Burke County, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,470
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,014/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,300
0.9% year-over-year change

Burke County population

How many people live in Burke County

Burke County is home to 24,470 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Burke County locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
24,470
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
11,611
Female
52.6%
12,859
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,611 47.4% -3.0%
Female 12,859 52.6% 3.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Burke County is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 14.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.5% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
14.8%
25 to 44
21.5%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,954 20.2% -1.2%
15 to 24 3,625 14.8% -4.9%
25 to 44 5,269 21.5% 2.2%
45 to 64 6,291 25.7% -0.1%
Over 65 4,331 17.7% 4.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Burke County, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.4% of locals are Caucasian, 45.3% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,027 98.2% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 276 1.1% -34.0%
Non-citizens 167 0.7% -33.2%
Racial breakdown
White
50.4%
Black or African American
45.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 12,340 50.4%
Black or African American 11,077 45.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 26 0.1%
Asian 122 0.5%
Two or more races 826 3.4%
Other 79 0.3%

Households in Burke County

A peek inside Burke County households

Burke County has 9,184 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,184
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,029
Family households
6,155
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,029 33% -6.7%
Family households 6,155 67% 5.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Burke County

The housing landscape of Burke County

Burke County's housing consists of 11,300 units, with 58% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 30% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,300
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,560 58%
1 unit, attached 39 0.4%
2 units 289 2.6%
3 or 4 units 561 5%
5 to 9 units 149 1.3%
10 to 19 units 55 0.5%
20 to 49 units 36 0.3%
50 or more units 79 0.7%
Mobile home 3,393 30%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 139 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
238
38.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Burke County

In Burke County, the median construction year is 1982. About 8.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 912 8.1% 43.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 687 6.1% 29.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 747 6.6% 14.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 805 7.1% -2.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,233 19.8% -1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,326 11.7% -15.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,815 16.1% -2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,007 8.9% -28.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,530 13.5% 20.0%
Built in 2020 or later 238 2.1% 38.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Burke County occupancy rates

Out of the 9,184 occupied housing units in Burke County, 70% are owner-occupied, while 30% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,184
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,755
Owner occupied
6,429
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,755 30% 11.1%
Owner occupied 6,429 70% -2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
18.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Burke County housing costs

Housing costs in Burke County come to a median of $718 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $758.

Median housing costs per month
$718/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Burke County
$758/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Burke County

Burke County education at a glance

About 50.1% of the population in Burke County went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 10.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 820 4.4% -21.0%
High school diploma 9,252 50.1% 4.4%
College diploma 3,902 21.1% -8.3%
Associate degree 1,842 10% 3.7%
Bachelor's degree 2,005 10.9% 5.8%
Graduate degree 644 3.5% 22.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Burke County

How much people earn in Burke County

The average annual household income in Burke County was $87,205 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,014, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Burke County
$87,205/year
7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Burke County
$53,014/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Burke County income by age

In Burke County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,797. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,677 overall. Overall, 81.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $52,797 12.4%
45 - 64 $78,677 9.7%
Over 65 $35,549 -0.6%
Above poverty level
19,541
Below poverty level
4,378
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,541 81.7% 1.1%
Below poverty level 4,378 18.3% -3.6%

Employment in Burke County

Workforce and job types in Burke County

The job market in Burke County is powered by 10,688 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 68.8% are employed by private companies, and 18.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,688
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
7,144
Blue collar
3,544
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,144 66.8% 6.4%
Blue collar 3,544 33.2% -2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
68.8%
Governmental workers
18.3%
Not for profit companies
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 977 9.1% -10.4%
Private companies 7,348 68.8% 2.7%
Governmental workers 1,960 18.3% 11.1%
Not for profit companies 403 3.8% 23.2%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
-11.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Burke County stands at 5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Burke County

How people get around in Burke County

Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,301 88.3% 5.2%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.1% -77.1%
Walk 148 1.4% -24.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Burke County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
30426 703 304 $83,908 $95,865
30434 4,883 1,731 $51,323 $70,073
30441 1,910 796 $41,220 $55,886
30456 1,745 902 $53,014 $64,437
30805 2,585 915 $52,676 $64,211
30815 44,109 14,284 $70,202 $86,949
30816 2,208 934 $44,559 $67,452
30830 15,313 5,360 $53,385 $101,863

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FAQs about Burke County demographics 

What is the total population of Burke County?

Burke County has a total population of 24,470 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Burke County?

The gender ratio in Burke County is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (11,611 residents)
  • 52.6% females (12,859 residents)

What is the median age in Burke County?

The median age in Burke County is 38.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Burke County?

The age distribution in Burke County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (4,954 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.8% (3,625 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.5% (5,269 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (6,291 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.7% (4,331 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Burke County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Burke County is as follows:
  • White: 50.4% (12,340 residents)
  • Black or African American: 45.3% (11,077 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (26 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (122 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (826 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (79 residents)

What percentage of the population in Burke County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Burke County.

How many housing units are there in Burke County?

There are 11,300 housing units in Burke County, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Burke County and what is the average household size?

Burke County has a total of 9,184 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Burke County?

Burke County has a median household income of $53,014, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Burke County?

The employment rate is 95% in Burke County, with a workforce of 10,688 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.8% (7,144 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.2% (3,544 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (977 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.8% (7,348 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.3% (1,960 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.8% (403 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025