Living in Burien, Washington
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Burien · Census data 2020–2024
Burien has 51,513 residents with a median age of 40.4. The median household income is $91,318 (7% lower than the Washington median), the median home value is $638,800, the median rent is $1,782/month.
Burien at a glance
- Population
- 51,513
- Median age
- 40.4State: 38.3
- Median household income
- $91,318State: $98,141
- Median home value
- $638,800State: $564,600
- Median rent
- $1,782/moState: $1,760
- Homeowners
- 56.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 33.2%
- Average commute
- 27 min
Is Burien a good place to live?
Cons: Median household income 7% lower than the Washington median; home values 13% higher than the state median; an average commute of 27 minutes; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 12.9%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Burien
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Burien the median home value is $638,800, 92% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,782 per month, which is 30.9% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,780 a month in housing costs.
Burien median household income
The median household income in Burien is $91,318 and the income per person is $49,093. 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line (Washington: 9.9%).
Housing in Burien: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 21,271
- Owner-occupied
- 56.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 43.4%
- Vacant
- 7.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1966
- Average household size
- 2.59
Burien demographics
- Population
- 51,513
- Median age
- 40.4
- Under 18
- 20.6%
- 65 and older
- 15.9%
- Households
- 19,672
- Foreign-born
- 26.1%
- Veterans
- 5.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Burien ›
Education in Burien
33.2% of adults 25 and older in Burien have a bachelor's degree or higher (Washington: 39.6%), and 11.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Burien
- Unemployment rate
- 7%State: 5.1%
- Average commute
- 27 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 18.6%
- Drive alone
- 61.2%
- Public transit
- 5.6%
- Walk to work
- 1.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 92.9%
Burien vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burien | 51,513 | $91,318 | $638,800 | $1,782 |
| White Center | 14,886 | $87,189 | $645,200 | $1,595 |
| Normandy Park | 6,659 | $162,476 | $1,014,100 | $1,893 |
| Boulevard Park | 4,575 | $78,954 | $456,100 | $1,848 |
| SeaTac | 32,414 | $81,104 | $519,700 | $1,660 |
| Tukwila | 21,451 | $78,381 | $489,000 | $1,898 |
| Bryn Mawr-Skyway | 17,638 | $90,969 | $655,200 | $1,760 |
| Des Moines | 32,823 | $92,483 | $597,000 | $1,799 |
| Vashon | 9,934 | $120,571 | $790,700 | $1,670 |
More for people moving to Burien
Burien ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Burien: FAQ
What is the median household income in Burien, WA?
The median household income in Burien is $91,318, 7% lower than the Washington median of $98,141 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Burien?
The median home value in Burien is $638,800, compared with $564,600 in Washington.
How much is rent in Burien?
The median gross rent in Burien is $1,782 per month, about 30.9% of household income.
Is Burien, WA a good place to live?
Minuses: median household income 7% lower than the Washington median; home values 13% higher than the state median; an average commute of 27 minutes; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 12.9%.
What is the median age in Burien?
The median age in Burien is 40.4 years (Washington: 38.3).
How long is the commute in Burien?
The average commute to work in Burien is 27 minutes; 18.6% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Burien?
The unemployment rate in Burien is 7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Burien?
33.2% of adults in Burien have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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