MontanaPop. 35,052Small cities
Is Butte a Good Place to Live? Butte, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Butte ranks #654 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($856/mo, #13 of 208) and short commutes (16.9 min, #30 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Butte by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Butte's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Butte: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Butte safe?
What is the cost of living in Butte?
Butte's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $856/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $257,800.
| Measure | Butte | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $257,800#410 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $856/mo#58 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.6%#130 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Butte safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Butte alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Butte crime rate or rank it on safety. Montana as a whole records 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Butte?
The median household in Butte earns $61,857, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Butte | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $61,857#1006 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.8%#851 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Butte?
The median resident of Butte is 40.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #870 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Butte | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.1%#870 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 70.7% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Butte's schools and health?
Butte's 8 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 16 students per teacher and $11,781 spent per pupil. 32.8% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Butte | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16#634 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,781#984 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 32.8%#596 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.4%#706 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,221 students are enrolled in Butte's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Butte?
The average commute in Butte is 16.9 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0.7% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Butte scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 60.3°F and winters 20.4°F, with 12.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Butte | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 16.9 min#131 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76.6% | 71.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.6% | 3.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.6% | 11.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.3#280 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.1 | 7.9 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 34.6 | 9.8 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 43.7 | 19.4 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 51.1 | 26.4 | 1.3 |
| May | 61 | 34.3 | 2 |
| Jun | 70 | 41.1 | 2.5 |
| Jul | 81.3 | 45.9 | 1.2 |
| Aug | 79.8 | 43.9 | 1.3 |
| Sep | 69.1 | 36.5 | 1.1 |
| Oct | 54.3 | 26.8 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 40.2 | 15.5 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 30.7 | 7.2 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Butte Bert Mooney Airport.
| Measure | Butte | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 40.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 60.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 20.4°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 12.8 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Butte Bert Mooney Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Butte?
Silver Bow County's air had a median air quality index of 28, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Silver Bow County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Butte | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 28#56 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#139 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Silver Bow County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Silver Bow County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.033% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0062% | 80% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0015% | 43% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.039% | 4% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Butte compare with similar-size cities?
Butte is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #118 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 35,052.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #654 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data | 16.9 min |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #697 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 | 26.9 min |
| Torrington, CTPop. 35,547 | #409 | 59.9 | $70,856 | $1,169/mo | 98 | 25 min |
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #494 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data | 31.9 min |
| Wildwood, MOPop. 35,133 | #121 | 67.6 | $161,060 | $1,661/mo | no data | 27.3 min |
| Lewiston, IDPop. 34,651 | #485 | 58.3 | $72,197 | $1,027/mo | 175 | 15.3 min |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #749 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 | 20.8 min |
| Kearney, NEPop. 34,246 | #486 | 58.3 | $69,724 | $949/mo | 229 | 13.9 min |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #1220 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 | 18.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Butte compare with the rest of Montana?
Butte ranks #7 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 18% below the Montana median.
| City | Rank in MT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #1 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #2 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #3 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #4 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #5 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #6 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #7 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #8 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #9 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #10 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #11 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 |
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #12 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 |
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #13 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #14 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #15 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #16 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #17 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #18 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #19 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #20 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 |
All 20 Montana cities we track, by overall score. Montana statewide: median income $75,340, violent crime 419.1 per 100,000.
How is Butte's score calculated?
Butte scores 55.8 out of 100, #654 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Montana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Butte. Similar-size median 52.9.
48.7 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Butte. Similar-size median 52.2.
53.9 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Butte's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
51.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Butte's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
81.4 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Butte. Similar-size median 46.7.
39.8 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Butte. Similar-size median 44.2.
43.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Butte. Similar-size median 47.3.
48.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Butte's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
88.0 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Butte alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Butte's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Butte has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Butte
Is Butte, MT a good place to live?
Butte ranks #654 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($856/mo, #13 of 208) and short commutes (16.9 min, #30 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Butte?
Butte's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $856/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $257,800.
Is Butte safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Butte alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Butte crime rate or rank it on safety. Montana as a whole records 419 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Butte?
The median household in Butte earns $61,857, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Butte?
Median rent in Butte is $856/mo (Census), #58 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 16.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Butte?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Butte is $257,800, #410 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Butte?
Butte's 8 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 16 students per teacher and $11,781 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Butte?
The average commute is 16.9 minutes, #131 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Butte?
Butte averages 40.1°F over the year, 60.3°F in summer and 20.4°F in winter, with 12.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Butte walkable?
Butte scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Butte at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Silver Bow County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Butte?
Silver Bow County's air had a median air quality index of 28, and 85% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Butte?
Butte has 35,052 residents. The median resident of Butte is 40.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #870 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Butte compare with the rest of Montana?
Butte ranks #7 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 18% below the Montana median.
What cities are similar in size to Butte?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Butte's population of 35,052 are Norristown, PA (#697 overall), Torrington, CT (#409 overall), Prairieville, LA (#494 overall), Wildwood, MO (#121 overall), and Lewiston, ID (#485 overall). Butte is #654.