countyscore
32.8
County Score
Cost of Living 51.8Schools 50.9Income & Jobs 35.9

County Report Card

About Polk County, Texas

Falling Behind National Averages

Polk County holds a composite score of 32.8, which is considerably lower than the national median of 50.0. This gap suggests significant room for improvement in infrastructure and community services.

Below the Texas State Baseline

The county scores below the Texas average of 41.9. It struggles to keep pace with the state's faster-growing regions across most key livability metrics.

Affordable Housing and Decent Schools

Housing remains a bright spot, with an affordability score of 51.8 and median rents near $1,009. The local school systems also perform at a mid-tier level with a score of 50.9.

Water Quality and Public Safety

Water infrastructure is the county's weakest link, scoring a very low 5.6. Public safety and health also present major hurdles, with scores remaining in the bottom quintile.

Best for Budget-Conscious Renters

Polk County is a viable option for those prioritizing low housing costs in East Texas. Residents here sacrifice access to top-tier health and safety services for immediate affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax35.4Cost51.8Safety20.7Health11.3Schools50.9Income35.9Risk24.4Water5.6Weather24.1
🏛35.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.8
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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44.7
Trinity County
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46.1
Tyler County
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41.3
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Walker 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 tax rate beats the nation

At 1.037%, Polk County's effective tax rate runs 24% below the Texas state average of 1.276%, positioning homeowners favorably in the national landscape. The median property tax here is $1,597 annually—roughly 41% lower than the national median of $2,690—even as home values remain modest.

Among Texas's lowest tax counties

Polk County ranks in the lower half of Texas counties by effective tax rate, making it a relatively affordable option within the state. With a median tax bill of $1,597 compared to Texas's state average of $2,193, residents here keep more of their income.

Competitive rates in Southeast Texas

Polk's 1.037% rate sits well below neighboring Hardin and Liberty counties, offering homeowners a cost advantage in the timber and petrochemical region. The median home value of $154,000 here aligns with surrounding rural East Texas markets.

What a $154K home costs annually

The median homeowner in Polk County pays $1,597 per year in property taxes on a $154,000 home. With mortgage and school tax exemptions factored in, that figure can rise to $2,206, though many Polk residents qualify for homestead exemptions that reduce the burden.

Your assessment might be too high

Texas property tax appeals are free and straightforward—many homeowners discover their assessments are inflated by $500 to $2,000 annually. Filing a protest with Polk County's appraisal district takes just a few hours and could recover years of overpayment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk renters stretch further for housing

Polk County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio sits above both the Texas average of 18.1% and reflects tighter affordability for renters. With median income at $59,066—significantly below the national median of $74,755—renters here dedicate more of their earnings to the $1,009 monthly rent.

Mid-range affordability among Texas counties

Polk County's rent burden puts it in the middle-to-upper range of Texas counties, where affordability challenges are becoming more common. The county's lower median income relative to state averages amplifies the impact of housing costs on household finances.

Slightly pricier than surrounding areas

Polk County's $1,009 median rent exceeds the Texas state average of $963 by about $46 monthly, placing it on the higher end for this region. Neighboring counties offer comparable or lower rents, making cross-county comparisons worthwhile for budget-conscious renters.

Owning costs less than renting here

Homeowners in Polk pay $655 monthly compared to renters' $1,009—a stark $354 difference that reflects the ownership advantage in this market. With a median home value of $154,000 and median income at $59,066, buying remains challenging but rewarding for those who can afford it.

Polk works best for homebuyers

If you're relocating to Polk County, plan ahead: rents are above average, but ownership costs are competitive and build equity. Compare Polk's numbers against lower-rent alternatives on this list before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk County Trails National Income

Polk County's median household income of $59,066 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $15,600, representing a meaningful income gap. The county falls in the lower-to-middle range nationally, typical of rural East Texas communities.

Below Texas Average Earnings

At $59,066, Polk County's median household income falls nearly $5,700 below the Texas state average of $64,737. The county ranks in the lower third statewide for household earnings, reflecting limited industrial and professional sectors.

Polk Faces Earnings Headwind

Polk County's $59,066 income significantly lags regional neighbors: Parmer ($68,164), Pecos ($67,689), and Reagan ($70,288) all earn more. The gap underscores Polk's dependence on timber, agriculture, and service employment.

