countyscore
50.9
County Score
Soil Quality 84.4Health 82.3Income & Jobs 69.4

County Report Card

About Polk County, Minnesota

Aligning With National Standards

Polk County effectively matches the national pulse with a composite score of 50.9, just above the 50.0 median. It represents the typical American living experience in terms of overall quality.

Maintaining a Competitive Regional Edge

The county scores 50.9, trailing slightly behind the Minnesota average of 55.8. While it isn't a state leader, it remains a stable and viable option within the northern Minnesota corridor.

Strong Health and Reliable Income

A health score of 82.3 is the county’s strongest feature, reflecting a robust local wellness environment. This is supported by an income score of 64.6, with median rents remaining accessible at $843 per month.

Environmental and Disaster Risks

Environmental vulnerability is the main concern, as shown by a low risk score of 33.0 and a water score of 31.7. These metrics suggest the county is more susceptible to natural or resource-based disruptions.

Best for Health-Oriented Renters

Polk County is an ideal match for renters who want high-quality healthcare without the premium price tag of a major city. Residents should simply stay prepared for the region's higher environmental risk factors.

204060801003539.853.982.349.369.43331.746.5Tax35Cost39.8Safety53.9Health82.3Schools49.3Income69.4Risk33Water31.7Weather46.550.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Polk County DNA

Foverall

How Polk County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Polk County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (82.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (31.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35-17
Cost
39.8-8.200000000000003
Safety
53.9
Health
82.3+32.3
Schools
49.3
Income
69.4+18.400000000000006
Risk
33-14
Water
31.7-26.3
Weather
46.5-9.5
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Many homeowners in Polk County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$222,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$855/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$222,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,107/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Red Lake County
Minnesota
73.3
Pennington County
Minnesota
44.7
Norman County
Minnesota
68.8
Traill County
North Dakota
64.8
Marshall County
Minnesota
69.9
Grand Forks County
North Dakota
40
Mahnomen County
Minnesota
47.5
Clearwater County
Minnesota
65.8

Deep Dives

Polk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Polk County

via TaxByCounty

Polk's rate slightly above national norm

Polk County's 0.999% effective tax rate edges above the national median of 0.968% by about 3%. With a median home value of $211,100—25% below the US median—the county remains accessible for homebuyers despite the slightly elevated tax rate.

Slightly above Minnesota average

At 0.999%, Polk County's effective tax rate runs just above Minnesota's state average of 0.968%. This places it roughly in the middle of the state's 87 counties, making it a moderate-tax option for property owners.

Moderate taxes for the region

Polk County at 0.999% sits between higher-tax Pennington County at 1.218% and lower-tax Pine County at 0.875%. Among northwest Minnesota neighbors, Polk represents a middle ground for effective tax rates.

About $2,109 on median-valued home

A median home valued at $211,100 in Polk County generates approximately $2,109 in annual property taxes at the 0.999% effective rate. This falls just below the state median of $2,168, keeping the county's tax burden reasonable despite its slightly above-average rate.

Challenge inflated property values

Polk County homeowners may find their assessments don't reflect current market conditions or recent property improvements. Filing an appeal is straightforward and can result in meaningful tax savings if values are overstated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk Income Lags National Average

Polk County's median household income of $69,136 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly 7.5%. The county falls in the lower-middle segment of U.S. income distribution.

Below-Average Earner for Minnesota

Polk County's $69,136 median income sits below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it among the less affluent counties statewide. The $6,600 gap reflects rural northern Minnesota economic patterns.

Middle of the Regional Pack

Polk's $69,136 sits between lower-income Pipestone ($66,073) and higher-income Pennington ($72,561), making it a typical community in northwestern Minnesota. The county earns less than prosperous Ramsey County ($81,004) by over $11,000.

Moderate Housing Affordability

Polk County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio shows housing costs are sustainable at current income levels. With a median home value of $211,100, homeownership remains achievable for most working households.

Maximize Every Dollar Earned

Polk County households earning $69,136 benefit from reasonable housing costs, leaving room for financial planning. Automating savings, using employer matching on retirement plans, and diversifying investments can accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Polk County Safety Surpasses National Trends

Polk County achieves a safety score of 98.4, indicating it is safer than the majority of U.S. counties. Its total crime rate of 1,040.8 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong Standing in the North Star State

Polk's safety score of 98.4 exceeds the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Across five reporting agencies, the county demonstrates consistent success in maintaining public order and safety.

