Polk
Nebraska

What stands out

Three things set Polk County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), unemployment is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2.0%), and violent crime is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2.9 per 1,000). Within Nebraska it ranks 10th of 93 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Polk County, Nebraska. 5,182 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -4).

Nebraska stopped taxing Social Security in 2025 and is cutting its top income-tax rate toward 3.99%. Property taxes are among the highest in the country as a share of home value, which is the state's longest-running political fight. Omaha and Lincoln hold most of the population and jobs; the state has the country's only unicameral legislature and publicly owned electric utilities.

Money

The typical household here brings in $67,695 a year, higher than 69% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,530. Unemployment runs 2.0%, lower than 95% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

Nebraska takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,779 a year.

Home

The median home costs $217K, cheaper than 57% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $763 a month. Property tax is 1.08% of home value, roughly $1,654 a year on that median home, higher than 66% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 95% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.6 years, longer than 81% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 3.9 per 10,000 people. 7.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.35 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 91% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

73% of eligible voters turned out. Under Nebraska law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 53°F, highs near 65 and lows near 41, colder than 62% of American counties. About 25 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 60 out of 100, riskier than 60% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 219 Mbps down, faster than 59% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.