countyscore
55.2
County Score
Cost of Living 87.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 78.8

County Report Card

About Polk County, Tennessee

Above the National Average

Polk County scores a 55.2, placing it above the national median composite score of 50.0. This indicates a solid baseline for livability compared to the average American county.

Stronger Than State Average

The county outperforms the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It differentiates itself through exceptional housing affordability and income levels that are relatively high for the rural region.

Unmatched Housing Value

Affordability is a major draw, with a cost score of 87.8 and a median gross rent of just $668. The county also benefits from high-quality water at 86.0 and a respectable risk score of 68.9.

Safety and Healthcare Gaps

Public safety and healthcare are the primary weak points, with scores of 23.2 and 22.7 respectively. These metrics suggest a need for improved local social services to match the county's housing value.

Great for Young Families

Polk County is a great fit for young professionals or families looking for low rent and home prices without sacrificing income potential. It trades off safety and healthcare access for high immediate affordability.

2040608010078.887.823.222.755.439.868.98671.9Tax78.8Cost87.8Safety23.2Health22.7Schools55.4Income39.8Risk68.9Water86Weather71.955.2/100
This county
National avg
5 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 Cost of Living (87.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (23.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.8+26.799999999999997
Cost
87.8+39.8
Safety
23.2-31.8
Health
22.7-27.3
Schools
55.4
Income
39.8-11.200000000000003
Risk
68.9+21.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
71.9+15.900000000000006
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$136,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$668/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$136,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,227/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

56.5

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

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Tennessee
43.5
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60.1
McMinn County
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Murray County
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Monroe County
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Cherokee County
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Gilmer 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 County taxes remain well below national median

Polk County's effective tax rate of 0.565% is less than one-fifth the national median property tax burden of $2,690, placing it squarely in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties. This makes Polk substantially more affordable than typical American property markets.

Above average among Tennessee counties

Polk County's 0.565% effective rate exceeds Tennessee's 0.511% state average, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 95 counties. The median tax of $770 on a $136,400 home reflects the county's position as a moderate-to-higher taxer within Tennessee.

Polk ranks high among surrounding counties

Polk's 0.565% rate nearly matches Morgan County (0.581%) and significantly exceeds Overton (0.394%), Pickett (0.374%), and Rhea (0.462%). In the region, Polk ranks among the higher-taxed counties, second only to Morgan.

A $136,400 home costs $770 annually

Polk County's median homeowner with a $136,400 home pays $770 per year in property tax—roughly $64 per month. With mortgage escrow, that figure reaches $975 annually.

Homeowners should challenge inflated assessments

Polk County property owners should regularly compare their county assessments to recent county sales of similar homes to catch overvaluation. An assessment appeal is your right if the county's valuation exceeds your home's fair market value, potentially reducing your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk County delivers Tennessee's best rental affordability

Polk County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio stands among Tennessee's strongest affordability metrics and comfortably beats the state average of 17.6%. At $668 monthly rent from a median household income of $60,227, Polk County renters enjoy genuine housing cost relief compared to peers across the state and nation.

Best-in-class affordability ranking within Tennessee

Polk County ranks among Tennessee's most affordable counties for housing, with a rent-to-income ratio that substantially underperforms the state average. The county combines modest rents with above-median local incomes, creating exceptional affordability for renters.

Lowest rents in the region by far

Polk County's $668 median rent is the lowest across its region, undercutting Morgan County ($742), Perry County ($747), and substantially beating Putnam County ($881) and Overton County ($833). The county emerges as the clear rental value leader for East-Central Tennessee.

Rent claims just 13.3% of income

Polk County renters spend only $668 monthly—13.3% of their median household income of $60,227—enjoying the region's most comfortable housing-to-income ratio. Homeowners invest $587 monthly on ownership costs for homes valued near $136,400, reflecting balanced affordability across housing types.

Polk County is Tennessee's rental value destination

Families prioritizing housing affordability should strongly consider Polk County, where rents run lowest and local incomes remain solid compared to neighboring counties. The county delivers rare affordable-living advantages without requiring relocation to economically distressed areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk County Closest to National Income Benchmark

Polk County's median household income of $60,227 falls $14,528 short of the national median of $74,755, but represents the strongest performance in its peer group. The county earns 81% of the national median—significantly better than rural peers.

Above Tennessee's Statewide Income Average

Polk County exceeds Tennessee's median household income of $58,994 by $1,233, ranking among the stronger performers statewide. The per capita income of $33,714 also surpasses the state average of $31,458.

Highest Income in Rural County Cluster

Polk County's $60,227 median income outpaces all peer counties, leading by $2,094 over Rhea County ($58,133). The county's strong earnings position makes it an outlier in this lower-income rural region.

Excellent Affordability and Housing Stability

At 13.3%, Polk County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in its peer group, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $136,400 represents just 2.3 years of gross household income—the most favorable ratio for wealth-building through homeownership.

Maximize Wealth Through Disciplined Investing

Polk County's strong income and affordable housing create an ideal environment for wealth accumulation. Households should prioritize retirement savings, diversified investments, and long-term financial planning to leverage their income advantage and build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates remain below national averages

Polk County reports a total crime rate of 1,952.3 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 96.9 out of 100. It is generally safer than the typical American county.

Slightly behind the Tennessee safety average

The county's safety score of 96.9 is just below the Tennessee average of 97.2. However, its total crime rate of 1,952.3 is slightly higher than the state's average of 1,785.6. This suggests Polk County faces a slightly higher volume of crime than the average Tennessee jurisdiction.

Regional comparisons show moderate risk

Polk County's crime rate of 1,952.3 is higher than Rhea County's 1,350.3 but lower than Putnam County's 2,109.6. Two reporting agencies provide the data that forms this local safety profile. The county sits in the middle of the pack for its geographic area.

Property crime is the primary concern

Property crime accounts for 1,748.0 incidents per 100,000 residents, making up the bulk of the total. The violent crime rate is 204.3, which is notably lower than the national average of 369.8. Law enforcement primarily deals with theft and burglary rather than violent offenses.

Focus on protecting your property

Since property crime is the most prevalent issue, investing in home security cameras is a smart move. Ensuring that outbuildings and vehicles are locked can prevent the most common local crimes. Staying connected with neighbors provides an extra layer of defense against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Rural School Network

Polk County supports 2,148 students through a network of seven public schools. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and one specialized other facility. All education is provided through a single county-managed school district.

Exceptional Outcomes and Balanced Budgets

With a 97.0% graduation rate, Polk County is a top performer compared to the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending stands at $5,997, keeping the district efficient while maintaining a school score of 55.0. This score reflects academic performance that exceeds the state average of 53.6.

Traditional Education in a Single District

The Polk County school district serves all 2,148 students in the county without the presence of charter schools. This means 100% of public funding goes directly into the traditional school system. Families can expect a consistent curriculum across the different regions of the county.

Small Schools in a Rural Landscape

All seven schools in Polk County sit in rural locales, providing a scenic backdrop for learning. The average school size is 307 students, with Polk County High School being the largest at 443 students. Even the smallest middle school, Chilhowee, maintains a robust community feel with 322 students.

Live Near Top-Tier Rural Schools

Polk County's high graduation rates make it an attractive destination for families searching for Tennessee real estate. Homes in areas like Benton or Copper Basin offer proximity to well-regarded primary and secondary campuses. Quality schools and small-town charm make this county a prime choice for relocating parents.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County maintains very low risk

Polk County's composite risk score of 31.17 falls well below the national average, placing it in the very low disaster exposure category. The county benefits from a relatively protected position against most major natural hazards.

Lower-risk county in Tennessee

Polk County scores 31.17 compared to Tennessee's state average of 52.45, ranking among the state's safer communities for natural disaster exposure. The county sits comfortably in the lower half of Tennessee's risk distribution.

Comparable to other low-risk areas

Polk County (31.17) maintains similar low risk to Overton County (22.23) and Perry County (33.40), though faces higher exposure than Pickett County (4.61). The county occupies the safer end of the regional risk spectrum.

