Burlington, NC Census Data
The 18th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Burlington is the 18th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 19th of 22 for median household income. With 58,599 residents, its poverty rate of 18.0% ranks among the higher rates in North Carolina. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
58,599
47.5% male · 52.5% female
Median Age
39.6
0.9 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$54,941
$23,597 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
28.7%
6.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 86.5%
Poverty Rate
18.0%
5.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 10.3%
Broadband Access
94.3%
4.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$188,700
Median rent: $1,030 · 55% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Labor force participation: 59.4%
Per Capita Income
$37,608
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.9%
Disability rate: 12.6%
How Burlington Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 18th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 19th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 17th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 17th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 20th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Burlington, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Burlington, NC?
The population of Burlington, NC is 58,599 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.6 years.
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington, NC is $54,941, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,608.
What is the poverty rate in Burlington?
The poverty rate in Burlington, NC is 18.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 10.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Burlington residents have a college degree?
28.7% of adults (25+) in Burlington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 86.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Burlington?
The median home value in Burlington, NC is $188,700. Median rent is $1,030 per month, with 55% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Burlington?
Burlington's population is 48.8% White, 30.3% Black, 18.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Burlington rank among North Carolina cities?
Burlington is the 18th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 19th highest for median household income, the 17th lowest for poverty rate, the 17th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Burlington?
The unemployment rate in Burlington, NC is 5.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 59.4%. Per capita income is $37,608.
Cities Similar to Burlington
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.