countyscore
43.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 56.5Property Tax 53.4

County Report Card

About Polk County, Georgia

Polk County Trails National Standards

Polk County registers a composite score of 43.6, which is below the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the bottom half of the nation for overall livability.

Below Georgia's State Average Score

The county's score of 43.6 falls short of the Georgia average of 46.7. This indicates that while the county is stable, it faces more socio-economic hurdles than the average Georgia community.

Reliable Utilities and Fair Taxes

Polk County shows strength in basic infrastructure with a water score of 86.0. Taxpayers also benefit from a moderate tax score of 53.4, driven by an effective property tax rate of 0.799%.

Economic and Health Hurdles Persist

Low scores in health (19.2) and income (25.6) represent the county's biggest obstacles. With a median household income of $55,308, economic mobility and healthcare access remain areas for needed improvement.

Suited for Those Seeking Low-Tax Living

Polk County is best for residents who prioritize lower tax burdens and affordable housing options. Potential movers should consider the trade-offs in healthcare quality and lower-than-average local incomes.

Score breakdown

Tax53.4Cost51.6Safety45.9Health19.2Schools41.3Income25.6Risk36Water86Weather56.5
🏛53.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Haralson County
Georgia
46.6
Paulding County
Georgia
43.2
Floyd County
Georgia
38.1
Bartow County
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Cherokee County
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Carroll County
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Douglas County
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Chattooga County
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Deep Dives

Polk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Polk County

via TaxByCounty

Polk offers below-average property taxes

Polk County's effective tax rate of 0.799% ranks among Georgia's lowest, falling well below the national median rate of roughly 0.85-0.90%. With a median property tax of $1,307 annually, Polk residents pay less than half the national median bill of $2,690.

Lowest-taxed county in this region

Polk County's 0.799% effective rate sits noticeably below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties statewide. The median annual tax bill of $1,307 is $222 below the state median, offering solid savings for property owners.

Lower rate than Pierce and Putnam

Polk County's 0.799% effective rate beats neighboring Pierce County (0.915%) and Putnam County (0.723%), though Putnam slightly edges it out. Polk's median home value of $163,500 falls between Pierce's and Putnam's, making it a middle-ground choice for the region.

Median home taxed at $1,307 yearly

On Polk County's median home value of $163,500 and effective rate of 0.799%, homeowners typically pay $1,307 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, the total climbs to approximately $1,468, keeping Polk among the state's most affordable counties.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Even in lower-tax Polk County, some homeowners are overassessed relative to actual market values. Comparing your assessed value to recent arm's-length sales of similar properties in your area can reveal if an appeal would save you money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk slightly above national affordability

Polk County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national median, meaning residents spend a typical share of income on housing. Against the nation's $74,755 median income, Polk's $55,308 income paired with $870 monthly rent shows affordability challenged more by earnings than housing costs.

Polk ranks mid-pack in Georgia

At 18.9%, Polk County's rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above Georgia's 18.6% state average, placing it near the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The $870 monthly median rent runs $57 above the state's $927 average, indicating modest market pressures.

Polk squeezed between extremes

Polk's $870 rent positions it between Pierce County's bargain $794 and Putnam County's pricier $1,063, while Polk's $55,308 income falls between Pierce ($56,691) and the lower-earning counties. This middle-ground positioning makes Polk a moderate choice for cost-conscious movers.

Polk residents stretch modest incomes

With $55,308 annual income, Polk renters spend 18.9% on $870 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $786 on $163,500 homes. The tight margins suggest Polk housing demands discipline: renters and buyers alike feel the weight of below-state-average earnings.

Polk works for moderate-budget movers

If you're considering Polk, know that its 18.9% rent-to-income ratio offers modest savings versus the state average of 18.6%. Compare it directly with better-positioned neighbors like Pierce (16.8%) to ensure Polk fits your relocation budget before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk falls short of national income median

Polk County's median household income of $55,308 trails the national median of $74,755 by 26%, placing it among lower-income counties nationwide. This gap highlights economic pressures facing many rural and industrial communities across the region.

Below Georgia's state income average

Polk County earns $55,308 against Georgia's state median of $60,488, falling 9% behind state norms and ranking in the lower half of Georgia counties. Its per capita income of $27,807 also lags the state average of $31,115 by 11%.

