If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you consider yourself “a Burner.” Maybe you’re in the 4% of our population who have attended more than 11 Burns. Maybe you’ve never been to Black Rock City. Regardless, you seem to be curious about Burning Man.

Who are Burners?

Where are we from?

What do we have in common?

How are we different from each other?

How have we changed?

If you wonder about these things and have an affinity for numbers, we’ve got good news. The latest Black Rock City Census data is now available! If you attended the Burn in 2016 we hope you were one of thousands of participants who filled out our online survey after returning from the playa. If so, way to go! You helped make our analytical dreams come true so we can provide statistically reliable and valid estimates concerning the BRC population.

If you went to Burning Man in 2016 but did not fill out the online survey, please consider telling us why by filling out this short survey (yes, I see the irony here).

Did you know... the last few years there were three times as many Canadians on the playa than in previous years. People living in Canada made up 6.7% of the Black Rock City population in 2016. Welcome Canucks!

Also interesting… over 70% of Burners do not identify with a particular religion; however, 46.5% consider themselves spiritual.

Burners are not getting any older… or younger. The median age in Black Rock City has been 33 or 34 years old for the past four years. Census Lab had the pleasure of hosting a three-week old newborn baby Burner volunteer this past year. Only one half of one percent (0.5%) of the population in 2016 was under the age of 13.

Burners like to learn. 43.1% of 2016 attendees had a Bachelor’s degree — more than double the US average according to 2015 US Census data (US Census Bureau. "CPS Historical Time Series Tables."). 31.3% of 2016 attendees have a Graduate degree (compared to a 12% US average in 2015).

Would you like to know more interesting facts about our fabulous, fun culture? If so, you have several options:

For a summary report mostly focused on demographic data and Burning Man-centric information, check out the 2016 Census AfterBurn Report.

For data nerds who want to see visualizations for nearly every question on the 2016 online survey, check out the full 2016 Population Analysis.

For übernerds who just can’t be sated, consider joining the Census team! Fill out the Burner volunteer survey and check the box that says “Census.” You’ll be added to our mailing list to hear what we’re up to on and off playa and how you can help.



Written by “Chipper” McKay

Edited by Sarah “Picky” Williamson, Dana “DV8” DeVaul, and Gretchen Bennett

Top image: Playa by air, 2016 (photo by “Chipper” McKay)