Median Income
$53,182
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,300
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How Polk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population331
Median Age43.2 yrs
Density676/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,182
Per Capita$28,281
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty5.8%
County GDP$467M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$80,300
Ownership87.0%
Zillow$164,531
Housing Units179
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property1,714/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking14.5%
Depression18.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,744 ft (532 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute25 min
Broadband85.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Polk a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Polk receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Polk offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Polk is $53,182, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Polk is $80,300, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Polk is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,714 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Polk experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches, including 29.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Polk has a population of 331 with a density of 676 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 43.2 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.7% female and 42.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents, while 12.2% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.2yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.8%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.2%
9% below US avg
The median household income in Polk is $53,182, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,281 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $914, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 172 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,182 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,281 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $914 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,206 |
| Gini Index | 0.382 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 172 |
| County GDP | $467M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,950 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Polk is $80,300, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,531, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $732 for a one-bedroom to $961 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 179 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,950 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,300 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,531 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $666 |
| 1 Bedroom | $732 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $961 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,152 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,284 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.0% |
| Housing Units | 179 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,950 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.67% |
In Polk, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 18.5% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,725. The dentist ratio is 1:2,583. 29.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Polk vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 18.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,725 |
| Dentists | 1:2,583 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,614 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,162/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Polk has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,714 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Polk receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Polk vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 68.6/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,714.1/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Polk experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 29.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,744 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,744 ft (532 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 676/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0752°N, 97.7838°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 26, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
2 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
4 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Feb 8, 2020 |
3 km W of Burr Oak, Kansas |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Jun 19, 2017 |
1 km W of Mankato, Kansas |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
773 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 576 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
76 km |
4 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
73 km |
6 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Polk has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Polk. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Polk
What is the population of Polk?
Polk has a population of 331 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 676 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
Is Polk expensive to live in?
Polk is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,182, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,300 (72% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Polk safe?
Polk is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,714 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Polk receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Polk?
Polk has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches, with 29.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Polk?
The job market in Polk is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $914. There are 172 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Polk?
The median home value in Polk is $80,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,531. The homeownership rate is 87.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,950.
How are the schools in Polk?
Schools in Polk score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.7% of adults in Polk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Polk?
The obesity rate in Polk is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 18.5% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 29.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,725.
What is transportation like in Polk?
The average commute in Polk is 25 minutes. 73.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Polk?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Polk is 89.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.2% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
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