Butte County, California

Income Data

-21% vs. California average
$68,574
Median Household Income
$37,965
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$68,574
-21% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,965
-4% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
16.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#43 / 58
by median household income

How Butte County Compares

Butte County$68,574
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$68,574
Median Household Income
$37,965
Per Capita Income
$408,700
Median Home Value
16.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Butte County, California

Butte lags behind national average

Butte County's median household income of $68,574 falls 8% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income California counties. The county faces economic headwinds from reduced timber industry employment and housing recovery challenges.

Among California's lower-income counties

Butte's $68,574 median household income ranks well below California's state average of $87,001, a gap of over $18,400 per household. The county's per capita income of $37,965 also trails the state's $43,669 average.

Struggling among rural peers

Butte's median income of $68,574 ranks lowest among the eight profiled counties, trailing even Del Norte County's $66,780. The county faces structural economic challenges distinct from its rural Sierra neighbors.

Housing costs strain budgets

Butte's 24% rent-to-income ratio represents the highest housing cost burden in this group, with median home value of $408,700 requiring substantial household commitment. Even lower median incomes mean residents spend nearly a quarter of earnings on rent alone.

Strategic savings despite tight budgets

While Butte households face tighter budgets than California averages, building even modest emergency savings of $500-$1,000 monthly strengthens financial security. Consider low-cost investment options and employer retirement plans to begin wealth-building despite current income constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Butte County, California?
The median household income in Butte County, California is $68,574, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Butte County?
The per capita income in Butte County is $37,965, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $68,574.
How does Butte County compare to the California average?
Butte County's median household income of $68,574 is lower than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $37,965, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Butte County, California?
The per capita income in Butte County, California is $37,965, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Butte County a low-income area in California?
Butte County's median household income of $68,574 is below the California average of $87,001. The per capita income of $37,965 is also lower than the state average of $43,669. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Butte County rank for income in California?
Butte County ranks #43 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $68,574 and per capita income of $37,965, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $68,574 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Butte County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average21% below
vs. National Median8% below

Income Adequacy

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.