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.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.