Burke County, Georgia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Burke County is located in Georgia with a total population of 24,427. It is the 78th most populous county out of 159 in Georgia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Burke County is 38.4 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 37.4 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Burke County is $50,739. This is 32% lower than the state median of $74,664. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%. This is 42% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.5%. The unemployment rate is 5.8%. This is 13% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $107,800. Housing costs are 60% lower than the state median of $272,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Burke County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 65.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Burke County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 48.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 45.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.4%) is well below the state average of 10.7%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 4.3%.

Education

14.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 58% lower than the state rate of 34.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.1%.