Polk
Wisconsin

What stands out

Three things set Polk County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the average temperature is in the bottom 6% of American counties (44°F) and homeownership is in the top 15% of American counties (81%). Within Wisconsin it ranks 21st of 72 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Polk County, Wisconsin. 45,128 people live here with you. The population grew 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +373).

Wisconsin has a graduated income tax reaching 7.65%, does not tax Social Security, and exempts some retirement income for residents 65 and over. Property taxes are high, largely for schools and local services, with a state lottery credit offsetting part of the bill. Milwaukee and Madison drive most job growth; the northern half of the state is lakes, forests and second homes.

Money

The typical household here brings in $74,142 a year, higher than 81% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,798. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 65% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 27 minutes each way.

Wisconsin takes 4.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,326 a year.

Home

The median home costs $335K, pricier than 77% of American counties, about 2.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $968 a month. Property tax is 1.31% of home value, roughly $2,919 a year on that median home, higher than 78% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 79% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.1 years, longer than 76% of American counties. There are 65 active physicians in the county, about 14.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.5 of 5 stars. 6.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.14 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 71% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 28 points. 77% of eligible voters turned out. Under Wisconsin law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 44°F, highs near 54 and lows near 34, colder than 94% of American counties. About 30 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 57 out of 100, riskier than 57% of American counties; the county has had 10 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 118 Mbps down, slower than 82% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 3 museums, 1 National Park Service site.