Wildfire and earthquake are top concerns

Wildfire risk (75.64) represents Polk County's most significant hazard, driven by forest proximity and terrain, while earthquake risk (70.77) presents secondary concern. Tornado risk (50.67) and flood risk (42.56) complete the county's hazard profile.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage

Polk County homeowners should secure standard homeowners insurance and strongly consider supplemental wildfire coverage given the county's 75.64 risk score, particularly for properties in forested areas. Separate earthquake insurance is also prudent given the 70.77 seismic exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Polk County

via WaterByCounty

Polk County Achieves Perfect Drinking Water Record

Polk County earns a Grade A for drinking water safety, with zero health violations reported in the last five years. The county maintains a violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000, outperforming the Tennessee average of 34.6. Utilities in the area are successfully complying with all federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Copper and Bacteria Impair 28% of Polk Waters

Of the 108 water bodies assessed in Polk County, 31 are classified as impaired under the Clean Water Act. The 2022 assessment identifies E. coli, sedimentation, and copper as the primary stressors for these waterways. At 28.7%, Polk's impairment rate is slightly better than the 30.2% state average.

High-Density Monitoring Network Across Polk County

Polk County features an extensive monitoring network with 16,550 measurements taken at 87 sites over the past five years. This robust dataset focuses on biological and physical characteristics to track the impact of copper and other pollutants. The high site density provides one of the most detailed water quality records in the region.

Ocoee River Flow Stalls at 25% Capacity

The Ocoee River at Copperhill is currently flowing at 252 cfs, which is just 25% of its 991 cfs long-term mean. This discharge rate reflects the current conditions across the 352-square-mile drainage basin. Low flows may affect the dilution of minerals like copper and influence local whitewater conditions.

Monitor Metal Levels and Bacterial Runoff

With copper and E. coli listed as top impairments, residents should avoid swimming in impaired streams after heavy rains. Although public drinking water is perfectly safe, those near old mining areas should be aware of mineral impacts on local ecosystems. The low flow on the Ocoee River currently limits the natural flushing of these sediments and contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

Extreme Acidity in Polk

Polk County soil is exceptionally acidic with a pH of 4.79, well below the state average. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Sandy and Silty Texture

The soil contains 34.2% sand and 40.7% silt, making it lighter than many Tennessee clay soils. This texture facilitates good root penetration but may struggle with nutrient runoff.

Rich Organic Matter Content

With 3.93% organic matter, Polk far exceeds the state average of 2.44% and the national average of 2.0%. This high organic content is vital, as the water capacity is slightly lower than average at 0.152 in/in.

Drainage in High Acidity

The soil score of 34.6 reflects the challenges of high acidity on agricultural productivity. The sandy texture suggests rapid drainage, which can help prevent root rot in wet years.

Success for Acid-Loving Plants

Hardiness zone 7b and high acidity make Polk a paradise for blueberries and azaleas. Most traditional vegetables will require lime applications to thrive in these native soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

Severe Challenges for Polk County Lawns

Polk County faces significant lawn care hurdles with a difficulty score of 21.2, well below the Tennessee average of 48.0. Maintaining a lawn in this Zone 7b region requires expert attention to soil health and water management. High acidity and severe drought currently dominate the local growing conditions.

Data Gaps and Growing Conditions

While specific annual temperature and precipitation data are limited for this area, the regional Zone 7b classification implies a long, warm growing season. The extremely low lawn score suggests that climatic stressors or environmental factors make turf establishment more difficult than in neighboring counties. Careful monitoring of local weather patterns is essential.

Extreme Soil Acidity Needs Correction

The soil pH in Polk County is 4.79, which is critically low and will inhibit most grass types from absorbing nutrients. The soil structure consists of 34.2% sand and 16.4% clay, offering moderate drainage but poor nutrient retention. Heavy liming is required to bring the pH toward the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range.

Total County Under Severe Drought

Currently, 100% of Polk County is in a severe drought, and the region has endured 27 weeks of drought over the past year. These conditions are punishing for lawns and necessitate strict water conservation and the use of drought-hardy species. Avoid fertilizing during these periods, as it can further stress thirsty grass.

Choose Resilient Species for Tough Soil

Bermuda grass is one of the few varieties that can handle the intense drought and heat of Zone 7b. Focus on soil restoration and pH balancing before attempting to seed or sod. Given the severe conditions, waiting for a break in the drought is the safest path to successful establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 55.2 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 Tennessee?
Polk County ranks #26 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $770, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 78.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Tennessee is $60,227 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 39.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Polk County scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Tennessee. 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.