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

Total population
52,800
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,259/yr
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
26,469
3.1% year-over-year change

Polk County population

How many people live in Polk County

Polk County is home to 52,800 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.8% of Polk County locals are male, and 46.2% are female.

Total population
52,800
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.8%
28,403
Female
46.2%
24,397
Value Percent YoY change
Male 28,403 53.8% 2.0%
Female 24,397 46.2% 1.9%
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 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 29.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
29.7%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,824 16.7% 1.1%
15 to 24 5,634 10.7% -0.2%
25 to 44 12,568 23.8% 3.6%
45 to 64 15,673 29.7% 1.3%
Over 65 10,101 19.1% 3.1%
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, 94.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.5% of locals are Caucasian, 7.7% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 50,000 94.7% 2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,549 2.9% 0.0%
Non-citizens 1,251 2.4% -3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
74.5%
Black or African American
7.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.5%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 39,355 74.5%
Black or African American 4,087 7.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 741 1.4%
Asian 314 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0%
Two or more races 7,135 13.5%
Other 1,158 2.2%

Households in Polk County

A peek inside Polk County households

Polk County has 19,517 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.4% are families, while the remaining 28.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
19,517
5.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,575
Family households
13,942
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,575 28.6% 3.9%
Family households 13,942 71.4% 5.6%
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 26,469 units, with 68.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 24.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
26,469
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 18,087 68.3%
1 unit, attached 99 0.4%
2 units 593 2.2%
3 or 4 units 192 0.7%
5 to 9 units 131 0.5%
10 to 19 units 226 0.8%
20 to 49 units 62 0.2%
50 or more units 150 0.6%
Mobile home 6,412 24.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 517 2%
Homes built since 2020
754
63.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Polk County

In Polk County, the median construction year is 1989. About 2.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 668 2.5% 6.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 379 1.4% -17.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,038 3.9% -5.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,628 6.2% -16.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,211 19.7% -1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,589 17.3% 20.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,250 16.1% 7.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,916 14.8% -13.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,036 15.2% 14.2%
Built in 2020 or later 754 2.8% 63.9%
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 19,517 occupied housing units in Polk County, 78.1% are owner-occupied, while 21.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 26.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
19,517
5.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,276
Owner occupied
15,241
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,276 21.9% 2.3%
Owner occupied 15,241 78.1% 5.9%
Unoccupied housing units
26.3%
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 $810 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $987.

Median housing costs per month
$810/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
$987/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 48.8% of the population in Polk County went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 10.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,505 6% -8.4%
High school diploma 20,549 48.8% -3.5%
College diploma 9,996 23.8% 2.4%
Associate degree 2,684 6.4% 14.7%
Bachelor's degree 4,264 10.1% 23.3%
Graduate degree 2,075 4.9% 26.5%
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 $79,481 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,259, reflecting a +5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Polk County
$79,481/year
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Polk County
$62,259/year
5.4% 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 $77,747. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,674 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,315, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,857 in earnings. Overall, 82.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,315 -4.7%
25 - 44 $77,747 3.5%
45 - 64 $70,674 13.8%
Over 65 $47,857 1.3%
Above poverty level
40,216
Below poverty level
8,283
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 40,216 82.9% 2.5%
Below poverty level 8,283 17.1% -2.0%

Employment in Polk County

Workforce and job types in Polk County

The job market in Polk County is powered by 19,378 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 65.1% are employed by private companies, and 21.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
19,378
4.0% year-over-year change
White collar
13,454
Blue collar
5,924
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,454 69.4% 11.4%
Blue collar 5,924 30.6% -9.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
65.1%
Governmental workers
21.3%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,546 8% -16.2%
Private companies 12,621 65.1% 0.9%
Governmental workers 4,134 21.3% 19.3%
Not for profit companies 1,077 5.6% 31.8%
Unemployment rate
8.1%
-7.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Polk County stands at 8.1%, 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: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% 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 16,713 88.3% 2.6%
Bus or trolleybus 16 0.1% -5.9%
Motorcycle 105 0.6% -14.6%
Walk 428 2.3% 60.9%
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
75934 105 23 $0 $0
75936 717 318 $70,938 $113,412
75939 4,725 1,692 $46,014 $66,935
75960 1,304 476 $64,300 $68,223
77326 275 129 $0 $29,429
77335 2,468 952 $53,300 $78,670
77350 347 93 $0 $43,551
77351 37,143 13,751 $66,834 $82,708
77360 6,223 2,318 $60,402 $76,192

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Polk County demographics 

What is the total population of Polk County?

Polk County has a total population of 52,800 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Polk County?

The gender ratio in Polk County is as follows:
  • 53.8% males (28,403 residents)
  • 46.2% females (24,397 residents)

What is the median age in Polk County?

The median age in Polk County is 44.

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

The age distribution in Polk County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (8,824 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (5,634 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (12,568 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.7% (15,673 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (10,101 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Polk County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Polk County is as follows:
  • White: 74.5% (39,355 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.7% (4,087 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (741 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (314 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.5% (7,135 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (1,158 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.7% of the population in Polk County.

How many housing units are there in Polk County?

There are 26,469 housing units in Polk County, reflecting a +3.1% 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 19,517 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Polk County?

Polk County has a median household income of $62,259, representing a +5.4% 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 91.9% in Polk County, with a workforce of 19,378 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.4% (13,454 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.6% (5,924 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (1,546 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.1% (12,621 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.3% (4,134 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (1,077 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