Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 45.0 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.29 |
| Below Poverty | 17.8% ▲ 78% above avg |
| College Grads | 36.2% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 5.4% ▲ 11% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 1,763 (3.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 16,905 (32.4%) |
| Some College | 8,153 (15.6%) |
| Associates | 6,359 (12.2%) |
| Bachelors | 7,027 (13.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 11,917 (22.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $55,625 ▼ 27% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $171,192 ▼ 39% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $800/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 35,932 |
| Vacant Units | 3,486 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Burke County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 11 ZIP codes spanning 10 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 79,445 residents. With a median age of 45.03, it is a mature county.
Burke County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $55,625 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 5.4%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 17.8% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.
Housing in Burke County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $171,192 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $799. Homeownership rates are high at 74.0%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Burke County are primarily White (78.67%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 36.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Burke County, NC is a solidly middle-class area in North Carolina. The 11 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28612 | Connelly Springs | 11,182 | $56,007 | $159,400 | $787 | 7.2% | 31.6% |
| 28619 | Drexel | 457 | $40,000 | $201,000 | $590 | 18.3% | 17.8% |
| 28637 | Hildebran | 1,512 | $58,190 | $189,400 | $734 | 3.6% | 35.8% |
| 28655 | Morganton | 56,201 | $53,464 | $170,400 | $827 | 5.3% | 36.0% |
| 28671 | Rutherford College | 377 | $70,690 | $189,600 | — | 0.0% | 38.7% |
| 28690 | Valdese | 9,294 | $67,974 | $185,000 | $670 | 4.3% | 45.5% |