Connected to neighboring Huntington, West Virginia and connected via the West Huntington Bridge over the Ohio River, it is part of the Huntington–Ashland metropolitan area.

“The Memory Man” by David Baldacci takes place in Burlington.

[5][6] The Burlington 37 Cemetery,[7] the William C. Johnston House and General Store, and the Old Lawrence County Jail,[8][9] all located in Burlington, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as is the nearby Macedonia Church.

[2] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2), all land.

[13][14] Located on the southern shoreline of Fayette Township, Burlington borders the following communities:[14] Union Township and the village of Chesapeake lie a short distance upstream (east), and Perry Township lies a short distance downstream (northwest).

30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[19] Local airports include the Tri-State Airport in the Huntington area and the Lawrence County Airpark in Lawrence County, located at the eastern edge of the community.