Butte County, Idaho Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in Idaho
The population of Butte County, Idaho is 2,654 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in Idaho. The median household income is $43,281, the median home value is $195,800, and the median age is 39.2.
The population of Butte County has declined 6.1% since 2010 (2,914 → 2,735), a -0.45% annualized rate.
2,654
Population
-0.45%
Annual growth
1
People / sq mi
$43,281
Median Income
$195,800
Median Home Value
Butte County covers 2,236 sq mi of land at 1.2 people per square mile.
About Butte County, ID
What distinguishes Butte County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 1 people per square mile. Butte County is a county in Idaho with a population of 2,654. It ranks #42 among counties in Idaho by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $43,281, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 19.1%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $195,800, with typical rent around $525.
College attainment is 13.8%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.5%, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Butte County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Butte County had a population of 2,914 in 2010 and 2,735 in 2024, a -6.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,914 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
2,735
Population (2024)
2,914
Population (2010)
2,914
Peak (2010)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,914 |
| 2011 | 2,832 |
| 2012 | 2,758 |
| 2013 | 2,665 |
| 2014 | 2,658 |
| 2015 | 2,565 |
| 2016 | 2,573 |
| 2017 | 2,582 |
| 2018 | 2,592 |
| 2019 | 2,620 |
| 2020 | 2,583 |
| 2021 | 2,665 |
| 2022 | 2,692 |
| 2023 | 2,747 |
| 2024 | 2,735 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.2
Median Age
49.0%
Female
51.0%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,281$-31,355 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,273 |
| Per-capita income | $25,940 |
| Poverty rate | 19.1%+12.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Butte County is agriculture, accounting for 19.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
5.6%
Carpool
66.9%
Public transit
13.5%
Work from home
19.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$195,800$-180,200 vs state
Median home value
$525
Median rent
77.4%
Homeownership rate
1,275
Total housing units
79.8%
Occupied
20.2%
Vacant
22.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.4%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
38.4%
Foreign-born
10.4%
Veterans (18+)
18.8%
With a disability
92.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.6%
High School+
13.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Idaho
Other counties in Idaho
Part of Idaho
Metro areas in Idaho
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Butte County, Idaho has a population of 2,654 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in Idaho. Population density is 1 people per square mile.
The population of Butte County has declined 6.1% since 2010 (2,914 → 2,735), a -0.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Butte County, Idaho is $43,281, with mean (average) household income of $64,273 and per-capita income of $25,940. 19.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Butte County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Butte County, Idaho is 39.2 years. Residents are 49.0% female and 51.0% male.
The median home value in Butte County is $195,800 and median monthly rent is $525. 77.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,275 total housing units, 20.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Butte County, Idaho is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 19.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Boise City is among the largest cities associated with Butte County, Idaho, with a population of 235,701.
Butte County, ID Climate
Butte County, ID has an average annual temperature of 4.8°C (41°F) and receives about 302 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.8°C
Avg Temp
302
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 27 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 24 mm |
| March | -1° / 29° | 23 mm |
| April | 3° / 38° | 21 mm |
| May | 8° / 47° | 36 mm |
| June | 13° / 55° | 36 mm |
| July | 18° / 64° | 23 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 24 mm |
| September | 13° / 55° | 21 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 15 mm |
| November | -1° / 31° | 23 mm |
| December | -7° / 20° | 29 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, ID
The most comfortable months to visit Butte County, ID are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Butte County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.