Burien, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Burien, Washington is 51,331 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest city in Washington. The median household income is $90,597, the median home value is $609,300, and the median age is 39.8.
The population has grown 7.9% since 2010 (48,224 → 52,046).
51,331
Population
5113
People / sq mi
$90,597
Median Income
$609,300
Median Home Value
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Burien covers 10.0 sq mi of land at 5113 people per square mile.
About Burien, WA
What distinguishes Burien is density: among the most densely settled of US cities, around 5,113 people per square mile. Burien is a city in Washington with a population of 51,331. It ranks #26 among cities in Washington by population.
The typical household here earns about $90,597, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.5%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $609,300, with typical rent around $1,742.
31.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. A solid 15.8% of workers are based at home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Burien: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Burien city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Burien city had a population of 48,224 in 2010 and 52,046 in 2024, a 7.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 52,046 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.55%.
52,046
Population (2024)
48,224
Population (2010)
52,046
Peak (2024)
0.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 48,224 |
| 2011 | 48,786 |
| 2012 | 49,511 |
| 2013 | 49,915 |
| 2014 | 50,304 |
| 2015 | 50,664 |
| 2016 | 51,377 |
| 2017 | 51,992 |
| 2018 | 51,731 |
| 2019 | 51,500 |
| 2020 | 51,996 |
| 2021 | 51,140 |
| 2022 | 51,045 |
| 2023 | 51,346 |
| 2024 | 52,046 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 50.9% |
| Black or African American | 7.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$90,597
Median Household Income
$49,175
Per Capita Income
7.5%
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$609,300
Median Home Value
$1,742
Median Rent
56.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
84.9%
High School+
31.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
6.5%
Drive Alone
61.8%
Public Transit
15.8%
Work From Home
26.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
26.3%
Foreign Born
67.2%
Non-English at Home
5.4%
Veterans
13.0%
With Disability
90.3%
Health Insurance
96.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.1% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.9% |
| Retail Trade | 9.0% |
| Construction | 8.6% |
| Manufacturing | 8.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.2% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.9% |
Largest cities in Washington
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Metro areas in Washington
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Burien, Washington has a population of 51,331 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest city in Washington.
The median household income in Burien, Washington is $90,597, with 7.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Burien, Washington is $609,300, with median monthly rent at $1,742 and a homeownership rate of 56.9%.
The median age in Burien, Washington is 39.8 years. The population is 51.5% male and 48.5% female.
The population has grown 7.9% since 2010 (48,224 → 52,046).
Burien city, WA Climate
Burien city, WA has an average annual temperature of 10.6°C (51°F) and receives about 980 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.6°C
Avg Temp
980
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 139 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 109 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 102 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 68 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 42 mm |
| June | 15° / 59° | 38 mm |
| July | 17° / 63° | 22 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 28 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 42 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 82 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 150 mm |
| December | 5° / 40° | 158 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Burien city, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Burien city, WA are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 24°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Burien
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Washington
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.