Facts about Butler County

Celebrating 200 years in 2000, Butler County was established on March 12, 1800. Located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Butler County offers a variety of opportunities for residents and visitors.

Easy access to Pittsburgh and major transportation routes has led to residential, industrial and retail development in southern portions of the county. Northern Butler County remains a primarily rural area.

The county is home to Moraine State Park, a 16,000 acre recreational area centered around Lake Arthur. The park offers boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities for visitors and is utilized year round by county residents and visitors alike.

Agriculture continues to be a leading industry in the county’s economy. With 1,250 farms, agriculture is a diverse industry that includes dairy, livestock, agronomic crops, fruits, vegetables, and horticulture products.

Penn State Cooperative Extension of Butler County offers a variety of informal educational opportunities for county residents. A broad range of programs provide support to agricultural producers; strengthen families through education on child care, nutrition, and money management; and developing the potential of youth through the 4-H program.

County Statistics

Need some stats for your county? Check out these resources.

Government information site on demographics, economics, and educational information:
http://govinfo.library.orst.edu/

US Census Bureau
United States Department of Commerce

USDA Home Page:
http://www.usda.gov/
http://www.nass.usda.gov/pa/

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Here are just a few of the many ways Cooperative Extension can help:

Individuals Managing time and stress Improving financial and consumer skills Enhancing employment opportunities Maintaining your home Improving nutrition, diet, and health Developing the potential of youth through 4-H Becoming a master gardener Improving the lives of the elderly Families Managing family resources Making sound and economical nutrition and food choices Preparing and preserving food safely Improving your parenting skills Caring for children and seniors Balancing work and family Gardening and landscapin

Businesses Increasing agricultural profitability Evaluating community and regional resources Delivering quality child care Certifying food safety Troubleshooting production problems Starting home-based businesses Preparing tax forms properly Using technology appropriately Supporting the food and forest products industries Communities Strengthening community leadership Revitalizing communities through economic development Expanding and retaining businesses Educating county and local officials Improving community relations Managing water, soil and forest resources Promoting cooperation among agencies

Penn State Cooperative Extension helps individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Pennsylvania with information and a broad range of educational programs designed to:

• Support productive, profitable, and competitive businesses and a strong agriculture and food system

• Enable people to better understand and deal with complex public issues.

• Strengthen families, children and youth, and the elderly

• Build caring, safe, and healthy communities

• Ensure the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's natural resources