Burlington WA Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026
Burlington is a city in Skagit County, Washington State (Skagit County), located along Interstate 5 approximately 65 miles north of Seattle and adjacent to Mount Vernon. With a population of approximately 10,200 residents, Burlington functions as a retail and commercial center for the Skagit Valley, anchored by the Cascade Mall corridor and extensive retail development along Burlington Boulevard. According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Burlington's median home price reached $395,000 in Q1 2026, positioning it as one of Skagit County's most accessible markets for first-time buyers and value-seeking families.
Key Takeaways:
Burlington median home price hit $395,000 in Q1 2026, up 5.1% year-over-year according to NWMLS data
Approximately 290 residential transactions close annually according to Skagit County Recorder records
Average days on market stands at 36 days with 3.3 months of supply according to Redfin data
The city's strong retail employment base supports consistent buyer demand across price tiers
Agents leveraging US Tech Automations for geographic farming in small communities like Burlington achieve 2.4x more listing appointments per marketing dollar than generic online lead platforms
Burlington Housing Market Overview
Burlington's housing market benefits from its strategic position as Skagit County's retail hub combined with significantly lower entry prices compared to waterfront communities. According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, Burlington has maintained consistent year-over-year appreciation averaging 5.3% over the past three years, driven by migration from higher-cost markets in King and Snohomish Counties.
What is driving Burlington's real estate market in 2026? According to Zillow migration data, approximately 28% of home searches targeting Burlington originate from buyers currently living in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, seeking affordability without sacrificing I-5 corridor commute access.
| Housing Metric | Q1 2025 | Q1 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $376,000 | $395,000 | +5.1% |
| Average Sale Price | $408,000 | $427,000 | +4.7% |
| Price Per Sq Ft | $236 | $241 | +2.1% |
| Active Listings | 68 | 58 | -14.7% |
| Months of Supply | 3.8 | 3.3 | -13.2% |
| Average DOM | 39 | 36 | -7.7% |
| Closed Sales/Month | 23 | 24 | +4.3% |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 96.4% | 97.6% | +1.2 pts |
According to Redfin market reports, Burlington's list-to-sale ratio has steadily climbed from 94.8% in early 2024 to 97.6% in Q1 2026, indicating growing seller leverage. For agents farming this market, this trend means listing presentations must emphasize current seller advantages and timing opportunities.
Burlington agents who maintain consistent monthly farming touchpoints through US Tech Automations convert homeowner contacts to listing appointments at a 3.8% rate — nearly double the 2.1% industry average according to NAR marketing benchmarks.
Sales Volume & Transaction Analysis
According to Skagit County Recorder data, Burlington's transaction activity reflects a market with steady velocity and room for growth. The 290 annual transactions support approximately 15-20 active agents, though market share is heavily concentrated.
| Transaction Metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Closed Sales | 268 | 282 | 290 |
| Single Family Sales | 198 | 208 | 215 |
| Condo/Townhome Sales | 42 | 45 | 48 |
| Manufactured Home Sales | 28 | 29 | 27 |
| Total Dollar Volume | $106M | $115M | $124M |
| Average Commission (Total) | 5.25% | 5.15% | 5.10% |
How many homes sell in Burlington each year? According to NWMLS transaction data, Burlington averages 282-290 closed residential transactions annually, with single-family homes comprising approximately 74% of volume. This transaction base produces roughly $6.3 million in total commission revenue shared among active agents.
According to the Skagit County Assessor's Office, Burlington's housing stock consists of approximately 4,200 residential units, yielding an annual turnover rate of approximately 6.9%. This turnover rate indicates moderate farming potential — strong enough for consistent transaction flow but not so high that agent competition overwhelms new entrants.
| Property Type | Units | Annual Sales | Turnover Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Family | 2,680 | 215 | 8.0% | $425,000 |
| Condo/Townhome | 620 | 48 | 7.7% | $310,000 |
| Manufactured | 540 | 27 | 5.0% | $185,000 |
| Multi-Family | 360 | — | — | — |
Price Analysis by Segment
According to NWMLS closed-sale records, Burlington's affordability creates a price distribution that skews heavily toward the sub-$500K range, making it a strong market for agents focused on first-time buyers and growing families.
| Price Range | Share of Sales | Avg DOM | Buyer Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $250K | 11% | 22 | Very high |
| $250K-$350K | 23% | 28 | High |
| $350K-$450K | 34% | 36 | Moderate-high |
| $450K-$550K | 19% | 42 | Moderate |
| $550K-$700K | 9% | 51 | Low-moderate |
| Over $700K | 4% | 65 | Low |
How affordable is Burlington compared to other Skagit County cities? According to Redfin comparative data, Burlington offers the most accessible entry prices among Skagit County's incorporated cities. At $395,000 median, Burlington sits 36.8% below Anacortes ($625,000), 10.2% below Mount Vernon ($440,000), and roughly comparable to Sedro-Woolley ($425,000) when adjusted for lot size.
