Polk
Missouri

What stands out

Three things set Polk County apart from the other 3,142 counties: home internet speed is in the bottom 13% of American counties (102 Mbps) and unemployment is in the bottom 14% of American counties (2.4%). Within Missouri it ranks 28th of 115 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Polk County, Missouri. 31,877 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +131).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $54,487 a year, lower than 68% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,113. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 86% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 25 minutes each way.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,380 a year.

Home

The median home costs $275K, pricier than 63% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $695 a month. Property tax is 0.61% of home value, roughly $1,051 a year on that median home, lower than 75% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 78% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.7 years, shorter than 63% of American counties. There are 52 active physicians in the county, about 16.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 13.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.02 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 56% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 57 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 61% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 58°F, highs near 69 and lows near 46, warmer than 58% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 64 out of 100, riskier than 64% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 102 Mbps down, slower than 87% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.