Burien, WA
Population 51,331 · Washington
About Burien, WA
Burien is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 51,331 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,597 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Burien features a median home value of $609,300, which is 149% above the national median of $244,900. This places Burien in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,742, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,184 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (11,298 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (8,545 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Burien shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Burien have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.5% of Burien 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 13.0% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 9.5% Asian residents, with 25.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Burien Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Burien, WA
Compared to national averages, Burien has a median household income of $90,597 (21% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $609,300, which is 149% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,742 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Burien's income is 0% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 32% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Burien, WA?
Burien offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,597, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $609,300. However, as a mid-sized city, Burien provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Burien has a population of 51,331 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Burien with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Burien
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bothell | 48,610 | $132,232 | $871,300 | Compare |
| Olympia | 55,583 | $76,930 | $457,900 | Compare |
| Lacey | 57,088 | $87,277 | $427,900 | Compare |
| Bremerton | 44,531 | $74,399 | $409,500 | Compare |
| Shoreline | 59,280 | $113,336 | $759,400 | Compare |
| Edmonds | 42,783 | $116,095 | $840,200 | Compare |
| Puyallup | 42,642 | $95,639 | $507,000 | Compare |
| Lynnwood | 40,953 | $76,439 | $635,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Burien With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Burien
What is the population of Burien, WA?
The population of Burien, WA is 51,331 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Burien?
The median household income in Burien, WA is $90,597 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Burien?
The median home value in Burien, WA is $609,300, which is 149% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Burien?
The median monthly rent in Burien, WA is $1,742, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Burien?
The unemployment rate in Burien, WA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Burien, WA a good place to live?
Burien offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 51,331 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Burien, WA?
31.5% of residents in Burien 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 Burien?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Burien, WA: median home value is $609,300 (149% above national), median rent is $1,742/month, and median household income is $90,597. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Burien?
The poverty rate in Burien, WA is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Burien, WA?
Burien's population is 13.0% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 9.5% Asian, and 7.0% two or more races. 25.2% of residents are foreign-born.