Polk Compared to Its Neighbors

Polk County's crime rate of 1,040.8 per 100K is much lower than Pennington's rate of 1,793.5. It provides a safer alternative to many nearby jurisdictions while still maintaining active urban centers.

Breakdown of Violent and Property Crime

The local violent crime rate is 215.2 per 100K, well below the national average. Property crime sits at 825.6, suggesting that theft and burglary occur far less frequently than in typical American counties.

Maintaining a Secure Property

Residents should continue to use basic home security measures to keep property crime low. Community engagement and transparent reporting help keep Polk County safer than the state average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Polk County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Northern Temperatures

Polk County is significantly colder than most of the country, with an average annual temperature of 39.5°F compared to the 54°F national median. It receives just 24.5 inches of annual precipitation, making it drier than many coastal regions.

Far Below the State Average

At 39.5°F, Polk is much colder than the 42.8°F Minnesota state average. This temperature reflects its northern location in the Red River Valley.

Comparing Northern Neighbors

Polk is slightly cooler than neighboring Red Lake County, which averages 39.8°F. Both counties share a similar dry profile with less than 25 inches of annual precipitation.

Harsh Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are intense with a January average of 5.8°F and a seasonal average of 9.7°F. Summers remain mild with a July average of 67.9°F and only 5 days reaching 90°F.

Prioritize Deep Winter Insulation

While specific snowfall data is limited, the deep freeze of a 5.8°F January requires heavy-duty home insulation. Outdoor planning should focus on the brief window of mild 66.1°F summer weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

Polk's High-Performing Neutral Soil

Polk County features a strong soil score of 84.4, well above the state average of 73.0. Its average pH of 6.71 is near neutral, sitting slightly higher than the national median of 6.5. This balanced chemistry makes it one of the more versatile counties for Minnesota agriculture.

Sandy Texture with Moderate Clay

The soil contains 45.3% sand, 35.5% silt, and 15.7% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the ground warms up quickly in the spring and remains easy to till. The moderate clay levels provide just enough structure to keep the soil from eroding too easily.

Abundant Organic Matter and Moisture

With 12.52% organic matter, Polk exceeds the state average of 9.90% and dwarfs the national average of 2.0%. Its available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is almost exactly the state benchmark. This combination ensures plants have access to both rich nutrients and consistent moisture.

Aerated and Absorbent Ground

Though no official drainage class is recorded, the 45.3% sand content points toward efficient natural drainage and good aeration. The soil's ability to hold 0.198 inches of water per inch of soil helps buffer against dry spells. This mix is generally favorable for large-scale farming and home gardening alike.

Diverse Potential in Zone 4a

Falling in Zone 4a, Polk is a prime location for cool-season crops and wheat. The high organic matter and neutral pH support everything from vibrant flower beds to productive vegetable patches. Residents should feel confident starting a garden in this high-scoring, nutrient-rich soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining Turf in Polk County

Polk County scores a 65.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average. This Zone 4a region offers a moderate environment for lawn enthusiasts who can manage the low annual rainfall.

Low Precipitation Challenges Growth

Annual precipitation is just 24.5 inches, falling short of the state average of 30.0 inches. With only 5 extreme heat days and 2,011 growing degree days, the primary challenge is moisture management rather than heat stress.

Sandy Loam with Great pH

The soil pH of 6.71 is ideal for lawn health, requiring very few chemical adjustments. The ground is composed of 45.3% sand, which ensures good drainage but may require more frequent watering due to the low 15.7% clay content.

Abnormal Dryness Hits Polk

The county experienced 7 weeks of drought last year, and 64% of the land is currently in abnormally dry condition. Because the soil is sandy and rainfall is low, using rain barrels and smart irrigation is key for lawn survival.

Mid-May Planting Window

Select cold-hardy mixes like Fine Fescues to handle the Zone 4a winters and low rainfall. Aim to plant after May 15, but ensure your turf is established before the first fall frost hits on September 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 50.9 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 Minnesota?
Polk County ranks #56 among all counties in Minnesota 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, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $2,245, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 35/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Minnesota is $73,107 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 69.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Polk County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Minnesota. 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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