Burien city, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Burien city, Washington has a total population of 51,331, the 26th largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $90,597, which is 5% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.4%.
Burien city Quick Facts
How Burien city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 55 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Burien city Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Cities Similar to Burien city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacey city | 57,088 | $87,277 | $427,900 | 32.2% | 11.0% |
| Olympia city | 55,583 | $76,930 | $457,900 | 50.0% | 14.8% |
| Richland city | 61,912 | $92,550 | $401,800 | 46.0% | 9.3% |
| Puyallup city | 42,642 | $95,639 | $507,000 | 28.3% | 7.5% |
| Bremerton city | 44,531 | $74,399 | $409,500 | 26.9% | 13.5% |
Population Overview
Burien city is a mid-sized community located in Washington. The total population is 51,331. It ranks as the 26th most populous out of 631 cities and towns in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Burien city is 39.8 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 38.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Burien city is $90,597. This is 5% lower than the state median of $94,952. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 15% higher. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%. This is 5% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 5.5%. This is 11% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $609,300. Housing costs are 17% higher than the state median of $519,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 56.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 63.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Burien city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 47.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 23.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (7.0% vs 3.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (23.1% vs 14.1%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (15.0% vs 9.3%).
Education
31.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 19% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Burien city, Washington is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 631 Census-designated places in Washington. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Burien city, Washington?
Burien city, Washington has a population of 51,331 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Burien city, WA?
The median household income in Burien city is $90,597, which is 15% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Burien city, WA?
The poverty rate in Burien city is 10.4%. This means approximately 5,307 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Burien city, Washington?
Burien city's population is 47.9% White, 7.0% Black, 23.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 15.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Burien city, WA?
The median home value in Burien city is $609,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x.
How educated is Burien city, Washington?
31.5% of adults (25+) in Burien city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.