Burlington, NC
Population 58,599 · North Carolina
About Burlington, NC
Burlington is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 58,599 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,941 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Burlington features a median home value of $188,700, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Burlington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,030, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,169 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (13,562 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (11,151 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Burlington shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Burlington have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.7% of Burlington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 9.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 7.4% Asian residents, with 12.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Burlington Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Burlington, NC
Compared to national averages, Burlington has a median household income of $54,941 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $188,700, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,030 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Burlington's income is 15% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 18% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Burlington, NC?
Burlington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $188,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,030/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,941) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Burlington provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Burlington has a population of 58,599 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Burlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Burlington
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel Hill | 59,889 | $85,825 | $576,500 | Compare |
| Kannapolis | 56,470 | $70,691 | $245,500 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | Compare |
| Rocky Mount | 54,175 | $52,927 | $148,300 | Compare |
| Mooresville | 51,447 | $88,592 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Wake Forest | 51,199 | $120,777 | $435,000 | Compare |
| Apex | 67,765 | $138,442 | $514,800 | Compare |
| Wilson | 47,740 | $47,294 | $192,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Burlington, NC is 58,599 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington, NC is $54,941 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Burlington?
The median home value in Burlington, NC is $188,700, which is 23% 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, NC is $1,030, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Burlington?
The unemployment rate in Burlington, NC is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Burlington, NC a good place to live?
Burlington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 58,599 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Burlington, NC?
28.7% 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, NC: median home value is $188,700 (23% below national), median rent is $1,030/month, and median household income is $54,941. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Burlington?
The poverty rate in Burlington, NC is 18.0%, 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, NC?
Burlington's population is 9.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 7.4% Asian, and 29.8% two or more races. 12.4% of residents are foreign-born.