Struggling alongside regional peers

Polk's income of $55,308 sits just above Pulaski County ($47,688) but trails Pierce County ($56,691), creating a cluster of modest earners in northwest Georgia. Economic disparities within the region suggest uneven development and opportunity distribution.

Housing strains household budgets

Polk's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% exceeds the 15% affordability benchmark, meaning renters and homebuyers stretch further for housing than is ideal. The median home value of $163,500 remains relatively accessible, but affordability pressure remains meaningful.

Strategic saving unlocks future security

Though income is modest, Polk County households can build resilience through automated savings plans and low-cost index funds requiring minimal ongoing attention. Even $50–100 monthly contributions compound over decades into meaningful emergency reserves and retirement assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Polk County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Polk County holds a safety score of 98.1, indicating a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1,211.1 per 100,000 is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the State Average

Polk County is slightly safer than the average Georgia county, with its 98.1 score edging out the state average of 97.8. The local crime rate of 1,211.1 also beats the state's typical 1,412.9.

High Reporting Standards Drive Accuracy

With five reporting agencies, Polk County offers a transparent look at local safety. This robust data collection shows that Polk is often safer than nearby counties with similar populations.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime in Polk occurs at a rate of 197.6 per 100,000, which is below the national average. Property crime makes up the bulk of incidents at 1,013.5, though this is still quite low by national standards.

Smart Security for Polk Residents

Residents can capitalize on the county's safety by installing video doorbells to deter property crime. Taking small steps to secure your perimeter helps keep these low crime rates stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Polk County

via HealthByCounty

Polk County faces steep health gaps

At 71.0 years, Polk County residents live 5.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 21.6% reporting poor or fair health—the highest in this region—the county signals significant population-level health challenges.

Among Georgia's health lowest performers

Polk County's 71.0-year life expectancy ranks 2.3 years below Georgia's 73.3-year average, placing it in the state's lower quartile. The 21.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state trend, indicating concentrated health disparities within this county.

Trailing nearby counties significantly

Polk County's 71.0-year life expectancy and 21.6% poor health rate both rank worst among Pierce (71.1, 19.9%), Pike (73.2, 16.6%), and Putnam (74.0, 20.4%) nearby. The gap suggests Polk faces distinct health challenges compared to surrounding areas.

Sparse primary care, strong mental health

Polk County has only 23 primary care providers per 100K—well below national standards—yet offers 66 mental health providers per 100K. With 15.3% uninsured, the county slightly underperforms Georgia's 15.0% average, compounding access barriers for basic care.

Explore coverage today

One in seven Polk County residents lacks health insurance, making preventive care less accessible. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to review Medicaid expansion options, marketplace plans, or county clinics that serve uninsured patients.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Options for Polk Families

Polk County features a robust education infrastructure with 11 public schools serving 7,878 students. This network includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools under one central district.

Steady Growth and Competitive Success

The county's graduation rate of 87.0% exactly matches the national average and trails the state benchmark by just over one percent. Polk invests $7,386 per student annually, resulting in a composite school score of 52.8.

Polk County Schools Lead the Way

The Polk County School District operates all 11 campuses, with no charter schools currently in the mix. The district manages significant student populations, notably at Cedartown High School, which hosts 1,453 students.

A Balance of Town and Rural Settings

Students here experience a mix of settings, with six schools in town environments and five in rural areas. Average school enrollment sits at 716, ranging from the large 1,453-student Cedartown High to smaller elementary campuses like Rockmart Middle at 706.

Find Your Place in Polk County

From the historic town centers to quiet rural stretches, Polk County offers diverse neighborhood options near its 11 schools. Factor in these consistent graduation rates as you evaluate your next home purchase in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County Faces Elevated Risk

Polk County's composite score of 64.06 earns a Relatively Low rating nationally but indicates significantly higher exposure than most U.S. counties to natural disasters. The county sits well above the national average, driven by multiple concurrent hazard types.

Higher Risk Than Most Georgia

Polk County's 64.06 score exceeds Georgia's 39.49 average by nearly 63%, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. This reflects the county's susceptibility to tornadoes, flooding, and other severe weather events.