Housing Costs Stretch Budgets

Polk County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% is elevated, meaning housing consumes a meaningful share of household earnings. The median home value of $154,000 requires careful financial planning for buyers earning the county median.

Start Small, Build Momentum

With tighter margins, Polk County households benefit from disciplined budgeting and low-cost investing options. Automate even modest monthly contributions to index funds or IRAs—consistency matters more than size when building long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Polk County Meets National Safety Standards

Polk County holds a safety score of 96.8, aligning with national security expectations. Its total crime rate of 2,054.0 per 100K remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the Texas Safety Average

Polk's safety score perfectly matches the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,054.0 is nearly identical to the state average of 2,052.5, indicating a stable environment.

Balanced Safety in East Texas

Polk County presents a balanced safety profile compared to its regional neighbors. It manages crime levels more effectively than many metropolitan hubs while reflecting the regional average for property incidents.

Property Theft as Primary Concern

Property crime accounts for the majority of incidents at 1,763.1 per 100K, while violent crime is 290.9 per 100K. Person-to-person crime is relatively low, making theft the primary focus for local prevention.

Securing Your East Texas Home

Securing outbuildings and garages is essential for Polk residents since property crime is the most common local issue. Investing in visible security cameras can further deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Polk County

via HealthByCounty

Polk faces a life expectancy gap

Polk County residents live just 70.1 years on average—over six years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Yet the county's 23.4% poor/fair health rate is relatively moderate, suggesting that acute mortality drivers (rather than chronic disease alone) may shorten lives.

Among Texas's lowest life expectancy

At 70.1 years, Polk County trails Texas's 74.3-year average by 4.2 years and ranks among the state's most concerning health profiles. The county's uninsured rate of 19.0% actually sits just below the Texas average of 19.8%.

Shortest-lived of its peers

Polk's 70.1-year life expectancy is the lowest among neighboring counties: it trails Reagan (73.9), Pecos (72.5), and all others in this survey. Despite having 48 primary care providers per 100K—competitive with peers—the county faces deeper health challenges.

Good provider access, unclear barriers

Polk County offers 48 primary care and 65 mental health providers per 100K, strong for a rural area. Yet with 19.0% uninsured, the county still misses significant portions of the population; deeper investigation into health behaviors, social determinants, and disease burden is needed.

Polk residents: check your options

If you're among Polk's 19% without insurance, coverage is within reach through Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace plans. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health department to explore no-cost enrollment assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Deep Woods Education Across Six Districts

Polk County operates 18 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 7,133 students. The infrastructure is primarily rural, consisting of eight elementary schools and six high schools spread across six different districts. This decentralized network ensures that even the most remote residents have access to public education.

Solid Performance Matching State Standards

The graduation rate of 91.5% nearly mirrors the Texas state average and comfortably beats the national average of 87.0%. Polk County invests $7,068 per pupil, which is slightly below the state spending average of $7,498. The county's school score of 54.5 matches other regional peers, showing consistent delivery of core educational services.

Livingston ISD Drives Local Enrollment

Livingston ISD is the county's largest district, managing seven schools and 4,061 students. Other notable districts include Corrigan-Camden ISD and Onalaska ISD, providing a variety of options without any charter school presence. These traditional districts remain the sole providers of K-12 education in the county.

A Blend of Large High Schools and Rural Grades

Livingston High School is the largest campus with 1,128 students, creating a more traditional "big school" feel compared to the county average of 396. Most of the county's 18 schools are located in rural locales, emphasizing the area's natural, wooded character. Families can choose between larger campuses in Livingston or smaller rural schools in Goodrich.

Find Your Home in the Heart of East Texas

Polk County offers a unique rural lifestyle paired with school performance that stands up to state benchmarks. For families prioritizing education in their home search, the districts of Livingston and Onalaska provide stable, successful environments. Start your journey today by viewing properties near these established public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County faces above-average disaster risk

Polk County's composite risk score of 75.57 significantly exceeds the national average, classifying it as a relatively low-risk area by Texas standards but still a concern for residents. The county's southeastern location exposes it to hurricanes and severe storms.

Elevated risk among Texas counties

With a composite score of 75.57, Polk County ranks notably above Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-risk tier statewide. Its Gulf proximity is a major factor in this elevated ranking.

