Butte County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in California
The population of Butte County, California is 209,470 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in California. The median household income is $68,574, the median home value is $408,700, and the median age is 36.3.
The population of Butte County has declined 5.3% since 2010 (219,951 → 208,334), a -0.39% annualized rate.
209,470
Population
-0.39%
Annual growth
128
People / sq mi
$68,574
Median Income
$408,700
Median Home Value
Butte County covers 1,637 sq mi of land at 128.0 people per square mile.
About Butte County, CA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Butte County: 58.3% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Butte County is a county in California with a population of 209,470. It ranks #28 among counties in California by population.
Median household income is $68,574, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.8%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $408,700, with typical rent around $1,369.
College attainment is above the local norm at 31.7%, below the national 35.0%. About 11.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Butte County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Butte County had a population of 219,951 in 2010 and 208,334 in 2024, a -5.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 230,330 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: -0.37%.
208,334
Population (2024)
219,951
Population (2010)
230,330
Peak (2018)
-0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 219,951 |
| 2011 | 219,983 |
| 2012 | 220,877 |
| 2013 | 221,649 |
| 2014 | 223,525 |
| 2015 | 224,643 |
| 2016 | 226,222 |
| 2017 | 228,700 |
| 2018 | 230,330 |
| 2019 | 218,726 |
| 2020 | 210,222 |
| 2021 | 206,351 |
| 2022 | 207,384 |
| 2023 | 207,354 |
| 2024 | 208,334 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
36.3
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
18.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 18.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,574$-27,760 vs state |
| Mean household income | $96,124 |
| Per-capita income | $37,965 |
| Poverty rate | 10.8%+2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Butte County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
2.9%
Carpool
72.6%
Public transit
11.3%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$408,700$-286,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,369
Median rent
58.3%
Homeownership rate
91,176
Total housing units
90.3%
Occupied
9.7%
Vacant
41.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
95.4%
With broadband internet
16.6%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
16.3%
With a disability
83.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.3%
High School+
31.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
Other counties in California
Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Butte County, California has a population of 209,470 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in California. Population density is 128 people per square mile.
The population of Butte County has declined 5.3% since 2010 (219,951 → 208,334), a -0.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Butte County, California is $68,574, with mean (average) household income of $96,124 and per-capita income of $37,965. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Butte County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.3%), Black or African American (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Butte County, California is 36.3 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Butte County is $408,700 and median monthly rent is $1,369. 58.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 91,176 total housing units, 9.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Butte County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Butte County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Butte County, CA Climate
Butte County, CA has an average annual temperature of 16.9°C (62°F) and receives about 740 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.9°C
Avg Temp
740
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 46° | 146 mm |
| February | 10° / 51° | 120 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 120 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 46 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 22 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 11 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 1 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 4 mm |
| September | 24° / 74° | 14 mm |
| October | 18° / 65° | 44 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 106 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 106 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 Butte County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Butte County, CA are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 36°C high). The coldest is December (near 3°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Butte County
Visiting or relocating to Butte County, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Butte County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Butte County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Butte County, CA by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from California
Population 9,848,406
Population 3,282,782
Population 3,164,063
Population 2,449,909
Full rankings of California counties
Statewide data for California
Population, race, income, age, and trends across California
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.