countyscore
43.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.7Soil 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.

2040608010050.71143.169.442.586.727.245.557.8Tax50.7Cost11Safety43.1Health69.4Schools42.5Income86.7Risk27.2Water45.5Weather57.843.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 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 Income (86.7/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (11/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.7
Cost
11-37
Safety
43.1-11.899999999999999
Health
69.4+19.400000000000006
Schools
42.5-11.5
Income
86.7+35.7
Risk
27.2-19.8
Water
45.5-12.5
Weather
57.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Polk County

Whether buying or refinancing in Polk County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$454,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,299/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$454,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$51,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $85,118/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.2

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

Yamhill County
Oregon
40.9
Benton County
Oregon
35.8
Lincoln County
Oregon
33.9
Marion County
Oregon
30.5
Linn County
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35.2
Tillamook County
Oregon
43
Washington County
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41.1
Clackamas County
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36.5

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 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

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

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 43.7 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 $3,634, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 50.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Oregon is $85,118 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 86.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Oregon a good place to live?
Polk County scores 43.7/100 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.
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.