countyscore
68.3
County Score
Safety 89Water Quality 86Cost of Living 76.3

County Report Card

About Polk County, Nebraska

Top-Tier National Performance

Polk County excels with a composite score of 68.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking signals a superior level of general welfare and resident satisfaction.

Leading the State Pack

Polk County sits nearly ten points above the Nebraska state average of 59.3. This performance marks it as one of the most livable rural counties in the entire state.

Exceptional Safety and Water

The county achieves high marks in safety with a score of 89.0 and a strong water score of 86.0. Housing is also affordable, with median rents at $692 and a cost score of 76.3.

Lower Tax and School Scores

The tax score of 39.3 is the primary drawback, though an effective rate of 0.983% is better than many neighbors. The school score of 58.8 also suggests room for educational improvement.

The All-Rounder for Savers

Polk County is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a safe, high-utility environment with clean water. It offers a balanced profile that appeals to those who want a low-stress, affordable lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax39.3Cost76.3Safety89Health66.3Schools58.8Income70.9Risk74.3Water86Weather48.9
🏛39.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.3
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

Merrick County
Nebraska
64.9
Platte County
Nebraska
44
Butler County
Nebraska
70.4
York County
Nebraska
55
Nance County
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Hamilton County
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Seward County
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Colfax County
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53.9

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 Nebraska's lowest tax rate

Polk County's effective tax rate of 0.983% is the lowest among all measured Nebraska counties, running 23% below the state average of 1.281%. Though the median property tax of $1,748 remains below the national median of $2,690, Polk's lean rate makes it the state's most tax-friendly option.

Lowest effective tax rate in state sample

Polk County edges out Perkins County (1.014%) with Nebraska's lowest effective tax rate at 0.983%, delivering genuine savings to homeowners. Median annual taxes of $1,748 run 11% below the state average of $1,972, reflecting both favorable rates and modest home values.

Best tax rate in the central region

Polk's 0.983% rate is the lowest across all nearby counties measured, including Perkins (1.014%), Nuckolls (1.280%), and Pawnee (1.592%). The county's median home value of $177,800 sits in the mid-range regionally, so the exceptionally low rate provides real competitive advantage.

Polk home tax costs on median value

A homeowner with a $177,800 property in Polk County should expect roughly $1,748 in annual property taxes at the favorable 0.983% effective rate. Depending on mortgage status, actual bills range from $1,588 to $1,829.

Verify assessment even at low rates

While Polk County boasts Nebraska's lowest tax rate, homeowners should still confirm their assessed values match current market conditions. If your home's assessment runs above recent comparable sales, filing an appeal could yield additional savings on an already favorable tax situation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk leads the region in renter affordability

Polk County renters spend just 11.6% of their income on housing, significantly better than Nebraska's 14.2% state average and well below national norms. With a median household income of $71,771 close to the national average of $74,755, Polk offers strong earning power and excellent affordability.

Best rental affordability in eight-county region

Polk County ranks among Nebraska's most affordable counties for renters at 11.6% rent-to-income, second only to Nuckolls in this comparison. Its $692 median rent is $91 cheaper than the state average of $783.

Affordable rent with solid home values

Polk's $692 median rent ranks second-lowest in this region, beaten only by Nuckolls and Pawnee at $616. Home values of $177,800 offer a middle ground, providing reasonable buying options for those ready to purchase.

Renters and owners both find balance

Polk households earn $71,771 annually and spend $692 on rent (11.6% of income) or $727 on mortgages (12.2% of income). Both renter and homeowner burdens rank among the best in the region, making Polk attractive for multiple housing strategies.

Polk delivers affordability with strong earnings

Polk County offers the best overall balance in this region: renter affordability that ranks second-best, homeowner costs that are manageable, and median income near the national average. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking genuine affordability without sacrificing economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk Approaches National Income Standard

Polk County's median household income of $71,771 sits about $2,984 below the national median of $74,755, representing just a 4% shortfall. The county demonstrates solid middle-class stability with incomes tracking close to national averages.

Above Nebraska State Average

Polk County's median household income of $71,771 exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by $4,891, positioning it firmly in the upper half of the state's 93 counties. The county earns notably more than most Nebraska peers.

Strong Showing in Region

Polk County's $71,771 income ranks it solidly among regional leaders, outpacing Pawnee County ($54,926), Perkins County ($67,500), and Phelps County ($65,988). It sits near Nuckolls County ($70,201) and trails only Otoe County and Pierce County in the immediate region.

Housing Costs Remain Reasonable

Polk County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.6% is among the county group's lowest, indicating strong housing affordability despite a median home value of $177,800. Residents spend a modest portion of income on housing, leaving meaningful capacity for savings and other expenses.

Build Wealth With Favorable Conditions

Polk County households benefit from both solid income and affordable housing costs, creating an ideal foundation for wealth building. Direct savings from low housing burden toward retirement accounts, education funds, and long-term investments to compound wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Polk County is exceptionally safe

Polk County boasts a safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 231.6 per 100,000 residents is roughly ten times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

One of Nebraska's safest counties

Polk County’s crime rate of 231.6 per 100,000 is much lower than the Nebraska average of 626.7. Its safety score of 99.6 puts it well above the state average score of 99.0.

Polk County vs neighboring Platte County

Polk County is significantly safer than neighboring Platte County, where the crime rate is 1,201.1 per 100,000. Two reporting agencies provide the data that confirms Polk's status as a regional safety leader.

No violent crimes reported in Polk

Polk County reports a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. All 231.6 reported incidents per 100,000 are property crimes, which is still very low compared to the US property rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining your home's security

While there is no reported violent crime, residents should still guard against property theft. Simple habits like locking doors and not leaving valuables in cars will help keep Polk County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Polk County

via HealthByCounty

Polk trails national life expectancy

At 76.7 years, Polk County residents live about 2.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing it among Nebraska's shorter-lived counties. With 16.3% reporting poor or fair health—above the national median of 13.7%—chronic disease burden significantly impacts the community.

Below-average health in Nebraska rankings

Polk's 76.7-year life expectancy falls below Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years, ranking it among the lower-performing counties. The 8.2% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average, suggesting insurance is less the problem than underlying health and provider access challenges.

Limited primary care, modest mental health support

Polk provides just 58 primary care providers per 100K residents, well below Nuckolls (123) and Perkins (106), and 38 mental health providers per 100K. This dual limitation in both medical and behavioral health capacity constrains residents' ability to address preventive and chronic disease care.

Provider shortages limit health management

With only 58 primary care providers per 100K and 8.2% uninsured, Polk residents face moderate barriers to healthcare access that likely contribute to the 16.3% poor or fair health rate. Long wait times and travel distances to available providers may discourage preventive visits and early disease detection.

Strengthen Polk's health through coverage

While 91.8% of Polk County residents have insurance, that remaining 8.2% should explore marketplace plans during open enrollment (November 1–January 31) to ensure continuous preventive care access. Contact Healthcare.gov or a local navigator to find plans fitting your budget and healthcare needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ten Schools Across Four Active Districts

Polk County operates 10 public schools that serve a total of 1,124 students. The county’s infrastructure is evenly distributed with three elementary, three middle, and four high schools.

Strong Per-Pupil Investment

The county spends $10,716 per pupil, which is higher than the Nebraska state average of $10,521. While the graduation rate of 85.8% is slightly below the state average, the high funding level demonstrates a commitment to student success.

Shelby - Rising City Leads Enrollment

Shelby - Rising City Public Schools is the largest district with 411 students, followed closely by Cross County Community Schools with 367 students. No charter schools operate within the county boundaries.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every school in Polk County is located in a rural setting, offering a classic small-town education with an average of 112 students per school. Shelby - Rising City Elementary is the largest campus with 212 students.

Find Your Community in Polk County

With small school sizes and dedicated funding, Polk County is ideal for families seeking a personalized educational path. Explore local homes today to find your place in one of these four community-focused districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County sits at state-level risk profile

Polk County's composite risk score of 25.70 places it in the Very Low category and nearly matches the national average. This balanced exposure reflects moderate, non-catastrophic hazard threats across multiple disaster types.

Slightly above Nebraska's average

Polk County's score of 25.70 edges slightly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it near the midpoint of the state's risk rankings. This near-average position reflects a fairly typical hazard profile for central Nebraska.

Moderate risk compared to surrounding area

Polk County's 25.70 score positions it between the region's safer counties like Perkins (4.36) and higher-risk areas like Platte (70.58). Most surrounding counties cluster between 14 and 40, making Polk relatively typical for the area.

