Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 87,863 ↑ 0.3% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $55,684 25% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $170,500 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% |
| Median Age | 44.9 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 10.4% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 199 transactions |
| Active Listings | 199 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 95 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $14,706 |
| Recent Sales | 123 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 99 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 8.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 124 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 10.36 | $165,000 | $15,927 | Morganton |
| Mar 2026 | 1.23 | $37,000 | $30,081 | Morganton |
| Mar 2026 | 3.36 | $66,500 | $19,815 | Morganton |
| Mar 2026 | 2.07 | $120,000 | $57,971 | Connelly Springs |
| Feb 2026 | 5.22 | $30,000 | $5,747 | Connelly Springs |
| Feb 2026 | 4.01 | $25,000 | $6,234 | Morganton |
| Feb 2026 | 1.50 | $160,000 | $106,667 | Connelly Springs |
| Feb 2026 | 1.31 | $48,000 | $36,641 | Morganton |
| Feb 2026 | 1.30 | $30,000 | $23,077 | Connelly Springs |
| Feb 2026 | 14.17 | $85,000 | $5,997 | Connelly Springs |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $29,000 |
| Recent Sales | 76 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 90 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.60 acres |
| Active Listings | 75 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 0.43 | $29,500 | Morganton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.92 | $15,000 | Morganton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.87 | $55,000 | Connelly Springs |
| Feb 2026 | 0.71 | $55,000 | Connelly Springs |
| Feb 2026 | 0.94 | $3,500 | Morganton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.67 | $48,000 | Connelly Springs |
| Feb 2026 | 0.43 | $9,000 | Morganton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.40 | $23,000 | Morganton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.42 | $7,000 | Morganton |
| Feb 2026 | 0.36 | $400,000 | Hickory |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 87,863 |
| Population (2020) | 87,570 |
| Population Growth | 0.33% |
| Median Household Income | $55,684 |
| Median Home Value | $170,500 |
| Total Housing Units | 40,058 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 4,185 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 10.4% |
| Median Age | 44.9 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 8,291 (9.4%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.3% |
Market Overview
Burke County, North Carolina has a population of 87,863, which has grown 0.33% since 2020. The median household income is $55,684, below the national median of $74,580 by 25.3%. With a median home value of $170,500 and an unemployment rate of 3.3%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 10.4% suggests balanced market conditions. The county's location in North Carolina makes it accessible for investors and developers seeking rural land. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $14,706 per acre, with properties averaging 8.50 acres. There are currently 199 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Burke County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Burke County has a population of 87,863. The county has grown 0.33% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Burke County?
The median household income in Burke County is $55,684, which is 25.3% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Burke County growing or shrinking?
Burke County is growing. The population has increased 0.33% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Burke County?
The median home value in Burke County is $170,500. The housing vacancy rate is 10.4%, which suggests balanced market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $14,706 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $29,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Burke County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Burke County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.