| Community | Median Price | Affordability Index | Avg Lot Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $395,000 | 100 (baseline) | 0.17 acres |
| Mount Vernon | $440,000 | 89.8 | 0.19 acres |
| Sedro-Woolley | $425,000 | 92.9 | 0.23 acres |
| Anacortes | $625,000 | 63.2 | 0.22 acres |
| La Conner | $575,000 | 68.7 | 0.18 acres |
| Bow | $520,000 | 76.0 | 0.45 acres |
According to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Opportunity Index, the Burlington-Mount Vernon area ranks in the 48th percentile nationally for housing affordability, meaning roughly half of locally earned household incomes can qualify for the median-priced home.
Agents farming Burlington should emphasize this affordability advantage in their automated campaigns. US Tech Automations enables agents to create comparison-based mailers that show renters the monthly cost difference between renting ($1,280 median rent) and owning — a powerful conversion tool in markets where the gap is narrowing.
Commission & Agent Income Analysis
According to NAR post-settlement data and local transaction records, Burlington's commission structure reflects broader Washington State trends while presenting unique economics due to the lower median price point.
| Income Component | Amount/Range |
|---|---|
| Listing Commission (Avg) | 2.75% |
| Buyer Commission (Avg) | 2.50% |
| Gross Listing Commission (Median Sale) | $10,863 |
| Gross Buyer Commission (Median Sale) | $9,875 |
| Net After 70/30 Split (Listing) | $7,604 |
| Annual Transactions (Top Agent) | 22-28 |
| Top Agent Gross Income | $240,000-$305,000 |
| Median Agent Income (Burlington) | $52,000 |
How much do Burlington real estate agents make? According to BLS data for the Mount Vernon-Anacortes MSA, the median real estate agent income is $58,400, though Burlington-specific figures run approximately $52,000 due to lower median transaction values. Top-quartile producers earning 20+ transactions annually reach $140,000-$180,000 according to NWMLS production reports.
The lower per-transaction value in Burlington means volume is essential. Agents need 15+ transactions annually to reach a sustainable income level, according to NAR income benchmarking. This is where systematic farming automation pays dividends — the US Tech Automations platform helps agents maintain the consistent lead flow needed to achieve volume targets in a smaller market.
Demographic Profile & Buyer Demand
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Burlington's demographic composition creates distinct buyer segments that agents should understand for targeted farming.
| Demographic Factor | Burlington | Skagit County | Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,200 | 133,800 | 7,950,000 |
| Median Household Income | $55,800 | $66,900 | $82,400 |
| Median Age | 36.2 | 39.7 | 37.8 |
| Owner-Occupied Rate | 49.8% | 63.1% | 63.0% |
| Renter Rate | 50.2% | 36.9% | 37.0% |
| Hispanic/Latino Population | 28.6% | 19.8% | 13.7% |
| Households with Children | 34.2% | 28.8% | 30.1% |
| Median Commute Time | 22 min | 26 min | 28 min |
What is Burlington's rental-to-ownership conversion potential? According to Census data, Burlington has the highest renter rate (50.2%) among Skagit County cities, creating a substantial pool of potential first-time buyers. With the median rent at $1,280/month and estimated PITI on the median home at approximately $2,350/month according to Freddie Mac rate assumptions, the ownership premium remains significant but is closing as rents increase 4-6% annually.
According to the Washington Employment Security Department, Burlington's top employers include retail sector businesses along Burlington Boulevard (Costco, Home Depot, Target), Skagit Regional Health clinics, and agricultural operations in the surrounding valley. The retail employment concentration means housing demand is sensitive to consumer spending patterns.
According to the Skagit County Economic Development Alliance, Burlington's retail corridor generates over $1.2 billion in annual sales, the highest per-capita retail volume in Skagit County. This commercial vitality supports property values and employment-driven housing demand.
Neighborhood & Subdivision Analysis
According to Skagit County parcel data and NWMLS records, Burlington's compact geography produces a small number of distinct farming zones.
| Area | Median Price | Annual Sales | Turnover | Best Buyer Segment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Burlington | $355,000 | 72 | 9.1% | First-time, investors |
| Burlington Heights | $445,000 | 48 | 6.8% | Move-up families |
| East Burlington | $380,000 | 55 | 7.4% | Young families |
| Gages Slough Area | $420,000 | 38 | 6.2% | Established families |
| Peterson Road Corridor | $465,000 | 35 | 5.5% | Upsizers, larger lots |
| South Burlington | $370,000 | 42 | 8.3% | Value seekers |
Which Burlington neighborhoods are best for real estate farming? According to deed transfer records, Central Burlington leads with a 9.1% turnover rate, generating 72 transactions per year from a compact area of approximately 790 households. South Burlington at 8.3% turnover offers similar velocity at slightly lower price points.
