Butler
Nebraska

What stands out

Three things set Butler County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.8%), and the school test score is among the highest in America (3.69 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Nebraska it ranks 10th of 93 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Butler County, Nebraska. 8,373 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +26).

Nebraska stopped taxing Social Security in 2025 and is cutting its top income-tax rate toward 3.99%. Property taxes are among the highest in the country as a share of home value, which is the state's longest-running political fight. Omaha and Lincoln hold most of the population and jobs; the state has the country's only unicameral legislature and publicly owned electric utilities.

Money

The typical household here brings in $75,690 a year, higher than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,326. Unemployment runs 1.8%, lower than almost every county in America. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

Nebraska takes 4.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,143 a year.

Home

The median home costs $246K, pricier than 54% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $722 a month. Property tax is 1.20% of home value, roughly $1,810 a year on that median home, higher than 73% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 91% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.3 years, longer than 78% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 8.4 per 10,000 people. 7.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.41 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than almost every county in America. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

74% of eligible voters turned out. Under Nebraska law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 63 and lows near 41, colder than 66% of American counties. About 28 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 39 out of 100, safer than 61% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 124 Mbps down, slower than 80% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.