Polk County's composite score of 72.8 towers 46% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the strongest-performing counties nationwide for livability. This exceptional score reflects balanced strength in multiple cost and tax dimensions.
2 / 5
Georgia's top tier for livability
Polk County ranks above Georgia's state average composite score of 70.9, solidifying its position among the state's most livable counties. The 72.8 score demonstrates broad competence across measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes and strong housing affordability
Polk County excels with the state's lowest effective tax rate of 0.799% and a robust tax score of 79.8, paired with a cost score of 80.8. Median home values of $163,500 and rent of $870/month create genuine affordability for working households.
4 / 5
Limited employment and income growth
The county's income score of 19.5 reflects a median household income of $55,308, suggesting limited high-wage job opportunities. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental quality prevent a comprehensive livability assessment.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and cost-conscious families
Polk County is tailor-made for retirees, single earners, and families seeking maximum affordability combined with low tax burden. Those prioritizing housing costs and fiscal efficiency over income growth will thrive in this county's strong fundamentals.
Polk County's composite score of 72.8 towers 46% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the strongest-performing counties nationwide for livability. This exceptional score reflects balanced strength in multiple cost and tax dimensions.
Georgia's top tier for livability
Polk County ranks above Georgia's state average composite score of 70.9, solidifying its position among the state's most livable counties. The 72.8 score demonstrates broad competence across measured dimensions.
Lowest taxes and strong housing affordability
Polk County excels with the state's lowest effective tax rate of 0.799% and a robust tax score of 79.8, paired with a cost score of 80.8. Median home values of $163,500 and rent of $870/month create genuine affordability for working households.
Limited employment and income growth
The county's income score of 19.5 reflects a median household income of $55,308, suggesting limited high-wage job opportunities. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental quality prevent a comprehensive livability assessment.
Perfect for retirees and cost-conscious families
Polk County is tailor-made for retirees, single earners, and families seeking maximum affordability combined with low tax burden. Those prioritizing housing costs and fiscal efficiency over income growth will thrive in this county's strong fundamentals.
Score breakdown
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🏛79.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.