Lake Butler is a city known for its proximity to Butler Lake, one of Florida’s 7,700 lakes. The city (and the lake) were named after Robert Butler, who was the acting governor of East Florida during the area’s establishment. The first post office opened in Lake Butler, Union County, in 1806, making this city’s history rich!
There are two Lake Butlers in Florida. The area we’re referencing today is the Lake Butler in Union County, not the Lake Butler in Central Florida (Orange County). You’ll learn about its demographics, real estate market, and what it’s like living in Lake Butler!
Relocating to Lake Butler is a great idea. Thanks to its relaxed lifestyle and tight-knit community, it is a wonderful place to live.
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Where Is Lake Butler Florida?
Lake Butler is located in (and is the county seat) of Union County in northeast Florida. It’s 28.4 miles from Lake Butler to Gainesville; other nearby cities and communities are Starke, Graham, La Crosse, and Lawtey.
Lake Butler Population & Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Lake Butler has a population of 1,986, which is 763.9 people per square mile.
Additional demographics:
- Median age: 25.3 years old
- Sex ratio: 52 females to 48 males
- Poverty rate: 31.5%
- Mean commute time: 22.4 minutes
- Educational attainment: 88% have high school diplomas or higher, and 14.8% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Foreign-born population: 1.3%
- Veteran status: 8.6%
The city’s racial and ethnic makeup is not diverse: 74% White, 17% Black or African American, 5% two or more, and 4% Hispanic or Latino.
39% of people living in Lake Butler are 19 years or younger, and the average household size is 2.6 persons per single-family home. The median household income here is $41,941, and the income per capita is $19,335.
Is Lake Butler Safe?
The FBI does not have crime rate statistics for Lake Butler, but there is information for nearby Lawtey, which is less than 20 miles from the city. Analyzing Lawtey’s crime rate statistics will offer insight into the area’s overall safety.
- Lawtey crime rate per 100k people: 1,241
- Florida crime rate per 100k people: 2,153
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
- Lawtey violent crime rate per 100k people: 276
- Florida violent crime rate per 100k people: 384
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
- Lawtey property crime rate per 100k people: 966
- Florida property crime rate per 100k people: 1,769
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
Lawtey experiences 42.4% less crime than the state and 47.1% less crime than in the country, making it a very safe place to live. Lawtey’s nearness to Lake Butler provides a good gauge of how safe the rest of Union County is.
If you do find yourself in need of assistance, the Union County Sheriff’s Department serves the people living in Lake Butler.
Things to Do in Lake Butler
Lake Butler, Florida, is small and rural, meaning besides its natural wonders, there isn’t much to do in or near the city. For those seeking a quiet lake town, living in Lake Butler is for you! Spires IGA Market is the only grocery store in town, and Lake Butler residents get other essentials at Dollar General.
Lake Side Park
Lake Side Park in Lake Butler offers a delightful activity for families and individuals alike. The park features a splash pad perfect for cooling off on hot days and a community center that hosts a variety of events and activities. This is one of the best things to do in Lake Butler.
Address 155 NW 3rd Street Lake Butler, FL 32054, (386) 496-3401
O’Leno State Park – 22 Miles From Lake Butler
Just 22 miles from Lake Butler, O’Leno State Park in High Springs is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. This state park boasts scenic trails, a picturesque river, and a wealth of wildlife, making it ideal for hiking, picnicking, and camping.
410 SE Oleno Park Rd, High Springs, FL 32643, (386) 454-1853
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation – 20 Miles From Lake Butler
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation is dedicated to rescuing and conserving exotic and endangered animals. Visitors can enjoy guided tours to see a variety of animals in spacious habitats and learn about the foundation’s efforts in wildlife conservation.
8528 E, County Rd 225, Gainesville, FL 32609, (352) 468-2827
Additional Attractions Near Lake Butler
- Palatka-Lake Butler Trailhead
- Lubee Bat Conservancy
- Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits
- Lake Butler Community Center
Lake Butler Parks and Recreation maintains the three parks within the city limits: Lakeside Park, Westside Park, and Fletcher Myers Park. The special events calendar allows you to browse the community calendar and its upcoming gatherings.
