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Is Burlington a Good Place to Live? Burlington, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Burlington ranks #1087 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #448 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,051/mo, #64 of 524) and affordable homes ($199,200, #66 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (640 per 100,000, #410 of 444) and low household income ($56,880, #466 of 524).
Burlington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Burlington's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Burlington?
Burlington's cost of living index is 93.2, 7% below the US level of 100 and #388 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,051/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $254,509, 24% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Burlington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.2#388 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $254,509#263 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,284/mo#154 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $199,200#225 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,051/mo#266 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.2%#698 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Burlington housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Burlington is in the Burlington, NC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Burlington safe?
Burlington recorded 640 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 94% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #936 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #410 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Burlington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,657 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Burlington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 640#936 of 1,085 | 330 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,657#895 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Burlington?
The median household in Burlington earns $56,880, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Burlington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $56,880#1111 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.4%#943 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Burlington?
The median resident of Burlington is 40.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #810 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.6%#810 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Burlington's schools and health?
Burlington's 11 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16 students per teacher and $11,925 spent per pupil. 40.8% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Burlington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16#634 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,925#971 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.8%#1155 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 14.8%#1065 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,927 students are enrolled in Burlington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Burlington?
The average commute in Burlington is 23.7 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 0% of workers take transit and 9.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Burlington scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.3°F and winters 43°F, with 43.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Burlington | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.7 min#652 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.4% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.8% | 15.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.2#1009 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51.9 | 30 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 55.8 | 32.6 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 63.6 | 39.3 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 73.6 | 47.9 | 3.8 |
| May | 80.4 | 57 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 87.5 | 65.2 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 90.8 | 69.5 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 88.9 | 68.1 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 82.8 | 61.5 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 73.4 | 48.7 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 63.1 | 38.1 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 54.7 | 32.8 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington Alamance Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 60.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 43°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Burlington Alamance Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Burlington?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Burlington's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alamance County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Burlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#357 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Alamance County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Alamance County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0075% | 72% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0017% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0027% | 48% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 46% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0058% | 40% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Burlington compare with similar-size cities?
Burlington is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #448 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,610.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #1087 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 | 23.7 min |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #348 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 | 25.7 min |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #600 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 | 16.1 min |
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #956 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 | 22.6 min |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #305 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 | 21 min |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #32 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 | 30.2 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #164 | 65.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | 64 | 27.1 min |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Burlington compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Burlington ranks #18 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 48.1 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 23% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 94% above the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is Burlington's score calculated?
Burlington scores 48.1 out of 100, #1087 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Burlington. Similar-size median 55.5.
43.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Burlington's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
47.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Burlington. Similar-size median 58.9.
39.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Burlington's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Burlington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
80.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Burlington. Similar-size median 56.1.
34.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Burlington. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Burlington. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Burlington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Burlington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Burlington has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Burlington
Is Burlington, NC a good place to live?
Burlington ranks #1087 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #448 of 524 smaller cities and #18 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,051/mo, #64 of 524) and affordable homes ($199,200, #66 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (640 per 100,000, #410 of 444) and low household income ($56,880, #466 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Burlington?
Burlington's cost of living index is 93.2, 7% below the US level of 100 and #388 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,051/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $254,509, 24% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Burlington?
Burlington recorded 640 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 94% above North Carolina's 330. That ranks #936 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #410 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Burlington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,657 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household in Burlington earns $56,880, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Burlington?
Median rent in Burlington is $1,051/mo (Census), #266 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,284/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Burlington?
The typical home value in Burlington is $254,509, up 1.2% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $199,200.
How are the public schools in Burlington?
Burlington's 11 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 16 students per teacher and $11,925 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Burlington?
The average commute is 23.7 minutes, #652 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Burlington?
Burlington averages 60.7°F over the year, 78.3°F in summer and 43°F in winter, with 43.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Burlington walkable?
Burlington scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Burlington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alamance County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
Who lives in Burlington?
Burlington has 59,610 residents. The median resident of Burlington is 40.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #810 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Burlington compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Burlington ranks #18 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 48.1 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 23% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 94% above the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Burlington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Burlington's population of 59,610 are Blue Springs, MO (#348 overall), Corvallis, OR (#600 overall), Hanford, CA (#956 overall), West Allis, WI (#305 overall), and Medford, MA (#32 overall). Burlington is #1087.