countyscore
34.5
County Score
Cost of Living 53.1Schools 50.9Property Tax 43.3

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.

2040608010043.353.120.711.350.940.624.45.624.1Tax43.3Cost53.1Safety20.7Health11.3Schools50.9Income40.6Risk24.4Water5.6Weather24.134.5/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Polk County DNA

Foverall

How Polk County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Polk County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (5.6/100), though Cost of Living (53.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.3-8.700000000000003
Cost
53.1
Safety
20.7-34.3
Health
11.3-38.7
Schools
50.9
Income
40.6-10.399999999999999
Risk
24.4-22.6
Water
5.6-52.4
Weather
24.1-31.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Polk County?

Many homeowners in Polk County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$184,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$987/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$184,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,259/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Texas has a composite county score of 34.5 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 #187 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 $1,661, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 43.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Texas is $62,259 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 40.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Texas a good place to live?
Polk County scores 34.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #187 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.