Butler County
PA · Pop. 195,870 · Mixed County
Butler County is a mixed rural-suburban county in Pennsylvania, spanning 789 square miles with 195,870 residents at a density of 248.3 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, corn, soybeans. A median home price of $276,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.07% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 156-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.4°F and average winter lows of 20°F. Annual rainfall averages 41.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Butler Memorial Hospital is 3.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Butler Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.8% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 41.8 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 156-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- At 248.3 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Butler County, PA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $276k
- Property tax
- 1.07%
- Growing season
- 156 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 41.8"
- Broadband
- 96.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Butler Memorial Hospital, 3.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Butler County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Butler County?
- Butler County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 156-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.4°F, and average winter lows of 20°F. The established crops are hay, corn, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $276,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.07%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Butler Memorial Hospital is 3.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.
Explore Pennsylvania Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Pennsylvania
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The closest counties to Butler County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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