Polk
Tennessee

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), the restaurant count per person is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0.3 per 1,000), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 7% of American counties ($578 a month). Within Tennessee it ranks 2nd of 95 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Polk County, Tennessee. 17,620 people live here with you. The population grew 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +416).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $53,775 a year, lower than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,945. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 62% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $256K, pricier than 58% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $578 a month. Property tax is 0.58% of home value, roughly $750 a year on that median home, lower than 79% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 89% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 71.7 years, shorter than 89% of American counties. There are 13 active physicians in the county, about 7.4 per 10,000 people. 12.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.98 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 61% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 65 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 62% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 59°F, highs near 71 and lows near 48, warmer than 65% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 17 out of 100, safer than 82% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 174 Mbps down, slower than 61% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.