[1] It is located on the east bank of the Sacramento River 11 miles (18 km) south-east of Willows,[3] at an elevation of 89 feet (27 m).

[1] Butte City has varied outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing and boating on the Sacramento River (serviced by the Butte City boat ramp) and also duck hunting seasonally.

The area surrounding the town is primarily used for agriculture, including rice, walnuts, alfalfa, and corn.

In earlier times, the town had a restaurant, a store, and a bank, but these businesses have all closed.

[3] The town was once a major center for shipping of grain by barge on the Sacramento River, and hog and poultry ranching were also once significant economic activities.