This article is part of an ongoing, county-by county, overview of the Rural Capital Area. This article covers household income and the income distribution in Burnet County. This information helps track how well residents can afford basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare as well as relative prosperity compared to other areas.  

Median Household Income

As shown in Figure 1, median household income in Burnet County has increased substantially in recent years. Income rose from approximately $64,000 in 2020 to nearly $79,000 in 2024, representing cumulative growth of about 23.3% over the four-year period. This increase closely mirrors the national trend, where median household income grew by roughly 27.9% during the same timeframe. One potential explanation for this increase is the expansion of industries that tend to offer higher-paying jobs. As of 2024, the average salaries in the Natural Resources and Mining, Construction, and Financial Activities sectors were slightly above $65,000 in Burnet County. ^[1] Additionally, employment in these sectors increased 70.2%, 31.4%, and 22.6% respectively between 2020 and 2024.^[2]

Figure 1: Median Household Income, 2014-2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub

Figure 2 illustrates the cumulative change in median household income from 2014 to 2024.  In the last decade, Burnet County’s median household income generally increased. Before 2021, Burnet County’s growth rate was behind the RCA and the U.S. However, between 2021 and 2024, Burnet County’s growth rate typically exceeded the growth rate of the U.S.  

Figure 2: Cumulative Growth in Median Household Income, 2014-2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub

Figure 3 shows that a majority of households in Burnet County fall within higher income brackets. In 2024, 37.0% of households earned less than $60,000 annually, while 63.0% earned $60,000 or more, with almost 40% of those households earning $100,000 or more. In particular, the $75,000-$99,999 and $100,000-$124,999 ranges represent some of the largest concentrations of households.

This pattern indicates that many households fall within income levels typically associated with stable homeownership and discretionary spending capacity, reinforcing the county's position within the region.

Figure 3: Burnet County, Household Income Distribution, 2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub