Butte County Public RecordsCalifornia

Butte County, CA had 147,263 registered voters in November 2022: 37% Democrats, 35% Republicans, and 20% No Party Preference. The county holds primary, general, and local elections, with 105 polling locations and widespread vote-by-mail. In the 2020 presidential election, 49.2% voted for Biden and 47.7% for Trump. Key issues include wildfire recovery and water management. Elections are administered by the Butte County Clerk-Recorder/Elections Division, ensuring accessible voting and transparent results.

Butte County, CA, experiences crime rates slightly above the national average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 4.2 per 1,000 residents, with property crime at 23.8 per 1,000. The cities of Chico and Oroville report the highest numbers, while rural areas see lower incidents. The county saw over 900 violent crimes and 5,400 property crimes reported annually. Efforts by local law enforcement to increase community policing and public awareness have moderately improved safety, but residents are still advised to take precautionary measures and report suspicious activity.

As of the 2020 Census, Butte County, CA, had a population of 211,632. The median age was 37.1 years, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female residents. Racially, the county was 76.6% White, 14.1% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Asian, 1.5% Black or African American, and 4.0% identifying as two or more races. Other racial groups each made up less than 1% of the population, reflecting moderate diversity within the community.

Butte County, CA, serves over 32,000 K-12 students in 22 public high schools and numerous elementary/middle schools. About 85% of residents hold a high school diploma, while 22% have a bachelor’s degree or higher (2022 Census). School safety initiatives, such as campus resource officers, are in place. Average high school graduation rates exceed 90%. The county features community colleges (e.g., Butte College) and Chico State University for adult/continuing education. Educational programs include STEM, Career Technical Education, and robust special education services, with average school ratings around 6/10 on GreatSchools.

As of 2023, Butte County, CA, had an unemployment rate of approximately 6.7%. Major employment sectors include healthcare & social assistance (20%), retail trade (14%), and educational services (11%). Top occupation types are office & administrative support (13%) and sales (11%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. While most (over 85%) work within Butte County, a small portion commutes to neighboring counties such as Sacramento and Yuba.

Butte County, CA, has a homeownership rate of about 57%, with median home values around $375,000 in 2024. Median monthly rents are approximately $1,300. The market has seen a slight annual uptick in prices, averaging 3%. Housing types range from single-family homes to some apartments, with popular neighborhoods including Chico and Oroville. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value. The area offers a mix of suburban and rural living, with newer developments concentrated near urban centers.