countyscore
44.3
County Score
Property Tax 76.6Soil Quality 61Water Quality 59.6

County Report Card

About Polk County, Missouri

Polk County Scores Below Median

With a composite score of 44.3, Polk County ranks below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that while it has specific strengths, it lags behind the average U.S. county in overall metrics.

Trailing the Missouri Benchmark

Polk County's 44.3 score sits roughly six points below the Missouri state average of 50.3. It struggles to compete with higher-scoring counties in the state regarding safety and educational outcomes.

A Low-Tax Haven

The county excels in tax policy with a Tax Score of 76.6, supported by a very low effective tax rate of 0.581%. Housing is also reasonably affordable, with a Cost Score of 59.5 and median rent at $792.

Safety and Schools Need Improvement

Challenges include a Safety Score of 26.5 and a School Score of 28.6, both well below regional averages. These scores indicate that investment in local public services and community safety could boost future livability.

Best for Budget-Conscious Retirees

Polk County is an excellent fit for those on a fixed income who prioritize low property taxes and manageable housing costs. It suits individuals who may not be as reliant on the local school system or traditional career ladders.

Score breakdown

Tax76.6Cost59.5Safety26.5Health30.3Schools28.6Income29.4Risk45.5Water59.6Weather56.7
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54
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

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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 County offers lowest tax rate nationally

Polk County's effective tax rate of 0.581% ranks among the lowest in the nation, with homeowners paying just $1,101 in median annual property taxes compared to the national median of $2,690. This county delivers substantial tax savings for property owners.

Well below Missouri's tax average

Polk County's 0.581% effective rate is the lowest among all counties analyzed here and well below Missouri's state average of 0.733%. The county's median tax bill of $1,101 sits below the state median of $1,199, offering homeowners consistent tax relief.

Region's most tax-friendly county

Polk County's 0.581% rate is the lowest in its region, beating Phelps County's 0.640%, Pike County's 0.768%, and every other measured neighbor. Homeowners here enjoy the region's most favorable tax environment.

What $189,600 home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a median-priced home valued at $189,600 pays approximately $1,101 in annual property taxes in Polk County. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,192; without one, it drops to $972.

Verify your assessment remains fair

Even in low-tax Polk County, homeowners should periodically verify their property assessments reflect current market value. If your assessed value appears inflated, filing an appeal can further reduce your already modest tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk rents pinch slightly harder

Polk County residents spend 16.8% of income on rent, exceeding Missouri's 15.6% state average and pushing toward national affordability stress. With median household income of $56,686—well below the national $74,755—the combination creates moderate housing pressure.

Above-average strain for Missouri

Polk County ranks in the less affordable tier of Missouri counties, with a 16.8% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 1.2 percentage points. This gap, though modest, signals that local incomes lag housing costs more than typical statewide.

Middle ground between bargains and pricey

Polk's $792 median rent sits slightly higher than Pike ($742) and Phelps ($801), while home values of $189,600 align closely with Phelps ($194,900). Polk occupies the middle of regional pricing, making it neither bargain nor burden.

Renters and owners share the strain

Renters pay $792/month (16.8% of income) and homeowners $805/month (17.0% of income), mirroring each other and suggesting comparable affordability stress across housing types. Both pathways consume roughly a sixth of household income, putting Polk in the tightness zone.

Polk offers stability at fair prices

Polk County suits relocators seeking reasonable housing costs and moderate community size without extreme affordability challenges. Compare it with Pike County if you want to shave costs further, or Platte if you're targeting a stronger job market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk earns well below U.S. median

Polk County's median household income of $56,686 falls 24.2% short of the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects Polk's rural character and the broader income pressures facing small-town and agricultural communities nationwide.

Below average for Missouri

Polk County ranks among Missouri's lower-income counties, with median household income trailing the state average of $59,503 by $2,817. Per capita income of $28,199 also lags Missouri's $31,011, suggesting limited high-earning employment opportunities.

Clustered with modest-income peers

Polk County ($56,686) sits squarely within a band of similar-earning rural counties: Phelps ($55,427), Putnam ($56,875), and Randolph ($55,310). Platte County ($95,748) stands apart as the region's clear income leader, while Pulaski ($66,435) and Ralls ($62,054) show moderate advantages.

Housing costs stretch budgets

Polk County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is among the higher in this cluster, meaning renters devote a larger share of earnings to housing. At median home value of $189,600, homeownership requires roughly 3.3 years of median household income—a significant commitment.

