countyscore
43.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.2Soil Quality 75.6Health 69.4

County Report Card

About Polk County, Oregon

Strong income scores in a national context

Polk County holds a composite score of 43.3, trailing the national median of 50.0. Despite the lower overall rank, its economic indicators remain more robust than many counties across the country.

Consistently meeting the Oregon average

The county's 43.3 composite score tracks closely with the Oregon state average of 42.5. It represents a typical Oregonian experience, balancing higher incomes against the state's characteristic housing costs.

Robust earnings and healthy lifestyles

A high income score of 85.2 is driven by a healthy median household income of $81,318. Residents also enjoy a health score of 69.4, suggesting good access to medical care and wellness resources.

Facing housing costs and climate risks

Affordability is a struggle, reflected in a low cost score of 9.9 and a median home value of $419,500. Additionally, the risk score of 27.2 indicates that the area is more vulnerable to natural hazards than many neighbors.

A match for established professionals

Polk County is best suited for established professionals who have the financial means to handle a $419,500 home price. It offers a high quality of life for those prioritizing health and income over absolute affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax49.6Cost9.9Safety43.1Health69.4Schools42.5Income85.2Risk27.2Water45.5Weather57.8
🏛49.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.1
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

Yamhill County
Oregon
40.9
Benton County
Oregon
35.8
Lincoln County
Oregon
34.2
Marion County
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Linn County
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Tillamook County
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Washington County
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Clackamas County
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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's rate slightly above national median

Polk County's 0.842% effective tax rate edges above the national median of 0.99%, placing it in the moderate-to-high tier nationally. The median property tax of $3,534 is roughly 31% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Above Oregon average, mid-state rank

At 0.842%, Polk exceeds Oregon's 0.775% state average and ranks among the higher-taxing counties in the state. The median tax bill of $3,534 surpasses Oregon's $2,745 average, though Polk homes are moderately valued compared to Portland-area counties.

Higher than Willamette Valley peers

Polk's 0.842% rate runs noticeably above Marion County's 0.752%, making it one of the Willamette Valley's steeper tax environments. The median home value here ($419,500) is consistent with the broader region but carries a higher effective rate burden.

Annual tax on median home: $3,534

A typical Polk County home worth $419,500 generates an annual property tax bill of $3,534 at the county's 0.842% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $3,705; those without mortgages pay approximately $3,200.

Assessment reviews often reveal overages

Polk County homeowners frequently discover their assessed values exceed recent market sales, making formal appeals a practical money-saving step. Requesting a reassessment when market conditions shift downward can unlock significant annual tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk strikes middle ground on affordability

Polk County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Oregon's 19.4% state average, offering moderate affordability compared to the national benchmark. With a median household income of $81,318—above the national median of $74,755—Polk residents have slightly more income cushion than the typical American household.

Polk ranks near Oregon's median affordability

At 18.7%, Polk County's rent-to-income ratio places it slightly ahead of the state average, making it one of Oregon's more reasonably priced housing markets. The $1,270 median rent falls between rural and urban Oregon trends, offering a suburban sweet spot.

Polk offers better value than Portland

Polk's $1,270 rent undercuts Multnomah County ($1,582) by $312 monthly while outpacing most eastern Oregon counties in household income. The 18.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Multnomah (22.0%) and Tillamook (21.1%), positioning Polk as a balanced alternative.

Suburban balance between rent and ownership

Polk renters spend $1,270 monthly while homeowners budget $1,592 for mortgages, with the median home value of $419,500 reflecting suburban demand. At 18.7% of income going to rent, Polk offers more breathing room than Portland while maintaining reasonable homeownership costs.

Polk works for balanced living

If you want Oregon proximity to Portland without extreme housing costs, Polk County delivers solid value—$133 cheaper rent than Multnomah with comparable incomes. The county's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio suggests you'll have meaningful income left for savings and other expenses.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk County households earn solidly

Polk County's median household income of $81,318 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 9%, placing it well above the national midpoint. This comfortable margin reflects a diversified economy spanning agriculture, manufacturing, and government employment.

Second-highest in Oregon

At $81,318, Polk County's median income trails only Multnomah County ($86,247) among Oregon's 36 counties and significantly exceeds the state average of $69,965. With per-capita income of $39,423—well above the state average of $37,652—Polk demonstrates broad-based prosperity.

Clear leader in Willamette Valley

Polk's $81,318 substantially outearns Tillamook County ($66,551), Morrow County ($70,217), and Umatilla County ($68,958). The county's proximity to Salem's government and tech sectors, combined with agricultural and forestry income, creates a stronger earnings profile than surrounding rural peers.

Solid earnings with rising housing costs

Polk County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% indicates manageable housing costs relative to income, below the 30% affordability threshold. However, the median home value of $419,500 has risen sharply, so homebuyers should factor in future price increases when evaluating long-term affordability.

Leverage Polk's income advantage

With incomes above state and national averages and reasonable housing ratios, Polk residents can aggressively save and invest. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, establishing emergency funds, and exploring diverse investment vehicles to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Polk County Safety Surpasses National Levels

Polk County earns an impressive safety score of 98.0, indicating a very low risk of crime. Its total crime rate of 1,286.5 per 100,000 is nearly 50% lower than the national average.

Exceeding the Oregon Safety Average

The county's safety score of 98.0 is significantly higher than the Oregon state average of 96.3. This makes Polk one of the most secure counties for residents in the Willamette Valley.

A Safer Choice Than Coastal Neighbors

Polk County maintains a much lower crime rate than neighboring Tillamook County, which records 1,949.1 incidents per 100,000. This regional security makes it an attractive destination for families.

Focusing on Property and Violent Trends

Property crime sits at 1,121.0 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also exceptionally low at just 165.5 per 100,000.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

Prevent property crime by keeping your home well-lit and locking all vehicles parked outside. Community awareness remains the best tool for maintaining Polk's excellent safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Polk County

via HealthByCounty

Consistently outperforms national health marks

Polk County residents live an average of 79.0 years, nearly a full year longer than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. At 18.8% poor/fair health, the county closely matches the national average, suggesting Polk residents enjoy genuinely longer, healthier lives.

Among Oregon's healthiest counties

Polk County's 79.0-year life expectancy stands 2.0 years above Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, making it one of the state's top performers. The 18.8% poor/fair health rate also exceeds most Oregon peers, positioning Polk as a health leader statewide.

Willamette Valley health advantage

Polk County's 79.0-year life expectancy significantly exceeds neighboring Tillamook County (75.2 years) and exceeds Marion County's regional average. The county's 18.8% poor/fair health rate ranks better than most Willamette Valley neighbors, reflecting strong community health investment.

Adequate primary care, emerging mental health needs

Polk County provides 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, meeting rural standards, though mental health provider availability at 317 per 100,000 suggests room for expansion. The 7.3% uninsured rate—below Oregon's 8.1% average—helps residents access needed care without cost barriers.

Keep your coverage active

Polk County's strong health outcomes reflect sustained access to care; maintain your health insurance to protect that advantage. Visit Oregon Health Plan or Healthcare.gov to confirm your current coverage and explore options if circumstances change.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Solid Infrastructure for Over 11,000 Students

Polk County operates 24 public schools across four districts, providing a comprehensive education for 11,506 students. The landscape features 13 elementary schools alongside four middle and four high school campuses.

Steady Growth in Graduation Success

The county's graduation rate of 85.4% is higher than the state average of 82.3%, though it remains slightly below the national 87% mark. Schools operate with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,799, which is nearly identical to the Oregon state average.

Central and Dallas Districts Lead the Way

Central SD 13J is the largest provider with 3,188 students, followed closely by Dallas SD 2 with 2,968 students. The county also offers variety through three charter schools, which account for 12.5% of all local public schools.

Balanced Mix of City and Town Settings

The county features a healthy mix of 10 town schools, eight city schools, and six rural campuses. Average school size is exactly 500 students, ranging from the large West Salem High with 1,733 students down to smaller rural outposts.

Family Living in Mid-Sized School Communities

Prospective residents often look to the Dallas and Central districts for a balance of modern facilities and community-focused learning. These districts offer stable graduation rates that appeal to long-term homeowners.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County's risk slightly above average

Polk County's composite score of 72.84 and Relatively Low rating exceed the U.S. average but reflect moderate hazard exposure across multiple types. Earthquake risk (95.39) and flood risk (68.23) drive the county's overall profile.

Mid-range risk compared to Oregon

At 72.84, Polk County sits notably above Oregon's 63.43 state average, placing it in the state's upper-middle tier for disaster risk. The Willamette Valley location exposes residents to significant seismic and flood hazards.