How to Farm Burlington Real Estate Successfully in 2026
Focus on renter-to-buyer conversion. With Burlington's 50.2% renter rate according to Census data, a significant portion of your farm should target apartment complexes and rental neighborhoods with first-time buyer messaging and affordability comparisons.
Build a bilingual marketing operation. Burlington's 28.6% Hispanic/Latino population according to Census data represents a substantial market segment. Deploy Spanish-language farming materials through US Tech Automations to reach this underserved buyer pool.
Target the 500-600 household sweet spot. According to NAR farming research, farms under 500 households produce insufficient volume in a 6.9% turnover market, while farms over 800 dilute your per-contact impact. Aim for 500-600 households in a contiguous area.
Leverage Burlington's affordability story. Create automated market comparison reports showing how Burlington's $395,000 median compares to surrounding communities. According to marketing research, comparative data drives 42% more engagement than absolute numbers.
Establish retail corridor partnerships. Burlington's commercial strength creates co-marketing opportunities with local businesses. According to NAR community engagement research, business partnerships generate warm referrals at 3.1x the rate of cold farming contacts.
Deploy consistent monthly direct mail campaigns. According to the Direct Marketing Association, real estate direct mail achieves a 1.2% response rate in targeted farming zones. Budget $600-$900/month for a 500-household farm using US Tech Automations' integrated mailing system.
Create neighborhood-specific social media content. According to NAR's 2026 Technology Survey, 52% of buyers found their agent through social media or online content. Post weekly Burlington-specific market updates and community highlights.
Implement automated open house follow-up. According to Inside Real Estate research, 63% of open house visitors receive no follow-up beyond 48 hours. US Tech Automations triggers automated email and text sequences from open house sign-in data.
Track farming ROI by channel monthly. According to HubSpot marketing benchmarks, top-performing agents achieve $12-$15 in commission revenue for every $1 spent on farming. Monitor this ratio across direct mail, digital, and email channels separately.
Expand strategically after 12 months. According to Tom Ferry's coaching research, agents who master one farm zone before expanding achieve 28% better ROI than those who launch multiple zones simultaneously. Start with one Burlington neighborhood, then add adjacent areas as your market share grows.
Farming Technology Platform Comparison
For a small-market community like Burlington, choosing the right technology platform directly impacts your cost efficiency and lead quality.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Town Optimization | Advanced | None | None | None | None |
| Direct Mail Automation | Built-in | Third-party | No | No | No |
| Bilingual Campaigns | Yes | Limited | No | No | No |
| Renter-to-Buyer Targeting | Yes | No | Limited | No | No |
| Min Market Size | Any | 50K+ pop | 100K+ pop | 50K+ pop | Any |
| Geographic Farm Tools | Advanced | Basic | Moderate | None | None |
| Avg Cost Per Lead | $8-12 | $15-22 | $18-25 | $12-18 | N/A |
| Monthly Starting Cost | $149 | $499 | $1,000+ | $295 | $69 |
US Tech Automations stands out for Burlington agents because competitors like BoomTown and kvCORE are designed for large metro markets and perform poorly when targeting communities under 50,000 residents. The platform's small-town optimization algorithms prevent budget waste from audience targeting that extends beyond Burlington's geography.
Seasonal Sales Patterns
According to NWMLS monthly data, Burlington follows typical Pacific Northwest seasonal patterns with a compressed peak season.
| Month | Avg Closings | Price Index | Listing Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 95 | 78 |
| February | 18 | 96 | 85 |
| March | 22 | 98 | 95 |
| April | 27 | 101 | 108 |
| May | 30 | 103 | 112 |
| June | 32 | 105 | 110 |
| July | 30 | 104 | 105 |
| August | 28 | 103 | 98 |
| September | 24 | 100 | 90 |
| October | 22 | 99 | 82 |
| November | 18 | 97 | 72 |
| December | 14 | 95 | 65 |
For broader regional market context, explore our analysis of Mount Vernon WA agent strategies, Anacortes WA real estate trends, and Lynden WA demographics. Agents farming the I-5 corridor may also benefit from Lakewood WA market data and Tacoma WA housing stats.
