The county is named after John Burke, the tenth Governor of North Dakota.

Its name recognized the state governor at the time, John Burke.

The Des Lacs River flows south-southeasterly through the east part of the county, and the White Earth River flows northeasterly through the lower part.

[7] The terrain slopes to the north; its highest point is on the lower west boundary line, at 2,461 ft (750 m) ASL.

The main industries in Burke County are farming and oil extraction.

In no national election since 1964 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate (as of 2024).

In 1912, it was one of only four counties nationwide to vote for Socialist nominee Eugene Debs.