Polk, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
351
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,000/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
159
-4.8% year-over-year change

Polk population

How many people live in Polk

Polk is home to 351 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 39.9% of Polk locals are male, and 60.1% are female.

Total population
351
6.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
39.9%
140
Female
60.1%
211
Value Percent YoY change
Male 140 39.9% 0.0%
Female 211 60.1% 10.5%
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 is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.8% are children under 15, then 18.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.8%
15 to 24
18.8%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 45 12.8% 21.6%
15 to 24 66 18.8% 3.1%
25 to 44 89 25.4% 27.1%
45 to 64 87 24.8% 6.1%
Over 65 64 18.2% -17.9%
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, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 334 95.2% 7.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 3.1% -8.3%
Non-citizens 6 1.7% -14.3%
Racial breakdown
White
87.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.6%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 308 87.8%
Two or more races 23 6.6%
Other 20 5.7%

Households in Polk

A peek inside Polk households

Polk has 142 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.7% are families, while the remaining 37.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
142
-2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
53
Family households
89
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 53 37.3% -11.7%
Family households 89 62.7% 3.5%
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

The housing landscape of Polk

Polk's housing consists of 159 units, with 89.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
159
-4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 143 89.9%
1 unit, attached 1 0.6%
3 or 4 units 5 3.1%
5 to 9 units 1 0.6%
10 to 19 units 6 3.8%
Mobile home 3 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Polk

In Polk, the median construction year is 1938. About 60.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 96 60.4% 6.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7 4.4% -53.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7 4.4% 40.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 10 6.3% -33.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 28 17.6% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 11 6.9% 22.2%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 142 occupied housing units in Polk, 83.8% are owner-occupied, while 16.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
142
-2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23
Owner occupied
119
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23 16.2% 21.1%
Owner occupied 119 83.8% -6.3%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
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 housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$537/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.

Education in Polk

Polk education at a glance

About 46.1% of the population in Polk went to high school, while 29.8% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 119 46.1% 13.3%
College diploma 77 29.8% -6.1%
Associate degree 31 12% -22.5%
Bachelor's degree 18 7% 38.5%
Graduate degree 13 5% -7.1%
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

How much people earn in Polk

The average annual household income in Polk was $65,642 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,000, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Polk
$65,642/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Polk
$55,000/year
3.4% year-over-year change

Polk income by age

In Polk, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,583 overall. Overall, 89.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $97,500 4.0%
45 - 64 $54,583 -35.9%
Over 65 $23,542 -10.3%
Above poverty level
305
Below poverty level
37
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 305 89.2% 6.3%
Below poverty level 37 10.8% -2.6%

Average renter income in Polk

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Polk, their median household income was $22,500 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$22,500
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Polk

Workforce and job types in Polk

The job market in Polk is powered by 199 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 77.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
199
6.4% year-over-year change
White collar
130
Blue collar
69
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 130 65.3% 21.5%
Blue collar 69 34.7% -13.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
77.4%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 20 10% -23.1%
Private companies 154 77.4% 10.0%
Governmental workers 25 12.6% 25.0%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
66.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Polk stands at 2.4%, 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

How people get around in Polk

Commuting methods vary: 91.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% 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 181 91.4% 11.0%
Bus or trolleybus 3 1.5% 50.0%
Walk 6 3% -40.0%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
68654 569 244 $64,643 $83,198

Explore more communities

FAQs about Polk demographics 

What is the total population of Polk?

Polk has a total population of 351 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 +6.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Polk?

The gender ratio in Polk is as follows:
  • 39.9% males (140 residents)
  • 60.1% females (211 residents)

What is the median age in Polk?

The median age in Polk is 40.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Polk?

The age distribution in Polk is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.8% (45 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.8% (66 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (89 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (87 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (64 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Polk?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Polk is as follows:
  • White: 87.8% (308 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.6% (23 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (20 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Polk.

How many housing units are there in Polk?

There are 159 housing units in Polk, reflecting a -4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Polk has a total of 142 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Polk?

Polk has a median household income of $55,000, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.6% in Polk, with a workforce of 199 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.3% (130 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.7% (69 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (20 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.4% (154 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (25 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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