countyscore
50.9
County Score
Soil Quality 84.4Health 82.3Lawn Care 65

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.

2040608010038.138.853.982.349.364.63331.746.5Tax38.1Cost38.8Safety53.9Health82.3Schools49.3Income64.6Risk33Water31.7Weather46.550.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Polk County DNA

Foverall

How Polk County compares to the national average across 9 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
38.1-13.899999999999999
Cost
38.8-9.200000000000003
Safety
53.9
Health
82.3+32.3
Schools
49.3
Income
64.6+13.599999999999994
Risk
33-14
Water
31.7-26.3
Weather
46.5-9.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Polk County?

Many homeowners in Polk County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$211,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$843/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$211,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,136/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
Compare Polk County with Yell County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Yell County
Arkansas
Median income: $58,870
50.9
St. Johns County
Florida
Median income: $106,169
50.9
Woodbury County
Iowa
Median income: $70,147
50.9
Hopkins County
Kentucky
Median income: $57,610
50.9
Hardin County
Ohio
Median income: $58,001
50.9
Pike County
Ohio
Median income: $49,552
50.9
Campbell County
Tennessee
Median income: $50,260
50.9
Hot Spring County
Arkansas
Median income: $52,644
51

Nearby counties

Red Lake County
Minnesota
73.1
Pennington County
Minnesota
43.9
Norman County
Minnesota
68.8
Traill County
North Dakota
64.5
Marshall County
Minnesota
69.1
Grand Forks County
North Dakota
40.5
Mahnomen County
Minnesota
47
Clearwater County
Minnesota
65.2

Deep Dives

Polk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk County rent burden matches national average

Polk County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% aligns nearly perfectly with the national average of 14.5%, signaling typical affordability for the U.S. The county's median household income of $69,136 runs $5,619 below the national median, yet housing costs remain proportionally reasonable.

Slightly above Minnesota's rental affordability bar

Polk County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% state average. The median rent of $843 undercuts the state median of $915 by roughly $72, placing it in the more affordable half of Minnesota counties.

Mid-range rents, above-average homeownership costs

Polk's $843 rent sits between Pipestone's bargain $731 and Pennington's $900, offering moderate pricing. However, homeowners pay $1,085 monthly—the highest among this comparison group—reflecting median home values near $211,100.

Renters find better value than homebuyers

On a $69,136 median income, Polk renters allocate 14.6% ($843) to housing while homeowners stretch to 18.8% ($1,085). The gap widens due to median home values of $211,100, making homeownership a significant financial commitment.

Polk works best for renters seeking balance

Polk County offers middle-ground rent prices and near-national-average affordability metrics. But if homeownership is your goal, compare Polk's $1,085 owner costs to cheaper alternatives like Pipestone ($787) or Redwood ($784).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across Seven Polk Districts

Polk County hosts a robust network of 20 public schools serving 5,002 students. These schools are spread across seven districts, featuring a mix of nine elementary schools and nine high schools to serve the region's expansive geography.

Steady Performance and Graduation Metrics

The county's graduation rate of 86.5% almost perfectly matches the state average of 86.6%. Local spending of $8,274 per pupil is closely aligned with the Minnesota average, supporting a consistent school score of 54.4.

East Grand Forks and Crookston Lead the Way

East Grand Forks Public Schools is the largest district with 1,889 students, followed by the Crookston Public School District with 1,135 students. Despite the variety of districts, no charter schools operate within the county's boundaries.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

Thirteen of the county's schools are located in rural areas, though two suburban locales exist near East Grand Forks. Crookston Secondary is the largest campus at 547 students, while the average school size countywide remains manageable at 278 students.

Relocating for Polk County Schools

From the suburban feel of East Grand Forks to the rural charm of the outlying districts, Polk County offers diverse settings for home buyers. The consistent graduation rates provide peace of mind for families planning their next move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County's risk significantly outpaces U.S. average

Polk County scores 67.05 on the composite risk scale, placing it substantially above the national average and into the higher end of "Relatively Low" territory. This elevation is driven by combined flood (69.85) and wildfire (83.37) exposure that reflects the county's boreal forest and river systems. The score demands more active preparation than many American counties face.

Polk ranks among Minnesota's higher-risk counties

Polk County's composite score of 67.05 significantly exceeds Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it in the upper quarter of the state's 87 counties. This ranking is driven by the state's second-highest wildfire risk (83.37) and above-average flood exposure from the Red River and tributaries. Polk's risk profile makes it notably more vulnerable than most Minnesota counties.

Polk faces Minnesota's most concentrated wildfire exposure

Polk County's score of 67.05 marginally exceeds Pennington County to the south (46.98) and approaches the state's highest-risk areas. Its wildfire risk of 83.37 represents Minnesota's most extreme exposure, driven by continuous boreal forest that covers the vast majority of the county. The 69.85 flood risk reflects the Red River's western border exposure and seasonal flooding dynamics affecting northwestern Minnesota.

Wildfire and flooding define Polk County hazards

Wildfire risk reaches 83.37—Minnesota's highest—reflecting the county's vast boreal forest that creates substantial fuel for large fires during dry seasons, particularly spring and fall. Flood risk scores 69.85, driven by the Red River that forms Polk's western border and periodically overflows its banks during heavy spring snowmelt and summer rains. Tornado risk is moderate at 47.46, below the state's most tornado-prone counties.

Invest in fire and flood coverage for Polk County

Purchase a dedicated wildfire rider for your homeowners policy and a separate National Flood Insurance Program policy—neither risk is covered by standard homeowners insurance. Create defensible space by removing dead vegetation and pruning tree canopies within 100 feet of structures, particularly critical given Polk's extreme wildfire exposure. Document your home's replacement cost and review all coverage annually with an insurance agent familiar with northwestern Minnesota risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Polk County

via WaterByCounty

Water quality faces serious challenges

Polk County receives an F grade after recording 12 health violations in the last five years. The violation rate of 58.3 per 100,000 is significantly higher than the Minnesota average of 32.5.

Clean assessment for monitored waters

The 2022 reporting cycle shows 0% of assessed water bodies are impaired, though only one body has been fully evaluated. This is technically better than the 1.5% state impairment average, despite the limited scope of the assessment.

Large scale monitoring network

A network of 133 monitoring sites has produced 34,128 measurements over the last five years. Physical characteristics, organics, pesticides, and nutrients are the most frequently measured groups.

Red Lake River flow is low

The USGS gauge at Fisher reports a discharge of 898 cfs, which is only 61% of the long-term mean. Reduced flow in the Red Lake River may impact the dilution of contaminants in the watershed.

Address high violation risks

With an F grade and 12 violations, residents should immediately verify if their local provider has addressed recent issues. Reduced river flows can exacerbate water quality problems, making home filtration a prudent choice.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 #55 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 $2,109, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 38.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Minnesota is $69,136 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 64.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Polk County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.