Burke County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 33rd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Burke County, North Carolina is 87,863 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $55,684, the median home value is $170,500, and the median age is 44.9.
The population of Burke County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (90,567 → 88,545), a -0.16% annualized rate.
87,863
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
174
People / sq mi
$55,684
Median Income
$170,500
Median Home Value
Burke County covers 506 sq mi of land at 173.6 people per square mile.
About Burke County, NC
What distinguishes Burke County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 174 people per square mile. Burke County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 87,863. It ranks #33 among counties in North Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $55,684, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.9%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $170,500, with typical rent around $805.
Roughly 20.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.4%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Burke County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Burke County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Burke County had a population of 90,567 in 2010 and 88,545 in 2024, a -2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 90,567 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
88,545
Population (2024)
90,567
Population (2010)
90,567
Peak (2010)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 90,567 |
| 2011 | 90,533 |
| 2012 | 89,965 |
| 2013 | 89,348 |
| 2014 | 89,292 |
| 2015 | 89,337 |
| 2016 | 89,444 |
| 2017 | 90,143 |
| 2018 | 90,309 |
| 2019 | 90,424 |
| 2020 | 87,248 |
| 2021 | 87,303 |
| 2022 | 87,732 |
| 2023 | 88,147 |
| 2024 | 88,545 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.1% |
| Black or African American | 6.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.9
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
21.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.1% · Seniors (65+): 21.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,684$-14,220 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,300 |
| Per-capita income | $31,184 |
| Poverty rate | 12.9%+3.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Burke County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
83.4%
Public transit
5.4%
Work from home
23.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$170,500$-88,900 vs state
Median home value
$805
Median rent
74.8%
Homeownership rate
40,058
Total housing units
89.6%
Occupied
10.4%
Vacant
25.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.5%
With health insurance
90.2%
With broadband internet
22.9%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
19.8%
With a disability
89.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.1%
High School+
20.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Burke County, North Carolina has a population of 87,863 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 174 people per square mile.
The population of Burke County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (90,567 → 88,545), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Burke County, North Carolina is $55,684, with mean (average) household income of $74,300 and per-capita income of $31,184. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Burke County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.1%), Black or African American (6.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Burke County, North Carolina is 44.9 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Burke County is $170,500 and median monthly rent is $805. 74.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 40,058 total housing units, 10.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Burke County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Burke County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Burke County, NC Climate
Burke County, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.3°C (58°F) and receives about 1263 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.3°C
Avg Temp
1263
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 104 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 103 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 124 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 96 mm |
| May | 19° / 65° | 116 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 118 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 104 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 104 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 104 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 100 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 96 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 94 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 Burke County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Burke County, NC are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Burke County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.