Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Butte, MT
Considering a move to Butte, MT? Home to about 34,500 residents, Butte offers affordable living with a median home price of $234,000 and average rent around $900. Enjoy short commute times (about 16 minutes), a lively historic downtown, and a high percentage of sunny days (67%). While property crime rates are higher than average, the community is friendly, schools are solid, and you’ll find access to outdoor recreation and local higher education at Montana Tech.
Demographics - Butte, MT
Butte, Montana is a mid-sized city of approximately 34,500 people, with a median age just over 41 and a population that is predominantly White. The area features a slightly higher number of females than males and a small proportion of non-English speakers, making it a close-knit and relatively homogenous community. Population density is moderate, supporting a comfortable blend of small-town charm and urban amenities.
Population:
34,494
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Butte, MT?
Butte offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $234,000 and average rents near $900 per month. Utility costs and overall living expenses are lower than the national average, making it appealing for those seeking budget-friendly housing and daily expenses. State income taxes range from low to moderate, further supporting a manageable cost of living.
Median House Value:
$234,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
87.0
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Butte, MT a safe place to live?
Crime in Butte is higher than average, particularly for property offenses, with a 1 in 37 chance of being affected by property crime. Violent crime remains less common, with a chance of 1 in 250, but it is still something residents should be aware of. Community efforts and local law enforcement work actively to maintain safety and improve neighborhood security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
400
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,700
Crime Index:
3,100
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Butte, MT year-round?
Residents of Butte experience all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters where temperatures often drop below freezing, and warm, pleasant summers reaching highs near 80°F. The city receives about 13 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys plenty of sunshine, with 67% of days considered sunny. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Typical households in Butte earn a median income of about $52,400, and the area has a modest unemployment rate of 4.1%. The average commute is short, just under 16 minutes, and a strong majority of residents have at least a high school education. While the poverty rate is somewhat higher than the national average, the community is known for its resilience and friendliness.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$52,400
Family Income:
$67,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
16.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
15.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.7%
Education
How are the schools in Butte, MT?
Butte offers a range of educational opportunities, including several public schools such as Butte High School and West Elementary, both known for strong student support and favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Montana Technological University, providing higher education and technical training options locally. Private education is available as well, with institutions like Butte Central Catholic High School serving the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Butte High School
Street:
401 S Wyoming St
Phone:
406-533-2200
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
West Elementary School
Street:
110 South Alabama St
Phone:
406-533-2750
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Private Schools
Name:
Butte Central Catholic High School
Street:
9 S Idaho St
Phone:
406-782-6761
Students:
135
Colleges
Name:
Montana Technological University
City:
Butte
State:
MT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Butte provides solid healthcare access, anchored by St. James Healthcare, a full-service hospital offering emergency care. The city has about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high rate of health insurance coverage at over 90%. Healthcare services are readily available, supporting the well-being of local families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. James Healthcare
Address:
400 S Clark St, Butte, MT 59701
Phone:
(406) 723-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.3%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Butte, MT?
The housing market in Butte remains affordable, with a median home price of $234,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit around $900. A majority of residents own their homes, and the area has seen a steady home appreciation rate of over 7% in the past year. Rental vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a stable and accessible housing market.
Median Home Price:
$234,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Butte are served by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division located on Wynn Rd, where they can handle driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and related services. The DMV offers resources both in person and online, making it convenient for locals to manage their motor vehicle needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, residents can visit the official Montana DMV website.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
3615 Wynn Rd, Butte, MT 59701
Phone:
1-406-444-3933
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.