
Two or more races 847 7.9%
Other 100 0.9%

Households in Butte County

A peek inside Butte County households

Butte County has 4,306 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.2% are families, while the remaining 31.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,306
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,367
Family households
2,939
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,367 31.8% -7.6%
Family households 2,939 68.2% 6.9%
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 County

The housing landscape of Butte County

Butte County's housing consists of 4,783 units, with 60% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% 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 24.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,783
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,868 60%
1 unit, attached 214 4.5%
2 units 80 1.7%
3 or 4 units 95 2%
5 to 9 units 92 1.9%
10 to 19 units 148 3.1%
20 to 49 units 56 1.2%
50 or more units 59 1.2%
Mobile home 1,152 24.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 19 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
32
-13.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Butte County

In Butte County, the median construction year is 1982. About 15.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 744 15.6% -14.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 231 4.8% 45.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 346 7.2% 8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 348 7.3% -14.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 611 12.8% 9.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 577 12.1% -6.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 642 13.4% 8.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 725 15.2% 2.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 527 11% 11.9%
Built in 2020 or later 32 0.7% -13.5%
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.

Butte County occupancy rates

Out of the 4,306 occupied housing units in Butte County, 76.2% are owner-occupied, while 23.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,306
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,027
Owner occupied
3,279
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,027 23.8% 24.5%
Owner occupied 3,279 76.2% -3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
10.0%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Butte County come to a median of $1,025 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $972.

Median housing costs per month
$1,025/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 County
$972/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 County

Butte County education at a glance

About 46.4% of the population in Butte County went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.9% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 319 4% 0.0%
High school diploma 3,728 46.4% 1.5%
College diploma 1,548 19.3% -3.0%
Associate degree 875 10.9% -3.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,184 14.8% 11.9%
Graduate degree 375 4.7% -14.6%
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 County

How much people earn in Butte County

The average annual household income in Butte County was $96,122 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $75,652, reflecting a +11.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Butte County
$96,122/year
9.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Butte County
$75,652/year
11.8% year-over-year change

Butte County income by age

In Butte County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,048. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $83,882 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,917, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,401 in earnings. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,917 5.1%
25 - 44 $98,048 21.1%
45 - 64 $83,882 5.2%
Over 65 $44,401 0.7%
Above poverty level
9,555
Below poverty level
913
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,555 91.3% 0.2%
Below poverty level 913 8.7% 22.4%

Employment in Butte County

Workforce and job types in Butte County

The job market in Butte County is powered by 5,687 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.4% run their own businesses, 54.2% are employed by private companies, and 19.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,687
4.7% year-over-year change
White collar
3,957
Blue collar
1,730
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,957 69.6% 4.6%
Blue collar 1,730 30.4% 4.8%
Employer type
Self employees
17.4%
Private companies
54.2%
Governmental workers
19.4%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 988 17.4% 5.0%
Private companies 3,082 54.2% 4.1%
Governmental workers 1,101 19.4% 1.1%
Not for profit companies 516 9.1% 16.5%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
-54.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Butte County stands at 1.8%, 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 Butte County

How people get around in Butte County

In Butte County, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
12.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,800 86.4% 10.8%
Bus or trolleybus 21 0.4% 0.0%
Bicycle 6 0.1% 20.0%
Walk 255 4.6% -42.3%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57717 8,983 3,647 $77,689 $96,815
57760 966 391 $65,054 $76,435
57762 512 181 $68,125 $88,711
57788 598 153 $85,380 $98,735

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FAQs about Butte County demographics 

What is the total population of Butte County?

Butte County has a total population of 10,676 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Butte County?

The gender ratio in Butte County is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (5,360 residents)
  • 49.8% females (5,316 residents)

What is the median age in Butte County?

The median age in Butte County is 40.2.

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

The age distribution in Butte County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (2,127 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (1,297 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (2,415 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (2,688 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.1% (2,149 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Butte County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Butte County is as follows:
  • White: 89% (9,496 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (167 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (50 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (16 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (847 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (100 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Butte County.

How many housing units are there in Butte County?

There are 4,783 housing units in Butte County, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Butte County has a total of 4,306 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Butte County?

Butte County has a median household income of $75,652, representing a +11.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.2% in Butte County, with a workforce of 5,687 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.6% (3,957 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.4% (1,730 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.4% (988 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.2% (3,082 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.4% (1,101 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (516 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