City Profile
Butte, Montana
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Nestled in southwest Montana, Butte is a historic mining hub known as 'The Richest Hill on Earth' and possesses a distinct character forged by its rich industrial heritage. The city features the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, showcasing magnificent Victorian architecture alongside the iconic Berkeley Pit. Today, Butte has evolved beyond its copper-mining roots into a resilient community that attracts newcomers with its blend of outdoor recreation, lower cost of living, and deep cultural roots.
Montana, known as "Big Sky Country," offers a peaceful, nature-centric lifestyle with vast open spaces and a strong sense of community. Its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, forestry, mining, energy production, and a growing service sector that includes tourism and outdoor recreation. While the cost of living can vary, with urban areas like Bozeman being more expensive, some smaller towns offer more affordable options, and the state benefits from no sales tax. Montana experiences significant climatic variations due to its diverse geography, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous western regions.
How this 60/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 92.0 | 53.8 | 25% | 13.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $56,500 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 3.4% | 64.8 | 20% | 13.0 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 43.8 | 15% | 6.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 66 / 100 | 66.0 | 10% | 6.6 |
| Overall score | 60.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
Living in Butte is notably more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families and retirees looking to escape high-cost coastal and metropolitan markets. Housing costs, in particular, remain significantly lower than the US median, though the local market has experienced upward pressure in recent years due to an influx of out-of-state buyers. Everyday goods, utilities, and transportation expenses generally align with or sit slightly below national benchmarks, helping residents stretch their household budgets further.
Income
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Butte's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, mining services, and a growing tourism sector centered around its rich history and outdoor recreation. Major employers like Montana Technological University and local healthcare systems provide stable, skilled employment opportunities for the region. While remote work has introduced a new demographic of professionals choosing to base themselves in Butte for its lifestyle, traditional local industries continue to form the backbone of the economy.
The average salary in Butte is $54,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.
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Butte is primarily a car-dependent community where most residents rely on personal vehicles to navigate the city and commute to work. Public transit is available via Butte-Silver Bow Transit, but routes and schedules are limited compared to larger urban centers. The city's layout, particularly in the historic Uptown district with its steep hills and narrow streets, requires mindful driving during winter months.
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