Strategic saving builds security

Polk County households earning $56,686 can grow wealth by automating small monthly savings, even $100–$200, into dedicated investment accounts. Take advantage of any employer retirement match, explore individual retirement accounts, and consider homeownership as a long-term wealth-building tool when housing costs align with income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Polk County Safety Review

Polk County achieves a safety score of 97.2, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,788.2 per 100K residents. This remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a relatively secure community.

Meeting Missouri Safety Benchmarks

The county matches up well with state performance, sitting just above the Missouri average safety score of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,788.2 is safely below the state average of 1,926.2.

Polk vs. Neighboring Phelps

Polk County offers a safer environment than Phelps County, which has a higher crime rate of 2,754.1 per 100K. Six reporting agencies coordinate to keep Polk's figures closer to state norms.

Understanding Local Crime Types

The violent crime rate in Polk is 191.4 per 100K, roughly half of the national average. Property crime stands at ,1596.8 per 100K, which is the primary area for local law enforcement focus.

Enhanced Home Protection Strategies

Homeowners in Polk County should focus on preventing property crime through basic deterrents. Secure perimeter fencing and alarm systems are effective tools for maintaining a safe residence.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Polk County

via HealthByCounty

Polk County faces significant health challenges

At 74.6 years, Polk County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 78.1 years by 3.5 years. With 23% reporting poor or fair health—the highest in this county group—residents face documented wellness challenges.

Below average on Missouri's scorecard

Polk County's 74.6-year life expectancy barely exceeds Missouri's 74.3-year state average, placing it in the lower half of counties statewide. The 23% poor/fair health rate signals distress signals for policymakers.

Mixed provider resources locally

Polk County has 81 primary care providers per 100K—equal to top-tier Platte County—but its health outcomes lag significantly. With 232 mental health providers per 100K, the county punches above average in behavioral health despite overall challenges.

13.1% uninsured amid health strain

Polk County's 13.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average by 0.6 percentage points, meaning insurance gaps compound existing health vulnerabilities. Provider availability alone cannot offset gaps in coverage and health behaviors.

Insurance is a health foundation

With 13.1% of Polk County residents uninsured, enrollment in Medicaid or ACA marketplace plans is an essential first step toward better outcomes. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to explore options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural education across six school districts

Polk County provides education to 5,082 students through 21 public schools. The system is distributed across six districts and includes seven elementary schools and six high schools. The county also maintains four 'other' designated schools to provide flexible learning paths.

Competitive graduation rates with lean funding

The county maintains an 89.4% graduation rate, which beats the 87% national average despite trailing the state average slightly. Polk County operates with lean per-pupil spending of $5,826, which is lower than both state and national benchmarks. Its school score of 50.7 places it right near the national median.

Bolivar R-I anchors the local community

Bolivar R-I is the largest district by far, serving 2,777 students across five schools. Pleasant Hope R-VI follows as the second largest, managing four schools for 752 students. The county does not host any charter schools, relying entirely on its six traditional public districts.

A predominantly rural learning experience

Fifteen of the county's 21 schools are located in rural settings, offering students a classic country school feel. Campuses are relatively small, with an average enrollment of 267 students across the county. Bolivar High is the largest single campus, housing 839 students.

Settle into a dedicated rural community

Polk County is an excellent choice for families seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational quality. The Bolivar area offers the most concentrated school resources and a strong community spirit centered around the local high school. Homebuyers can enjoy the lower cost of living while benefiting from graduation rates that beat national norms.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County's balanced moderate risks

Polk County scores 54.48 on the composite risk scale, slightly above the national average and rated as relatively low risk overall. The county faces a diverse hazard profile where wildfire (72.20) and tornado (73.47) risks are notably elevated, while earthquake risk (63.61) and flood risk (57.89) add to the overall exposure.

Mid-range risk within Missouri

Polk County's composite score of 54.48 sits just above Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it firmly in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county's wildfire and tornado risks are particular concerns compared to statewide patterns.

Higher risk than Pike, lower than Platte

Polk County (54.48) faces greater overall risk than Pike County (40.30) and Randolph County (35.85), but less than nearby Platte County (71.37). Its wildfire exposure (72.20) is the highest among nearby counties, reflecting the county's geographical and landscape characteristics.

