Burien, WA Census Data
The 26th largest city in Washington by population · 26 cities ranked
Burien is the 26th largest city in Washington by population and ranks 12th of 26 for median household income. With 51,331 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 14 other Washington cities. 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
51,331
51.5% male · 48.5% female
Median Age
39.8
1.1 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$90,597
$12,059 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
31.5%
3.5% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 84.9%
Poverty Rate
10.4%
2.0% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.7%
Broadband Access
96.1%
6.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$609,300
Median rent: $1,742 · 57% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Labor force participation: 64.9%
Per Capita Income
$49,198
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.4%
Disability rate: 13.0%
How Burien Compares to Other Washington Cities
Rankings among all 26 Washington cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 26th of 26 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 12th of 26 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 12th of 26 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 16th of 26 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 8th of 26 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Burien, WA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Burien, WA?
The population of Burien, WA is 51,331 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.8 years.
What is the median household income in Burien?
The median household income in Burien, WA is $90,597, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $49,198.
What is the poverty rate in Burien?
The poverty rate in Burien, WA is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Burien residents have a college degree?
31.5% of adults (25+) in Burien hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 84.9% 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 Burien?
The median home value in Burien, WA is $609,300. Median rent is $1,742 per month, with 57% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Burien?
Burien's population is 50.9% White, 7.2% Black, 23.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 15.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Burien rank among Washington cities?
Burien is the 26th largest city in Washington by population, the 12th highest for median household income, the 12th lowest for poverty rate, the 16th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 26 ranked Washington cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Burien?
The unemployment rate in Burien, WA is 5.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 64.9%. Per capita income is $49,198.
Cities Similar to Burien
Other Washington cities with comparable population and income levels.