Polk
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Polk County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the uninsured rate is in the top 3% of American counties (21.0%), the average temperature is in the top 5% of American counties (69°F), and unemployment is in the top 6% of American counties (5.5%). Within Texas it ranks 90th of 254 counties for the uninsured rate.

Where you are

You live in Polk County, Texas. 50,536 people live here with you. The population grew 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,185).

Texas has no income tax and no estate tax, and its constitution prohibits an income tax without a statewide vote. Property taxes are among the highest in the country and are the main source of local school funding; the 2023 legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 to offset that. Homeowner insurance costs are high along the Gulf coast and rising statewide after hail and freeze events. The grid is independent of the rest of the country.

Money

The typical household here brings in $57,315 a year, lower than 60% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,852. Unemployment runs 5.5%, higher than 94% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 29 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $184K, cheaper than 70% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $938 a month. Property tax is 0.99% of home value, roughly $1,499 a year on that median home, higher than 59% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 71% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 26 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 70.8 years, shorter than 94% of American counties. There are 73 active physicians in the county, about 14.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 21.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.86 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 57% of American counties. 81% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 56 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 63% of eligible voters turned out. Under Texas 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 69°F, highs near 80 and lows near 59, warmer than 95% of American counties. About 49 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 82 out of 100, riskier than 82% of American counties; the county has had 30 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 118 Mbps down, slower than 82% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.