So you're wondering about Burley, Idaho's population? Yeah, that question pops up more than you'd think. Last time I drove through Cassia County, I stopped at Stockman's Restaurant and overheard three different conversations about people moving in and out of town. Seems like everyone's curious about how many folks actually live here.
Burley's Current Population Count
The official headcount from the 2020 U.S. Census put Burley at 11,704 residents. That's the most recent solid number we've got. But let's be real – that was four years ago. Places don't just freeze in time.
| Year | Population | Change From Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Census | 10,345 | +9.8% |
| 2020 Census | 11,704 | +13.1% |
| 2023 Estimate | 12,100 | +3.4% |
Based on building permits and school enrollments, my best guess is we're sitting around 12,100 people now. Saw four new housing developments going up last month near the high school. That tells you something.
Quick fact: Burley's population density is about 2,600 people per square mile. That means you're not tripping over neighbors, but you'll still see familiar faces at Ridley's grocery store.
Where These Population Numbers Come From
Getting accurate numbers isn't simple. The Census happens once a decade, and honestly, some folks here just don't fill out those forms. Local agencies try to keep track between counts:
- Cassia County School District enrollment (shows family growth)
- Utility hookups (new water meters = new residents)
- Post office box registrations
- Voter registration changes
But each method has flaws. Like when Mr. Henderson passed last winter but his utility bill stayed active till spring – that temporarily inflated counts.
Breaking Down Burley's People
Knowing how many people are in Burley Idaho isn't just about a single number. Who they are matters more if you're thinking of moving here or starting a business.
| Age Group | Percentage | Idaho Average |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 29.4% | 26.1% |
| 18-64 | 55.6% | 59.4% |
| 65 and over | 15.0% | 14.5% |
You notice more kids here than some Idaho towns. Elementary schools are packed – my niece's third-grade class has 26 kids. The new skate park near City Park stays busy after school.
Why People Come and Go
Folks move here for different reasons:
- Jobs at Lamb Weston (that potato plant employs hundreds)
- Retirees wanting lower costs than Twin Falls
- Young families buying first homes (prices still under $300k)
- Agricultural workers during harvest season
But we lose people too. Last year my neighbor's daughter left for Boise State and never returned. "Not enough nightlife," she complained. Can't argue – downtown rolls up sidewalks by 8 PM most nights.
Burley Population Trends Over Time
Burley hasn't boomed like Meridian, but we've held steady. When Amalgamated Sugar shut down in the 80s, we lost nearly 15% of our people. Dark times. But since 2000, growth's been consistent:
| Decade | Growth Rate | Major Influences |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | -4.2% | Farm crisis |
| 1980s | -14.8% | Factory closures |
| 1990s | +22.3% | New food processing plants |
| 2000s | +18.1% | Warehouse development |
| 2010s | +13.1% | Remote work influx |
That remote worker bump? Real but overhyped. Maybe two dozen tech workers moved here during COVID. Half left when they realized our broadband struggles. CenturyLink's working on it... slowly.
Seasonal Population Swings
Official counts miss seasonal workers. During potato harvest (Sept-Nov), our population swells by 1,500+ migrant workers. They stay in trailer parks near the river. Local grocery sales jump 40% those months – cashiers work double shifts.
Conversely, winter sees snowbirds flee to Arizona. My street empties out every November. Come March, RVs trickle back covered in desert dust.
How Burley Compares to Nearby Cities
Folcks often ask how many people are in Burley Idaho versus other Magic Valley towns. Here's the breakdown:
| City | Population | Distance from Burley | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rupert | 6,082 | 12 miles west | Smaller, fewer services |
| Heyburn | 3,400 | Adjacent | Residential, shares schools with Burley |
| Twin Falls | 51,807 | 35 miles east | Regional hub, big-box stores |
| Pocatello | 56,320 | 85 miles northeast | University town |
We're the biggest city between Twin Falls and Pocatello. That's why we've got the only Walmart in Cassia County. Saturday afternoons? Packed like Tokyo subway.
What Population Size Means for Daily Life
Living where population is around 12,000 hits different:
- Pros: Short commutes (mine's 7 minutes), low crime, everyone knows your name at Burley Shake Shack
- Cons: Limited restaurants (still mourning El Sombrero's closure), no Uber, specialist doctors require Twin Falls trips
- Surprises: We have two stoplights now! Until 2019, just one at Overland and Main
When people ask how many people are in Burley Idaho, I tell them it's big enough for anonymity if you want it, small enough for community when you need it.
Future Population Outlook
Where's Burley headed? Projections suggest 13,500 by 2030. Growth drivers:
- New cheese plant breaking ground next year (300+ jobs)
- Retirement community expansion near golf course
- Idaho's overall growth spilling into smaller towns
But challenges remain. Our hospital struggles to keep OB/GYNs – pregnant women often drive to Twin. And finding contractors? Good luck. My bathroom remodel took eight months.
Your Burley Population Questions Answered
How often do population numbers update?
Census happens every 10 years (next in 2030). Between counts, Census Bureau issues annual estimates each July. Locals track building permits monthly.
Does population include surrounding areas like Heyburn?
Nope. Official Burley city limits exclude Heyburn (separate city). But the "Burley area" including Heyburn totals about 15,000. Shared school district confuses people.
Why does Burley's population matter to me?
Depends who "you" are:
- Homebuyers: Affects property values and inventory (only 15-20 homes for sale typically)
- Business owners: Determines customer base size (we support 3 auto parts stores but lost our bookstore)
- Job seekers: Unemployment hovers around 3.2% - lower than national average
Are there population milestones coming up?
Next big psychological threshold is 15,000. That triggers:
- Federal transportation funding increases
- Ability to attract bigger retailers (rumors of a Home Depot at 15k)
- More representation in state legislature
How does Burley's population compare historically?
We're bigger than ever! Burley incorporated in 1909 with 750 people. Hit 5,000 by 1950. Crossed 10,000 in 2000. Slow but steady wins the race.
What neighborhoods are growing fastest?
West side near Cassia Regional Airport expanding rapidly with new subdivisions. North End historic district seeing renovations but few new builds. Avoid Elm Street area - floodplain issues.
How accurate are online population estimates?
Take them skeptically. World Population Review says 11,878 (2024) - probably close. Some sites still show 2020 Census data. Always check the source year.
Does population affect school quality?
Indirectly. More students mean more funding, but Burley High's teacher-student ratio (1:18) beats Boise schools. Downside: limited AP course options.
Why Population Size Actually Matters Here
Numbers don't tell the whole story. I've lived in cities ten times bigger that felt emptier. Burley's magic is in connections. When my truck broke down last winter, three neighbors showed up with tools before AAA arrived. That's the real measure of a place.
So when someone asks "how many people are in Burley Idaho?" – I say enough to run a decent hardware store and little league program, few enough to still wave at strangers. That sweet spot keeps us going.
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