It is named in honor of Colonel Pierce Butler, a soldier killed in the Mexican–American War.

[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town had a total area of 5.6 square miles (14.4 km2), all land.

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 1,871 people, 928 households, and 659 families residing in the town.

Public education is provided by the Choctaw County School District.

Patrician Academy is a private school (grades preK through 12) located in Butler.

WDLG 90.1 FM (Catholic) Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines.