Burke County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Burke County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 87,863. It is the 33rd most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Burke County is 44.9 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Burke County is $55,684. This is 20% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.9%. This is 36% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. The median home value is $170,500. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 74.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Burke County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 79.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.2%. The Black or African American population (5.9%) is well below the state average of 20.3%.

Education

20.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.1%.