Median Income
$63,438
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,300
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
74/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$755
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.5%
65% higher than US avg
How Polk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population535
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density530/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,438
Per Capita$24,289
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty20.5%
County GDP$2,446M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,300
Rent$755
Ownership87.4%
Zillow$260,034
Housing Units151
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
F
Violent74/100K
Property2,454/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking19.7%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,268 ft (386 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+83.3%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 25%
Commute26 min
Broadband93.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Polk a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Polk receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Polk has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Polk is $63,438, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. The poverty rate of 20.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Polk is $122,300, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x 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 74 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,454 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Polk experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Polk has a population of 535 with a density of 530 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.9% female and 62.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 85.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Polk is $63,438, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,289 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $940, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,236 business establishments, including 97 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,438 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,289 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $940 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,002 |
| Gini Index | 0.398 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.5% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,236 |
| County GDP | $2,446M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 97 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 83 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,863 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Polk is $122,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,034, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $755 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 151 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,863. 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $260,034 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $87 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $755 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.6% |
| Housing Units | 151 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,863 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Polk, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.9% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 30.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,275. The dentist ratio is 1:2,372. 56.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Polk vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.5% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,275 |
| Dentists | 1:2,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:389 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,329/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Polk has a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,454 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 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 | 73.9/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,454.1/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Polk experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,268 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,268 ft (386 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 530/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9452°N, 82.2143°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Ashland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mansfield Lahm Regional (MFD)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
46 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
103 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
79 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
15 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
388 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 899 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
94 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
18 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
76 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1966 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
4 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2017 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Polk has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.1").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Polk
What is the population of Polk?
Polk has a population of 535 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 530 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.9% female and 62.1% male.
Is Polk expensive to live in?
Polk is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,438, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,300 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, 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 74 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,454 per 100,000 (above 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Polk?
The job market in Polk is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $940. There are 1,236 business establishments in the area, including 97 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Polk?
The median home value in Polk is $122,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,034. For renters, the median monthly rent is $755. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,863.
How are the schools in Polk?
Schools in Polk score 6.1 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%. 83.3% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Polk?
The obesity rate in Polk is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 30.5% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 56.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,275.
What is transportation like in Polk?
The average commute in Polk is 26 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Polk?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Polk is 95.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 85.5% have health insurance coverage.
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