Your Guide to Butler County, Ohio
Looking for trusted businesses, services and local resources in Butler County, Ohio? FindItOhio.com helps residents and visitors discover local companies, professionals and community information across Butler County, including Hamilton, the county seat.
Quick answer: Butler County is one of Ohio’s 88 counties. Its county seat is Hamilton, it was established in 1803, and it has an estimated 400,128 residents as of 2025.
At a Glance
- County seat: Hamilton
- Established: May 1, 1803
- Formed from: Hamilton County
- Named for: General Richard Butler (1743 to 1791), killed at the Battle of the Wabash
- Estimated population (2025): 400,128
- Total area: 467.27 sq mi
- FIPS code: 39017
About Butler County
Butler County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 390,357, making it the seventh most populous county in Ohio. Its county seat and most populous city is Hamilton. It is named for General Richard Butler, who died in 1791 during St. Clair’s defeat. Located along the Great Miami River, it is also home to Miami University, a public university founded in 1809. Butler County is part of the Cincinnati, OH, KY, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History of Butler County
Successive cultures of ancient Indigenous peoples of the Americas occupied areas of the county. They built large earthworks, seven of which were still standing and recorded by a Smithsonian survey.
Early French explorers likely passed through the area along the Miami River. The gravesites of David and Margaret Gregory indicate they were some of the first white settlers in the area, in Liberty Township. White settlers began moving into the area in larger numbers after the 1795 Treaty of Greenville was signed with the Native Americans of the area. The current area was split about evenly between the Symmes Purchase and the Congress Lands West of Miami River.
Butler County was formed on March 24, 1803, from portions of Hamilton County. It is named for General Richard Butler, who served in the American Revolutionary War and Northwest Indian War. Between 1803 and 1823, the townships of the county became officially recognized. Large portions of the county were held by non resident owners, including 640 acres owned by major general and future U.S. president William Henry Harrison. Butler County’s original size was 480 square miles (1,200 km2); some land that was originally part of Butler County was reassigned to Warren County in the north and Hamilton County in the south.
Cities and Villages in Butler County
Cities
Fairfield, Hamilton †, Middletown, Monroe, Oxford, Sharonville, Trenton
Villages
College Corner, Jacksonburg, Millville, New Miami, Seven Mile
Find Local Businesses in Butler County
Browse the FindItOhio.com business directory to find restaurants, contractors, professional services, shops and more serving Butler County. Own a business here? Add your free business listing so local customers can find you.
Background Checks, Process Serving and Private Investigations
Residents and employers in Butler County can get BCI and FBI LiveScan fingerprinting, FD-258 fingerprint cards, process serving and licensed private investigations from these Ohio providers:
- Ohio Security & Investigations, Youngstown: licensed private investigations and fingerprinting. Call (888) 341-6960 or visit ohioinvestigators.com.
- 10-8 Protective Services, Columbus: investigations, fingerprinting and process serving. Call (800) 949-8521 or visit 10-8protectiveservices.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the county seat of Butler County, Ohio?
Hamilton is the county seat of Butler County, Ohio.
When was Butler County established?
Butler County was established on May 1, 1803. It was formed from Hamilton County.
Who or what is Butler County named for?
Butler County is named for General Richard Butler (1743 to 1791), killed at the Battle of the Wabash.
How many people live in Butler County, Ohio?
Butler County has an estimated population of 400,128 as of 2025.
What cities are in Butler County, Ohio?
Cities in Butler County include Fairfield, Hamilton †, Middletown, Monroe, Oxford, Sharonville, Trenton.
Where can I find local businesses in Butler County?
Search the FindItOhio.com business directory to find local businesses and services in Butler County, Ohio.
How do I list my Butler County business on FindItOhio.com?
Visit the free business listing page on FindItOhio.com and submit your business name, address, phone number and website.
Looking for another county? Explore all 88 Ohio counties on FindItOhio.com.
County background adapted from the Wikipedia article Butler County, Ohio, available under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 license.