Butterfield, MN
Population 486 · Minnesota
About Butterfield, MN
Butterfield is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 486 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,292 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Butterfield features a median home value of $77,800, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Butterfield one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $683, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 187 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (148 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (33 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Butterfield shows an unemployment rate of 13.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Butterfield have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.2% of Butterfield residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 14.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 22.0% Asian residents, with 22.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Butterfield, MN
Compared to national averages, Butterfield has a median household income of $57,292 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $77,800, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $683 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Butterfield's income is 23% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 62% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Butterfield, MN?
Butterfield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $77,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $683/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,292) that falls below the national average. However, Butterfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Butterfield has a population of 486 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Butterfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Butterfield
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Marys Point | 484 | $106,250 | $471,400 | Compare |
| Bertha | 489 | $54,821 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Danube | 489 | $62,014 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Floodwood | 482 | $40,972 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Fountain | 490 | $72,750 | $177,100 | Compare |
| Lyle | 490 | $59,000 | $105,400 | Compare |
| Ottertail | 490 | $83,750 | $262,500 | Compare |
| Barnum | 491 | $49,583 | $131,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Butterfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Butterfield
What is the population of Butterfield, MN?
The population of Butterfield, MN is 486 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Butterfield?
The median household income in Butterfield, MN is $57,292 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Butterfield?
The median home value in Butterfield, MN is $77,800, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Butterfield?
The median monthly rent in Butterfield, MN is $683, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Butterfield?
The unemployment rate in Butterfield, MN is 13.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Butterfield, MN a good place to live?
Butterfield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 486 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Butterfield, MN?
10.2% of residents in Butterfield aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Butterfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Butterfield, MN: median home value is $77,800 (68% below national), median rent is $683/month, and median household income is $57,292. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Butterfield?
The poverty rate in Butterfield, MN is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Butterfield, MN?
Butterfield's population is 14.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 22.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 22.0% of residents are foreign-born.