Burke County, Georgia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 78th-largest in Georgia
The population of Burke County, Georgia is 24,427 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 78th-largest county in Georgia. The median household income is $50,739, the median home value is $107,800, and the median age is 38.4.
The population of Burke County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (23,343 → 24,472), a +0.34% annualized rate.
24,427
Population
+0.34%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$50,739
Median Income
$107,800
Median Home Value
Burke County covers 827 sq mi of land at 29.5 people per square mile.
About Burke County, GA
The poverty rate is what most separates Burke County from the typical county: 20.0% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Burke County is a county in Georgia with a population of 24,427.
The typical household earns $50,739, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 20.0%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $107,800, with typical rent around $763.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 14.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 9.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Burke County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Burke County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Burke County had a population of 23,343 in 2010 and 24,472 in 2024, a 4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,640 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.37%.
24,472
Population (2024)
23,343
Population (2010)
24,640
Peak (2020)
0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,343 |
| 2011 | 23,513 |
| 2012 | 23,054 |
| 2013 | 22,832 |
| 2014 | 22,629 |
| 2015 | 22,644 |
| 2016 | 22,638 |
| 2017 | 22,553 |
| 2018 | 22,501 |
| 2019 | 22,497 |
| 2020 | 24,640 |
| 2021 | 24,372 |
| 2022 | 24,433 |
| 2023 | 24,431 |
| 2024 | 24,472 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 50.1% |
| Black or African American | 45.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.4
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
17.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,739$-23,925 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,112 |
| Per-capita income | $31,580 |
| Poverty rate | 20.0%+10.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Burke County is professional & business services, accounting for 17.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
9.0%
Work from home
27.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$107,800$-165,100 vs state
Median home value
$763
Median rent
72.7%
Homeownership rate
11,201
Total housing units
81.2%
Occupied
18.8%
Vacant
27.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.6%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
21.7%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
15.5%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.1%
High School+
14.3%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Burke County, Georgia has a population of 24,427 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 78th-largest county in Georgia. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Burke County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (23,343 → 24,472), a +0.34% annualized rate.
The median household income in Burke County, Georgia is $50,739, with mean (average) household income of $81,112 and per-capita income of $31,580. 20.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Burke County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (50.1%), Black or African American (45.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Burke County, Georgia is 38.4 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Burke County is $107,800 and median monthly rent is $763. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,201 total housing units, 18.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Burke County, Georgia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 17.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Atlanta is among the largest cities associated with Burke County, Georgia, with a population of 499,287.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.