Lake Butler is a city in and the county seat of Union County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,986 at the 2020 census.

History

The city was founded and settled in 1859. A post office called Lake Butler has been in operation since 1860. The city was named for Robert Butler, an acting governor of East Florida. It was officially incorporated as the City of Lake Butler in the month of May, in 1893.

Geography

The exact coordinates for the City of Lake Butler is located at 30.02167°N, -82.34083°W (30.021681, –82.340960). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.8 sqmi, of which 1.7 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (6.01%) is water.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the City of Lake Butler has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

Demographics

2010 and 2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,986 people, 669 households, and 437 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,897 people, 777 households, and 458 families residing in the city.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,927 people, 723 households, and 508 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,121.2 PD/sqmi. There were 832 housing units at an average density of 484.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 64.50% White, 31.81% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.19% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.68% of the population. In 2000, there were 723 households, out of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% were married couples living together, 26.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.16. In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 33.6% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.3 males. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $25,347, and the median income for a family was $29,000. Males had a median income of $26,951 versus $20,814 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,174. About 22.3% of families and 25.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.6% of those under age 18 and 28.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Public primary and secondary schools in Lake Butler and Union County are administered by Union County School District, which is governed by an elected, five-member Union County School Board. The district administers four schools.

Economy

As of 1985, almost all of the residents of Lake Butler work in Florida Department of Corrections prisons, are related to prison employees, do business with prison employees, and/or know prison employees. The Reception and Medical Center (RMC) complex is outside of the Lake Butler city limits.

Notable people