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Demographics
Covering approximately 514 square miles, Burke County is home to more than 89,000 people. Just over 62% of the population is of working age with 32% of the work force employed in production related positions. Morganton, the county seat, covers over 18.5 sq. miles. Morganton's population exceeds 17,000 (2003 U.S. Census figures).
Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and Alexander counties comprise the Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and are also known as the "Unifour Region." The MSA, or Unifour, has a population of over 345,000. The 2002 civilian labor force estimate for the four counties exceeded 179,000. North Carolina is a right to work state. Burke County has two organized manufacturing firms out of over 150 manufacturing companies.
Population Analysis
Burke County Municipal Populations 2004
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Connelly Springs
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1904
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Drexel
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1914
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Glen Alpine
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1120
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Hildebran
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1761
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Morganton
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17,064
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Rutherford College
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1302
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Valdese
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4584
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*Hickory
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81
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*Long View
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701
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*Rhodhiss
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498
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partially within Burke County
Industry Employment In Burke County 1990-2005 (Annual Averages)
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Civilian Labor
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Unemployment Rate
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1990
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41830
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5%
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1995
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42550
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5%
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2000
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46089
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3.6%
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2005
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43197
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6.7%
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