Polk's Risk Stands Apart

Polk County (64.06) faces substantially more hazard exposure than nearby Pierce County (22.68) and Pike County (8.05), but similar levels to neighboring Putnam County (53.31). Its elevated position in northwest Georgia contributes to increased tornado and thunderstorm activity.

Tornadoes and Flooding Dominate

Polk County confronts tornado risk of 86.32—the highest among the eight counties reviewed—along with significant flood risk (66.03) and wildfire exposure (71.50). The combination of these three hazards creates a complex preparedness challenge.

Essential Coverage for Polk County

Homeowners must prioritize flood insurance and strong structural protection against high winds and tornadoes, as Polk County's 86.32 tornado rating demands serious attention. Review your homeowners policy for coverage limits and consider a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Polk County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than the National Median

Polk County features an average annual temperature of 62.2°F, placing it well above the national median. Its 52.8 inches of annual rain also exceeds the typical precipitation levels found across the U.S.

Typical Georgia Temperatures and Rainfall

The county's 62.2°F average is just slightly cooler than the 63.7°F Georgia state average. It tracks closely with state precipitation norms, recording 52.8 inches compared to the state's 51.4-inch average.

Predictable Patterns in Northwest Georgia

Polk County experiences 58 extreme heat days annually, a moderate count for the region. While specific snowfall data is limited for this county, its winter average of 44.8°F is consistent with its neighbors.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

Summer temperatures peak in July with an average of 80.5°F, while January cools down to a 42.8°F average. The region experiences nearly two months' worth of days above 90°F.

Equip for Seasonal Humidity and Heat

With 58 days of extreme heat, efficient home cooling is essential for summer comfort. Residents should also keep umbrellas handy to manage the 52.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Soil of Polk County

Public data for Polk County's soil pH and taxonomic order is currently limited. Regional trends suggest acidic soils, but specific local measurements are needed to confirm the gap between your land and the 6.5 national median.

Texture Varies Across the Landscape

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are missing from the current county record. Understanding your soil's composition is vital for determining how much water and fertilizer your plants will need.

Nurturing Growth Without Specific Data

There are no current records for organic matter or available water capacity in Polk County. We suggest focusing on building soil health to surpass the state average organic matter level of 1.83%.

Mastering Local Water Dynamics

Drainage and hydrologic data are not currently documented for this specific jurisdiction. Careful observation of your property's runoff patterns is the best way to plan for successful building or farming.

Hardy Options for Zone 8a

In zone 8a, Polk County enjoys a versatile climate for both summer crops and cool-season greens. This is a great region for growing tomatoes, beans, and vibrant perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Middle Ground in Polk

Polk County sits at a 35.3 lawn difficulty score, placing it right in line with the Georgia state average of 35.8. Residing in Hardiness Zone 8a, gardeners experience typical Piedmont growing conditions that require a standard maintenance routine. While not as difficult as the coast, it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0.

Generous Rainfall Supports Thirsty Turf

The county benefits from 52.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly higher than both the state and national averages. With 58 extreme heat days and 5,279 growing degree days, the climate encourages steady growth through the long summer. This ample rain reduces the need for supplemental irrigation compared to drier parts of the state.

Unlock Your Soil's Potential

Comprehensive soil metrics are not currently available for Polk County, so manual inspection of your yard is vital. Check for the heavy clay often found in this region, which may require aeration to improve drainage and root penetration. A basic pH test will tell you if you need to add lime to move your soil toward the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

Over the past year, Polk County has endured 23 weeks of drought, and about a third of the county currently faces severe conditions. Keeping your grass at a higher mowing height helps shade the soil and retain moisture during these dry periods. Even with 100% of the area labeled abnormally dry, proactive conservation can preserve your lawn's health.

Spring Starts for Polk Lawns

Bermuda grass is a top performer here, though Tall Fescue can succeed in shadier spots if watered well. The last spring frost typically occurs around March 30, marking the start of the primary growing window. Aim to complete your heavy seeding or sodding projects by late spring to ensure deep roots before the July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Georgia has a composite county score of 43.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Polk County rank among counties in Georgia?
Polk County ranks #108 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Polk County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $1,307, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 53.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Georgia is $55,308 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 25.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Georgia a good place to live?
Polk County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #108 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Polk County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Polk County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.