Riskier than most adjacent counties

Polk County's 72.84 score exceeds Marion, Benton, and Yamhill counties' composite risks. The county's position in the seismically active Willamette Valley explains its elevated earthquake exposure relative to western neighbors.

Earthquakes and floods threaten Polk

Earthquake risk reaches 95.39, reflecting Polk's location in Oregon's most seismically active region. Flood risk scores 68.23, with the Willamette River and tributaries posing seasonal inundation threats to valley communities.

Earthquakes and flood coverage essential

Polk County homeowners should secure earthquake insurance riders—often 10–15% of home value—and verify flood coverage, particularly if within a mapped floodplain. Standard policies exclude both, making separate coverage critical.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Polk County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Significantly Wetter than Average

Polk County’s 50.1°F annual average is cooler than the national median. The standout metric is its 77.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is more than double the national average.

Oregon's Rain-Drenched Valley Center

The county matches the state average temperature of 50.5°F almost perfectly. However, it receives 77.3 inches of rain, which is more than twice the state average of 37.4 inches.

Wetter Than Its Northern Neighbors

Polk County is much wetter than Multnomah County, receiving nearly 30 inches more rain annually. It remains cooler than Multnomah by over four degrees on average.

Mild Summers and Very Wet Winters

Summer is mild with only 10 days of extreme heat and a July average of 64.2°F. Winters are characterized by rain rather than frozen precipitation, with only 5.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Waterproofing and Drainage

With over 77 inches of rain, ensuring proper home drainage and gutter maintenance is critical. Residents rarely need heavy snow equipment but should invest in high-performance moisture-wicking clothing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

Willamette Valley Soil Identity

Polk County's soil carries an average pH of 5.44, sitting well below the national 6.5 neutral point. This acidic profile is common across the Willamette Valley and slightly exceeds the state average of 5.26. Such conditions are ideal for the region's famous vineyards and berry farms.

The Balance of Silt and Clay

The soil composition is dominated by 51.5% silt and 24.9% clay, providing strong structure and nutrient storage. With sand making up only 22.3%, the soil holds together well but requires careful management to avoid compaction. This mix is excellent for retaining the moisture necessary for summer crops.

High Organic Matter for Harvests

Polk County features 16.37% organic matter, which is exceptionally high compared to the 2.0% national average. Although it is lower than the 29.41% state average, it still offers incredible natural fertility. The available water capacity of 0.235 in/in supports consistent growth during the dry season.

Managing Water in Valley Soils

The high clay and silt content suggests that drainage may be slow in certain low-lying areas. Farmers here often manage water carefully to prevent oversaturation during wet Oregon winters. Understanding these hydrologic properties is key for maintaining healthy root systems in local orchards.

Bountiful Options in Zone 8b

As a zone 8b region, Polk County is a gardener’s paradise for cool-season crops and perennials. The combination of acidic soil and a mild climate is perfect for wine grapes, hazelnuts, and cherries. It is time to plant your roots in this productive valley soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf in the Willamette Valley

Polk County carries a lawn difficulty score of 37.1, which is slightly below the Oregon state average. While the Zone 8b winters are mild, high moisture and specific soil needs create unique maintenance hurdles.

Abundant Rain and Cool Summers

The county sees a staggering 77.3 inches of rain annually, nearly double the upper limit of the ideal 30-50 inch range. With only 10 days over 90°F, heat stress is rare, but drainage is a constant concern.

Acidic and Clay-Heavy Ground

A soil pH of 5.44 indicates acidic conditions that likely require lime amendments to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal. The soil contains 24.9% clay, which can lead to drainage issues during the heavy rainy season.

Preparing for Dry Spells

Polk County experienced 29 weeks of drought over the past year, with nearly 70% of the area currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a healthy root system during the wet months helps your grass survive these seasonal dry periods.

Seeding for Success

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are well-suited for this Zone 8b climate. Aim to plant after the last frost on April 18 to ensure steady growth before the summer sun arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Oregon has a composite county score of 43.3 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 Oregon?
Polk County ranks #15 among all counties in Oregon 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, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $3,534, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 49.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Oregon is $81,318 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 85.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Oregon a good place to live?
Polk County scores 43.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Oregon. 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.