Burien, Washington Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Burien, Washington had a total population of 51,513, the 26th largest city in Washington, with a median household income of $91,318, which is 7% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Washington (diversity index: 70/100).
Burien Quick Facts
How Burien Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 51,331 | 51,513 | +0.4% |
| Median household income | $90,597 | $91,318 | +0.8% |
| Median home value | $609,300 | $638,800 | +4.8% |
How Burien Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Burien Rankings in Washington
Explore Washington Rankings
Other Cities in King County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 754,195 | $123,860 | 9.9% | $938,600 |
| Bellevue | 151,847 | $165,576 | 7.2% | $1,340,300 |
| Kent | 135,603 | $92,302 | 10.8% | $587,800 |
| Renton | 105,317 | $100,432 | 8.1% | $672,600 |
| Federal Way | 99,493 | $86,909 | 13.0% | $552,800 |
| Kirkland | 92,621 | $150,414 | 6.1% | $1,115,400 |
| Auburn | 85,676 | $97,884 | 8.9% | $547,900 |
| Redmond | 77,353 | $162,560 | 5.6% | $1,167,800 |
| Sammamish | 66,463 | $239,690 | 4.3% | $1,407,300 |
| Shoreline | 61,431 | $112,751 | 8.8% | $811,100 |
Cities Similar to Burien
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacey | 57,737 | $90,625 | $457,100 | 34.1% | 11.6% |
| Olympia | 55,951 | $81,302 | $486,200 | 51.8% | 14.0% |
| Puyallup | 42,746 | $97,826 | $551,800 | 29.4% | 7.0% |
| Richland | 62,753 | $95,813 | $436,700 | 46.6% | 9.0% |
| Bremerton | 44,830 | $74,940 | $439,400 | 28.4% | 13.8% |
Population Overview
Burien is a mid-sized community located in Washington, within King County. The total population is 51,513. It ranks as the 26th most populous out of 628 Census-designated places in Washington.
Age Demographics
The median age in Burien is 40.4 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 38.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Burien is $91,318. This is 7% lower than the state median of $98,141. It is also 13% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%. This is 30% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 7.0%. This is 37% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $638,800. Housing costs are 13% higher than the state median of $564,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.0x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 56.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 63.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Burien is White (non-Hispanic), making up 45.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 24.2%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (7.6% vs 3.9%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (24.2% vs 14.4%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (15.3% vs 9.7%).
Education
33.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 39.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Burien, Washington is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Washington state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 628 Census-designated places in Washington. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Burien, Washington?
Burien, Washington has a population of 51,513 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Burien, WA?
The median household income in Burien is $91,318, which is 13% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Burien, WA?
The poverty rate in Burien is 12.9%. This means approximately 6,584 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Burien, Washington?
Burien's population is 45.7% White, 7.6% Black, 24.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 15.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Burien, WA?
The median home value in Burien is $638,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x.
How educated is Burien, Washington?
33.2% of adults (25+) in Burien hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.