Butte
California

What stands out

What stands out about Butte County: the overdose death rate is in the top 2% of American counties (55 per 100,000), natural-hazard risk is in the top 3% of American counties (97 of 100), and the home price against local income is in the top 6% of American counties (4.3 years of income). Within California it ranks 4th of 58 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Butte County, California. 213,605 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +12).

California's 13.3% top income-tax rate applies only to income above roughly $1 million, and Proposition 13 caps property-tax growth at 2% a year for as long as you own the home, so long-time owners pay far less than new buyers on identical houses. Wildfire risk now drives insurance availability in much of the state, and several major carriers have stopped writing new homeowner policies.

Money

The typical household here brings in $66,085 a year, higher than 65% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,521. Unemployment runs 4.5%, higher than 80% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

California takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,671 a year.

Home

The median home costs $402K, pricier than 86% of American counties, about 4.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,264 a month. Property tax is 0.70% of home value, roughly $2,599 a year on that median home, lower than 65% of American counties. 58% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 57% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 55 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 76.6 years, longer than 59% of American counties. There are 440 active physicians in the county, about 20.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 6.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.64 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 91% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 7 points. 60% of eligible voters turned out. Under California law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 62°F, highs near 74 and lows near 50, warmer than 74% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 97 out of 100, riskier than 97% of American counties; the county has had 39 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 263 Mbps down, faster than 80% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 7 breweries, 4 museums.