Butler County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 27th-largest in Missouri
The population of Butler County, Missouri is 42,166 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $49,213, the median home value is $138,800, and the median age is 40.5.
The population of Butler County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (42,785 → 41,814), a -0.16% annualized rate.
42,166
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
61
People / sq mi
$49,213
Median Income
$138,800
Median Home Value
Butler County covers 695 sq mi of land at 60.7 people per square mile.
About Butler County, MO
What sets Butler County apart is money: median household income runs $49,213, below the US median of $78,538. Butler County is a county in Missouri with a population of 42,166. It ranks #27 among counties in Missouri by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $49,213, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $138,800, with typical rent around $768.
College attainment is 15.2%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Butler County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Butler County had a population of 42,785 in 2010 and 41,814 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 43,001 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
41,814
Population (2024)
42,785
Population (2010)
43,001
Peak (2012)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,785 |
| 2011 | 42,996 |
| 2012 | 43,001 |
| 2013 | 42,979 |
| 2014 | 42,870 |
| 2015 | 42,857 |
| 2016 | 42,804 |
| 2017 | 42,651 |
| 2018 | 42,641 |
| 2019 | 42,574 |
| 2020 | 42,063 |
| 2021 | 42,163 |
| 2022 | 42,150 |
| 2023 | 41,910 |
| 2024 | 41,814 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.4% |
| Black or African American | 4.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.5
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,213$-19,707 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,403 |
| Per-capita income | $27,108 |
| Poverty rate | 12.9%+4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Butler County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
78.6%
Public transit
4.9%
Work from home
19.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$138,800$-76,800 vs state
Median home value
$768
Median rent
65.0%
Homeownership rate
19,296
Total housing units
85.5%
Occupied
14.5%
Vacant
35.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.7%
With health insurance
87.8%
With broadband internet
24.9%
Foreign-born
10.0%
Veterans (18+)
23.1%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.5%
High School+
15.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Butler County, Missouri has a population of 42,166 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 61 people per square mile.
The population of Butler County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (42,785 → 41,814), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Butler County, Missouri is $49,213, with mean (average) household income of $66,403 and per-capita income of $27,108. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Butler County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.4%), Black or African American (4.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Butler County, Missouri is 40.5 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Butler County is $138,800 and median monthly rent is $768. 65.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,296 total housing units, 14.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Butler County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Butler County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Butler County, MO Climate
Butler County, MO has an average annual temperature of 14.2°C (58°F) and receives about 1190 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.2°C
Avg Temp
1190
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 33° | 80 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 89 mm |
| March | 9° / 47° | 129 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 113 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 123 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 88 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 89 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 85 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 95 mm |
| October | 15° / 60° | 75 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 114 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 110 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Butler County, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Butler County, MO are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Butler County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.