Cranberry
RANK #786 / 996 NAT · #38 / 44 PA · POP 194,562
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +16%
Butler County, Pennsylvania, known as the "birthplace of the Jeep," offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Located about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh, it provides a suburban and rural feel with convenient access to the city via commuter bus routes. The county is home to Moraine State Park, featuring the 3,000-acre Lake Arthur, and numerous other parks and trails for hiking, biking, and water activities. Towns like Harmony, a National Historic Landmark District, and Saxonburg, with its German heritage, contribute to the area's distinctive character.
Life in Butler County appeals to families and those seeking a balance between community and outdoor access. The public schools are generally rated above average. Commuting to Pittsburgh is an option for many residents, with public transit available. The local economy is supported by a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, energy, and technology. Recent developments indicate continued investment in business parks and infrastructure, reflecting ongoing growth and opportunities within the county.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Coherent (Nvidia Investment)
Nvidia
|
$2,000M | Planned |
|
Iron Mountain Data Center ("The Underground")
Iron Mountain Data Centers
|
$500M | Operating |
|
Buffalo Township Solar Farms (2 projects)
SolAmerica Energy
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Revolution Pipeline
ETC Northeast Pipeline, LLC
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Shadow Ridge Residential Development
Foxlane Homes
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 20/100, Butler County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $82,932 combined with job growth of +2.0% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Butler County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $258,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $978/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Butler County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.0% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.0% clip. Home values shifted +2.5% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.7% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Butler County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.