Polk
Arkansas

What stands out

Three things set Polk County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), rainfall is in the top 4% of American counties (58 inches a year), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 7% of American counties (0.43%). Within Arkansas it ranks 16th of 75 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Polk County, Arkansas. 19,384 people live here with you. The population grew 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +208).

Arkansas has been cutting its income tax rates every legislative session since 2015, and the top rate is now well under 4%. Home prices remain among the lowest in the country, especially outside Northwest Arkansas, where Walmart, Tyson and J.B. Hunt have built a fast-growing corporate corridor around Bentonville and Fayetteville. Tornado season is real across the whole state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $48,449 a year, lower than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,869. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 59% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Arkansas takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,713 a year.

Home

The median home costs $192K, cheaper than 66% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $736 a month. Property tax is 0.43% of home value, roughly $524 a year on that median home, lower than 93% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 93% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 72.7 years, shorter than 82% of American counties. There are 26 active physicians in the county, about 13.4 per 10,000 people. 12.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.99 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 60% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 68 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 57% of eligible voters turned out. Under Arkansas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 72 and lows near 50, warmer than 71% of American counties. About 58 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 48 out of 100, safer than 52% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 93 Mbps down, slower than 90% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.