Burlington, IA
Population 23,800 · Iowa
About Burlington, IA
Burlington is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 23,800 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,274 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Burlington features a median home value of $115,800, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Burlington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $931, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,506 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (7,738 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (3,526 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Burlington shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Burlington have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.0% of Burlington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Burlington Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Burlington, IA
Compared to national averages, Burlington has a median household income of $55,274 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $115,800, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $931 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Burlington's income is 19% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 12% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Burlington, IA?
Burlington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $115,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $931/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,274) that falls below the national average. However, Burlington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Burlington has a population of 23,800 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Burlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Burlington
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muscatine | 23,567 | $59,332 | $146,900 | Compare |
| Johnston | 24,196 | $103,430 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Clinton | 24,425 | $57,493 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Coralville | 22,846 | $66,508 | $286,000 | Compare |
| Fort Dodge | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Ottumwa | 25,352 | $56,994 | $92,400 | Compare |
| North Liberty | 20,782 | $103,933 | $300,000 | Compare |
| Waukee | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Burlington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Burlington
What is the population of Burlington, IA?
The population of Burlington, IA is 23,800 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington, IA is $55,274 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Burlington?
The median home value in Burlington, IA is $115,800, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Burlington?
The median monthly rent in Burlington, IA is $931, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Burlington?
The unemployment rate in Burlington, IA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Burlington, IA a good place to live?
Burlington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 23,800 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Burlington, IA?
23.0% of residents in Burlington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Burlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Burlington, IA: median home value is $115,800 (53% below national), median rent is $931/month, and median household income is $55,274. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Burlington?
The poverty rate in Burlington, IA is 15.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Burlington, IA?
Burlington's population is 2.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 5.6% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.