Hotspot in Southeast Texas

Polk County (75.57) faces significantly higher risk than inland Rains County (14.09) but slightly less than its panhandle peers Potter (90.49) and Randall (86.77). Its position in the piney woods near the Gulf makes it uniquely vulnerable to hurricane-driven hazards.

Hurricanes and tornadoes lead the threats

Polk County faces exceptional hurricane risk (89.99) and tornado risk (87.47), making storm preparation critical for residents in this Gulf-adjacent county. Wildfire (75.54) and flood (63.80) risks round out a diverse hazard portfolio.

Invest in comprehensive hurricane protection

Polk County residents must prioritize hurricane coverage including wind and water damage protection, as standard homeowners policies often exclude or limit hurricane damage. Review flood coverage separately, as homeowners policies typically don't cover flood—federal NFIP or private flood insurance is essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Polk County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Polk County is very warm, with an average annual temperature of 68.6°F that far outpaces the national median. It is also exceptionally wet, receiving 53.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer and Wetter Than the State Median

Polk County is notably hotter than the Texas average of 65.5°F. Its 53.9 inches of rain also dwarfs the 31.9-inch state average, making it one of the state's dampest regions.

Consistent with the East Texas Piney Woods

Polk County shares the high-heat, high-moisture profile of its neighbor Orange County. Both counties experience the intense humidity and frequent rain typical of the Louisiana-Texas border region.

Steam-Bath Summers and Warm Winters

Summer heat lingers for 103 days above 90°F, with a July average of 84.9°F. Winters are among the warmest in the state, averaging 52.7°F with almost no snow at 0.1 inches.

Prepare for Humidity and Frequent Storms

Robust HVAC systems are necessary to handle 103 days of extreme heat and high humidity. Property owners should ensure gutters and drainage can manage the 53.9 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

A mystery in the Piney Woods

Specific taxonomic and pH data are not currently available for Polk County's soil profile. For context, the state average pH is 7.09, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

Seeking the perfect texture balance

Detailed measurements for sand, silt, and clay are missing from the current records. These proportions are essential for determining how well soil drains and how much effort it takes to till.

Local testing is the best guide

Organic matter and available water capacity data are not recorded for this area. While the state average for organic matter is 1.66%, local gardeners should use soil tests to find their specific growing potential.

Planning for heavy East Texas rains

Information on drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable for this county. Residents should observe how water moves across their land after storms to identify potential pooling or runoff issues.

Abundant warmth in Zone 9a

Polk County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, offering a long and productive growing season. This warm climate is perfect for starting a citrus grove or a vibrant summer vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

Abundant water but high heat stress

Polk County holds a difficulty score of 24.8, placing it below the Texas state average of 31.7. While rainfall is plentiful in this Zone 9a region, the extreme heat and humidity create their own set of maintenance hurdles. Success here depends on managing moisture as much as providing it.

Heavy rainfall fuels rapid growth

Annual precipitation averages a generous 53.9 inches, which is significantly higher than the state average of 31.9. This moisture, combined with 7,096 growing degree days, means the mowing season is long and intensive. The first frost doesn't typically arrive until November 24, allowing for an extended growing period.

Managing local soil variations

Specific soil data is limited for this area, but regional trends suggest acidic conditions common in East Texas piney woods. Without local soil metrics, homeowners should conduct a private test to check for drainage and pH balance. Ensuring good drainage is vital to prevent root rot during the heavy rainy season.

Severe drought despite high rainfall

Despite high annual averages, 100% of the county is currently facing severe drought conditions. The county has recorded 23 weeks of drought in the past year, highlighting the feast-or-famine nature of local weather. Rain barrels and smart irrigation controllers help manage these unpredictable dry spells.

Thriving in the humid heat

St. Augustinegrass and Zoysia are top performers in Zone 9a, as they handle both the moisture and the heat well. Planting should occur in early March to allow roots to establish before the 103 days of extreme heat begin. Your lawn will grow aggressively, so prepare for a busy summer maintenance schedule.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Texas has a composite county score of 32.8 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 Texas?
Polk County ranks #192 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $1,597, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 35.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Texas is $59,066 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 35.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Texas a good place to live?
Polk County scores 32.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #192 in Texas. 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.