Lake Butler Restauants
The dining options in Lake Butler are slim, but there are few notable favorites locals love to frequent.
Laredo Mexican Restaurant
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Laredo Mexican Restaurant, located at 225 W Main St, where every dish is crafted with passion and traditional flavors. Laredo is one of the most popular restaurants in Lake Butler; they’re known for their top-notch food and service.
225 W Main St, Lake Butler, FL 32054, (386) 496-8000
B Squared Bake Goods & More LLC
Indulge in the delicious homemade treats at B Squared Bake Goods & More LLC, where every bite promises a taste of home. The reviewers rave about the carrot cake and fried chicken dish!
150 W Main St, Lake Butler, FL 32054, (386) 515-5082
Average Rent & Homes for Sale in Lake Butler
Of the 709 housing units in Lake Butler, 39% are owner-occupied, and 61% are renter-occupied. There are only four homes for sale in Lake Butler and no homes for rent. There are only a handful of apartment complexes, making the rental and buying market very competitive. The median home price in Lake Butler is $120,000, and the average price per square foot is $108.
The rental market is equally competitive. Most rentals in the city limits are priced around $1,000 and $1,500. According to Rent.org, the average rent in Union County, Florida, is $664 (one-bedroom), $940 (3-bedroom), and $1,296 (4-bedroom.)
Jobs in Lake Butler FL
Lake Butler has minimal commercial activities due to its rural location. Most people living in Lake Butler commute to nearby cities like Starke or Gainesville for work. However, many are employed by the Florida Department of Corrections prisons.
The leading industries in Union County, FL, are retail trade, public administration, and health care and social assistance and the major employers are Florida Department Corrections, Pritchett Trucking Inc, New River Developers Inc., and LLC Lake Butler.
After moving to Lake Butler, you’ll find the average hourly rate is $22 an hour, and that the average salary is $45,630. Lake Butler jobs are sparse; there are only 23 openings within Lake Butler, Union County. However, if you’re willing to travel just 15 miles outside the city limits, you will find nearly 100 employers in the area looking for qualified individuals.
Lake Butler Schools
Union County School District serves Lake Butler and surrounding cities. Most of the county’s schools are located in Lake Butler city limits, as it is one of the most populated cities in the county. Union County High Schools, Lake Butler Elementary School, and Lake Butler Middle School are all within a few blocks of each other.
The district’s mission is to excel in education by offering opportunities for academic success and fostering high expectations in a safe, organized setting. They promote values like critical thinking, following the “golden rule,” expanding curiosity, and accountability through their #UNCOmmon initiative. According to their website, the district has an “A” rating, indicating high overall performance. According to Niche, state test scores project that 23% of students are proficient in math and 33% in reading. The student-to-teacher ratio here is 14:1, and the district spends $10,980 per student annually.
Look to the Union County Library in Lake Butler for additional educational assistance. All county libraries offer unique programs such as PA Forward and tax season assistance.
Colleges
The nearest colleges to Lake Butler are the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. UF is ranked 28th among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Santa Fe is a great option for those seeking an affordable path to their four-year degree. Santa Fe students often transfer over to UF after two years.
Lake Butler Statistics & Information
- County: Union County
- Lake Butler area: 2.45 square miles
- Lake Butler zip code: 32054
- Lake Butler area code: 386
- Lake Butler elevation: 121 feet
- Lake Butler time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Lake Butler: Gainesville Regional Airport is 29 miles from Lake Butler
Lake Butler Map
Explore more things to do in this lovely city with this handy map of Lake Butler!
Moving to Lake Butler With 2 College Brothers
Lake Butler is one of the many cities near Gainesville that offer ample character and charm! If living in Lake Butler interests you, call 2 College Brothers at (352) 448-9095 for a free estimate on your relocation. Lake Butler, Florida, offers abundant wildlife and natural wonders. It’s the ideal place to reside if you adore lakeside living and Florida’s natural side.