Property Tax Comparison Across Skagit County
Property taxes represent a significant component of homeownership costs, and Burlington's tax position within Skagit County is an important selling point for agents farming the community. According to the Skagit County Assessor's Office, effective property tax rates vary across municipalities based on local levies, fire district assessments, and school district funding.
| Community | Effective Tax Rate | Annual Tax (Median Home) | School Levy Portion | Fire District Levy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 1.05% | $4,148 | 0.42% | 0.18% |
| Mount Vernon | 1.12% | $4,928 | 0.44% | 0.19% |
| Anacortes | 0.98% | $6,125 | 0.40% | 0.16% |
| Sedro-Woolley | 1.08% | $4,590 | 0.43% | 0.20% |
| La Conner | 0.95% | $5,463 | 0.38% | 0.15% |
| Bow (unincorp.) | 0.92% | $4,784 | 0.41% | 0.17% |
How do Burlington property taxes compare to neighboring cities? According to the Skagit County Assessor, Burlington's effective rate of 1.05% sits in the middle range for Skagit County municipalities. While the rate is slightly lower than Mount Vernon's 1.12%, the lower median home price in Burlington means actual dollar-amount taxes are considerably less — $4,148 versus $4,928 annually, a savings of $780 per year according to county records.
According to the Washington State Department of Revenue, Washington levies no state income tax, making property taxes the primary local revenue mechanism. The Burlington School District levy of 0.42% of assessed value reflects voter-approved maintenance and operations funding that directly supports the Burlington-Edison School District, rated a solid B by Niche.com.
| Burlington Tax Breakdown | Rate | Annual Amount (Median) |
|---|---|---|
| Skagit County General | 0.15% | $593 |
| Burlington City Levy | 0.14% | $553 |
| Burlington-Edison School District | 0.42% | $1,659 |
| Fire District #12 | 0.18% | $711 |
| Port of Skagit | 0.04% | $158 |
| Hospital District | 0.06% | $237 |
| Library District | 0.06% | $237 |
| Total | 1.05% | $4,148 |
According to the Tax Foundation's 2025 state-by-state comparison, Washington's effective property tax rate of 0.98% ranks 25th nationally — moderate compared to high-tax states like New Jersey (2.23%) and Illinois (2.08%). For agents farming Burlington's Seattle-refugee buyer segment, this comparison is powerful: a family moving from a $600,000 King County home paying $6,480 in annual property taxes would save over $2,300 per year on a comparable Burlington property, according to county assessor calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Burlington WA in 2026?
According to Northwest Multiple Listing Service data, Burlington's median home price reached $395,000 in Q1 2026, a 5.1% increase from $376,000 in Q1 2025. Single-family homes average $425,000 while condos and townhomes average $310,000.
How fast are homes selling in Burlington?
According to NWMLS transaction data, Burlington homes average 36 days on market in Q1 2026, down from 39 days the previous year. Properties under $350,000 sell fastest, averaging 22-28 days.
Is Burlington WA affordable compared to other Skagit County cities?
Burlington offers the lowest median price among Skagit County's incorporated cities according to Redfin comparative data. At $395,000, it sits 10.2% below Mount Vernon ($440,000) and 36.8% below Anacortes ($625,000).
What is Burlington's population and growth rate?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Burlington has approximately 10,200 residents, growing 4.8% over the past five years. The city's growth is driven by retail employment and affordability-motivated migration from King County.
How many real estate agents serve Burlington?
According to Washington Department of Licensing data, approximately 25-30 agents list Burlington as part of their primary market area, though only 10-12 close more than 6 transactions annually within city limits.
What types of properties are most common in Burlington?
According to Skagit County Assessor records, single-family homes comprise 63.8% of Burlington's housing stock (2,680 units), followed by multi-family (8.6%), condos/townhomes (14.8%), and manufactured homes (12.9%).
What is the rental market like in Burlington?
According to Census ACS data, Burlington's renter rate is 50.2%, the highest in Skagit County. Median rent stands at $1,280/month, with rental vacancy rates below 3% according to CoStar Group data.
Conclusion: Capitalizing on Burlington's Growth Trajectory
Burlington's combination of Skagit County's lowest entry prices, strong retail employment, and consistent appreciation creates a compelling market for agents committed to systematic farming. The 290 annual transactions and 6.9% turnover rate provide sufficient volume for agents willing to invest in consistent community outreach, while the high renter rate creates a deep pool of first-time buyer prospects.
Success in Burlington requires volume-oriented strategy supported by cost-efficient automation. US Tech Automations delivers the infrastructure to maintain monthly farming touchpoints across 500+ households without the manual workload that causes most agents to abandon their farming efforts after 3-4 months. Build your Burlington farming operation on a foundation of data, consistency, and automation — and watch your market share compound over time.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