Wildfire and tornado threats lead

Polk County's wildfire risk of 72.20 and tornado risk of 73.47 are the primary concerns, both substantially elevated compared to state averages. Earthquake risk (63.61) and flood risk (57.89) round out a multi-faceted hazard profile requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Plan for fire and wind damage

Polk County residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers both wildfire and tornado damage, with particular attention to wind coverage limits. Creating defensible space around homes and clearing gutters regularly mitigates wildfire risk, while securing roof structures protects against tornado winds.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Polk County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Missouri Warmth Above Median

Polk County averages 56.0°F annually, making it warmer than the national median. This southern Missouri location brings extended summer conditions and more annual rainfall than the US average.

Warm and Wet Southwest Missouri Peaks

Polk is warmer and wetter than the average Missouri county, with 45.5 inches of rain per year. It experiences 41 days of extreme heat, significantly higher than counties in the northern half of the state.

A Warm Foothold in the Southwest

Polk’s 41 extreme heat days align closely with the high-heat patterns seen in neighboring Phelps County. Its winters are milder than those in central counties like Pettis, with a winter average of 35.0°F.

Lengthy Summers and Mild Winters

The county faces 41 days of temperatures over 90°F and a July average of 78.0°F. While specific snowfall data is currently limited, winter averages remain relatively mild at 35.0°F.

Heavy Precipitation and Heat Readiness

Property owners should ensure basement waterproofing is sound to handle the 45.5 inches of annual rain. With 41 days of extreme heat, outdoor activities require careful planning during the peak afternoon hours.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

Mildly Acidic Grounds in Polk

Polk County soils show an average pH of 5.89, placing them slightly below the state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. This mildly acidic profile is common across the region's diverse landscape and may require lime for certain sensitive crops. It is otherwise very productive for native species.

Silty Mix with Easy Workability

The soil mix is 63.9% silt and 16.4% clay, offering a good balance between nutrient storage and physical workability. The 18.6% sand content helps prevent the soil from becoming too compacted under heavy machinery or foot traffic. This blend is ideal for diverse agricultural uses.

Healthy Organic Matter and Hydration

Organic matter levels reach 2.95%, which is nearly a full point higher than the national 2.0% average. The soil’s available water capacity of 0.189 in/in also edges out the state average of 0.183 in/in. This ensures a healthy environment for root development and consistent moisture levels.

Understanding Saturated Soil Drainage

Polk displays subaqueous drainage characteristics, suggesting the land may retain moisture in low-lying areas or wetlands. Without detailed hydrologic group data, careful observation of ponding after rain is recommended. Planning for drainage-sensitive plants requires attention to the local topography.

Gardening Success in Zone 6b

Sitting in zone 6b, the county’s superior water capacity supports healthy perennials and productive vegetable gardens. It is a great time to start a garden that thrives on this reliable moisture profile. Native Missouri plants will feel right at home in this silty ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Moderate Lawn Challenges

Polk County has a lawn difficulty score of 54.0, which is slightly above the national average but below the Missouri average of 63.7. In Zone 6b, homeowners must balance high rainfall with frequent heat stress to maintain a healthy lawn. It is a manageable climate, but it requires more attention than northern Missouri counties.

Balancing 41 Days of Extreme Heat

Lawns in Polk County face 41 days of extreme heat annually, which is higher than the state average of 37 days. This heat is coupled with 45.5 inches of rain, meaning grass grows quickly but can also scorch if not managed. The 4114 growing degree days suggest a long, active season that requires a consistent mowing routine.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soils

The local soil pH of 5.89 is slightly below the ideal range of 6.0-7.0, so a soil test and lime application may be necessary. The soil is 18.6% sand and 16.4% clay, offering a lighter texture than many neighboring counties. Because of the subaqueous drainage class, be mindful of low spots that may hold water after heavy rains.

Protecting Lawns Through Dry Periods

The county has experienced 32 weeks of drought in the past year, making water conservation a priority for local gardeners. Currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry, which can stress grass already dealing with 41 heat days. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties and checking soil moisture regularly can help your lawn survive these stretches.

Planting Tips for Polk Homeowners

The growing season begins after the last spring frost on April 14 and runs until the first fall frost on October 23. Turf-type tall fescue is highly recommended for its ability to handle the local heat and 5.89 pH levels. With active management, you can easily maintain a beautiful yard in this 54.0-rated county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Missouri has a composite county score of 44.3 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 Missouri?
Polk County ranks #85 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $1,101, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 76.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Missouri is $56,686 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 29.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Missouri a good place to live?
Polk County scores 44.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in Missouri. 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.

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