Tornado and wildfire lead hazard list

Tornado risk scores 36.80 and wildfire risk scores 38.39, making these Polk County's primary concerns despite relatively balanced overall exposure. Flood (16.44), earthquake (8.21), and hurricane risks remain secondary.

Standard coverage with wind emphasis

Polk County residents should ensure their homeowners insurance provides comprehensive wind damage coverage for tornadoes and wildfire protection. Given the balanced hazard profile, standard homeowners insurance combined with routine property maintenance should provide adequate protection against the county's moderate threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Polk County

via WeatherByCounty

A Stable Mid-Continent Climate Profile

Polk County's 50.5°F average annual temperature is just below the national median. It offers a classic continental climate with distinct, well-defined seasons.

Consistent with Regional Averages

Polk tracks closely with the Nebraska average temperature of 49.7°F, though it is slightly warmer at 50.5°F. Its 28.3 inches of rain is slightly above the state average of 25.9 inches.

Fewer Heat Waves than Neighbors

Polk experiences only 23 extreme heat days, which is significantly fewer than Platte (32 days) or Otoe (35 days). However, it is snowier than Platte, receiving 28.7 inches annually.

Moderate Summers and Significant Snow

Summer temperatures average 73.3°F, with relatively few days breaking the 90°F mark. Winters are more intense, with 28.7 inches of snowfall and a January average of 23.7°F.

Equipping for Cold and Snow

The nearly 29 inches of annual snow requires high-quality winter tires and removal gear. While summers are milder than nearby counties, standard air conditioning is still recommended.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

Loamy Sands and Young Entisols

Polk County is dominated by Loamy Fine Sand and Entisols, which are soils that show little to no profile development. The pH of 6.83 is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and sits just above the Nebraska average of 6.79. This profile creates a mineral-rich environment that is typical of the state's river-influenced regions.

A Gritty, Sand-Forward Texture

With 43.5% sand and 40.1% silt, the soil is light and well-aerated, containing only 16.3% clay. This texture ensures that the soil warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for earlier planting dates. However, the higher sand content means that nutrients can wash away more easily than in heavier soils.

Strong Water Capacity in Light Soil

Interestingly, Polk County's available water capacity of 0.182 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.172 in/in, despite its sandier texture. The organic matter content is 2.01%, matching the national average but falling below the Nebraska average of 3.32%. This leads to an overall soil score of 56.4, suggesting a need for careful nutrient management.

Excessive Drainage and High Infiltration

The dominant drainage class is 'Excessively drained,' and the soil belongs to Hydrologic Group A. This means water moves very quickly through the soil, which is excellent for preventing floods but requires more frequent irrigation or rain. Builders will appreciate the lack of standing water, but gardeners must be mindful of how fast these soils dry out.

Spring Starts in Zone 5b

Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, Polk County is a great spot for crops that enjoy well-aerated soils like asparagus, melons, or root vegetables. The fast-warming sandy soil gives you a head start on the season compared to the state's clay-heavy regions. Focus on adding compost to your garden to help bridge the gap in organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

Polk County Offers Above-Average Conditions

A lawn difficulty score of 58.3 indicates that Polk County is easier for lawn care than the typical Nebraska county. This Hardiness Zone 5b region benefits from lower-than-average heat stress.

Cooler Summers Benefit Cool-Season Grass

The county only sees 23 days of extreme heat, significantly lower than the state average of 34. This makes it much easier to keep cool-season grasses like fescue green during the peak of July.

Managing Excessively Drained Loamy Sand

The loamy fine sand texture and 43.5% sand content mean the soil is excessively drained. You will need to water more frequently but in shorter bursts to prevent moisture from sinking past the roots.

Persistent Dryness Requires Vigilance

Every acre of Polk County is currently classified as abnormally dry after 35 weeks of drought last year. Because the soil drains so quickly, lawns can show signs of stress faster than in clay-heavy counties.

Start Seeding After Late April

The spring frost usually clears by April 25, marking the start of the primary growing season. Drought-tolerant fescues are ideal here, as they can handle the quick-draining nature of the loamy sand.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 68.3 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 Nebraska?
Polk County ranks #15 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $1,748, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 39.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Nebraska is $71,771 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 70.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Polk County scores 68.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Nebraska. 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.