Burke
North Carolina

What stands out

If you had to describe Burke County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is in the top 2% of American counties (53 per 100,000). Within North Carolina it ranks 3rd of 100 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Burke County, North Carolina. 87,799 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +697).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $53,732 a year, lower than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,986. Unemployment runs 3.4%, higher than 51% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,144 a year.

Home

The median home costs $257K, pricier than 58% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $733 a month. Property tax is 0.72% of home value, roughly $1,120 a year on that median home, lower than 63% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 53% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 53 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 75.1 years, shorter than 58% of American counties. There are 189 active physicians in the county, about 21.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 12.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.08 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 59% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 40 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 63% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 58°F, highs near 70 and lows near 47, warmer than 62% of American counties. About 43 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 65 out of 100, riskier than 65% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 218 Mbps down, faster than 58% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.