Butler County, Missouri

Income Data

-17% vs. Missouri average
$49,213
Median Household Income
$27,108
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$49,213
-17% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,108
-31% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Missouri
#98 / 115
by median household income

How Butler County Compares

Butler County$49,213
Missouri Average$59,503
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$49,213
Median Household Income
$27,108
Per Capita Income
$138,800
Median Home Value
35.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Butler County, Missouri

Butler faces significant income gap

Butler County's median household income of $49,213 lags the national median of $74,755 by roughly $25,500—a 34% shortfall. This substantial gap reflects one of Missouri's most economically challenged counties, with earnings well below the U.S. average.

Missouri's lowest-income counties

At $49,213, Butler County ranks among Missouri's lowest-income counties, trailing the state average of $59,503 by more than $10,200. The county's per capita income of $27,108 also significantly underperforms the state average of $31,011, indicating broad economic strain.

Struggles compared to regional peers

Butler's $49,213 median income ranks substantially below neighboring Bollinger County ($57,286), Caldwell County ($62,520), and Callaway County ($72,645). The county faces persistent economic challenges that limit household earnings and wealth accumulation.

Housing costs strain limited budgets

Butler's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% approaches the affordability ceiling, meaning housing costs consume a growing share of modest wages. While the median home value of $138,800 is low, the mismatch between income and housing expenses remains tight.

Start small with consistent saving

Butler residents can build financial security by automating even small monthly transfers to savings accounts—$50 or $100 adds up over time. Community credit unions and low-fee financial institutions offer affordable tools to start emergency funds and plan for future stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Butler County, Missouri?
The median household income in Butler County, Missouri is $49,213, 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 Butler County?
The per capita income in Butler County is $27,108, 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 $49,213.
How does Butler County compare to the Missouri average?
Butler County's median household income of $49,213 is lower than the Missouri state average of $59,503. The per capita income is $27,108, compared to the state average of $31,011.
What is the per capita income in Butler County, Missouri?
The per capita income in Butler County, Missouri is $27,108, 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 Butler County a low-income area in Missouri?
Butler County's median household income of $49,213 is below the Missouri average of $59,503. The per capita income of $27,108 is also lower than the state average of $31,011. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Butler County rank for income in Missouri?
Butler County ranks #98 out of 115 counties in Missouri by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $49,213 and per capita income of $27,108, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $49,213 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-34%

vs. Butler County MedianAbout equal
vs. Missouri Average17% below
vs. National Median34% 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.