Polk County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
503,175
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,576/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
218,486
1.6% year-over-year change

Polk County population

How many people live in Polk County

Polk County is home to 503,175 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Polk County locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
503,175
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
250,460
Female
50.2%
252,715
Value Percent YoY change
Male 250,460 49.8% 1.3%
Female 252,715 50.2% 1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Polk County is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.5% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
29.5%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 101,563 20.2% -0.1%
15 to 24 65,225 13% 1.6%
25 to 44 148,218 29.5% 1.6%
45 to 64 117,894 23.4% 0.2%
Over 65 70,275 14% 3.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Polk County, 89% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.8% of locals are Caucasian, 7.4% are African American and 5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.7%
Non-citizens
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 447,550 89% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 28,590 5.7% 4.7%
Non-citizens 27,035 5.4% 2.5%
Racial breakdown
White
75.8%
Black or African American
7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.7%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 381,269 75.8%
Black or African American 37,401 7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,562 0.3%
Asian 25,053 5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 238 0%
Two or more races 38,930 7.7%
Other 18,722 3.7%

Households in Polk County

A peek inside Polk County households

Polk County has 205,358 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
205,358
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
80,871
Family households
124,487
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 80,871 39.4% 1.9%
Family households 124,487 60.6% 1.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Polk County

The housing landscape of Polk County

Polk County's housing consists of 218,486 units, with 62.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
218,486
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 137,030 62.7%
1 unit, attached 16,574 7.6%
2 units 3,717 1.7%
3 or 4 units 4,732 2.2%
5 to 9 units 8,254 3.8%
10 to 19 units 11,181 5.1%
20 to 49 units 19,498 8.9%
50 or more units 12,951 5.9%
Mobile home 4,333 2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 216 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
6,535
49.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Polk County

In Polk County, the median construction year is 1982. About 14.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 30,926 14.2% -3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9,343 4.3% 4.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 21,337 9.8% 4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 17,118 7.8% 1.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 27,348 12.5% -1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 18,500 8.5% -3.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 27,340 12.5% 0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 29,643 13.6% 0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 30,396 13.9% 5.5%
Built in 2020 or later 6,535 3% 49.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Polk County occupancy rates

Out of the 205,358 occupied housing units in Polk County, 67.4% are owner-occupied, while 32.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
205,358
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
67,049
Owner occupied
138,309
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 67,049 32.6% 0.6%
Owner occupied 138,309 67.4% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Polk County housing costs

Housing costs in Polk County come to a median of $1,294 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,149.

Median housing costs per month
$1,294/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Polk County
$1,149/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Polk County

Polk County education at a glance

About 29.3% of the population in Polk County went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 26% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 14,167 3.7% 6.7%
High school diploma 111,364 29.3% -0.7%
College diploma 75,263 19.8% -0.6%
Associate degree 36,393 9.6% 2.3%
Bachelor's degree 98,793 26% 3.5%
Graduate degree 44,601 11.7% 4.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Polk County

How much people earn in Polk County

The average annual household income in Polk County was $109,398 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,576, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Polk County
$109,398/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Polk County
$83,576/year
2.4% year-over-year change

Polk County income by age

In Polk County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,252. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $101,569 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,810, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,099 in earnings. Overall, 89.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,810 0.1%
25 - 44 $90,252 3.7%
45 - 64 $101,569 3.0%
Over 65 $59,099 3.5%
Above poverty level
438,026
Below poverty level
50,214
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 438,026 89.7% 0.8%
Below poverty level 50,214 10.3% 3.6%

Employment in Polk County

Workforce and job types in Polk County

The job market in Polk County is powered by 268,627 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 70.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
268,627
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
214,013
Blue collar
54,614
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 214,013 79.7% 1.5%
Blue collar 54,614 20.3% 1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
70.4%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 19,801 7.4% -1.6%
Private companies 189,130 70.4% 0.9%
Governmental workers 34,124 12.7% 6.0%
Not for profit companies 25,572 9.5% 3.7%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
1.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Polk County stands at 4.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Polk County

How people get around in Polk County

Commuting methods vary: 80.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 213,904 80.8% -0.5%
Taxicab 729 0.3% 45.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1,401 0.5% -11.8%
Ferryboat 9 0% -59.1%
Motorcycle 89 0% -31.0%
Bicycle 525 0.2% -5.9%
Walk 3,705 1.4% 2.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Polk County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50007 444 178 $120,417 $137,756
50009 22,886 9,077 $88,447 $109,508
50021 30,283 12,244 $99,572 $130,636
50023 46,306 17,717 $117,826 $127,017
50032 707 267 $0 $78,441
50035 10,131 3,548 $134,906 $133,644
50046 1,554 650 $81,500 $101,968
50047 6,690 2,312 $106,389 $114,172
50061 2,123 728 $130,714 $179,617
50073 1,208 531 $100,972 $128,286

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FAQs about Polk County demographics 

What is the total population of Polk County?

Polk County has a total population of 503,175 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Polk County?

The gender ratio in Polk County is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (250,460 residents)
  • 50.2% females (252,715 residents)

What is the median age in Polk County?

The median age in Polk County is 36.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Polk County?

The age distribution in Polk County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (101,563 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (65,225 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.5% (148,218 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (117,894 residents)
  • Over 65: 14% (70,275 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Polk County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Polk County is as follows:
  • White: 75.8% (381,269 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.4% (37,401 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,562 residents)
  • Asian: 5% (25,053 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (238 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.7% (38,930 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (18,722 residents)

What percentage of the population in Polk County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89% of the population in Polk County.

How many housing units are there in Polk County?

There are 218,486 housing units in Polk County, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Polk County and what is the average household size?

Polk County has a total of 205,358 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Polk County?

Polk County has a median household income of $83,576, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Polk County?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Polk County, with a workforce of 268,627 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.7% (214,013 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.3% (54,614 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (19,801 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.4% (189,130 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (34,124 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (25,572 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025