Special Interest
Housing in Butler County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Butler County averages $780/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Missouri median of $1,033 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 31% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Butler County FMR Area are $695 for a studio, $718 for 1‑bedroom, $942 for 2‑bedroom, $1,257 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,262 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $162 increase for a 2-bedroom in Butler County shows a 21% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Butler County was 4.9% in 2024, compared to Missouri at 3.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
