Polk County scores 65.9 on the CountyScore livability index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper third of U.S. counties, reflecting solid fundamentals across affordability, health, and tax burden.
2 / 5
Slightly ahead of Wisconsin average
Polk ranks just above Wisconsin's state average composite score of 65.6, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties. The county holds its own among peers in the upper Midwest region.
3 / 5
Health and housing affordability shine
Polk excels in health (74.1) and cost affordability (73.7), with median home values of $241,200 and rent at $958/month keeping housing within reach. A lean effective tax rate of 1.222% also provides tax relief for residents.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind peers
The county's income score of 33.1 is notably low, with median household income at $76,208—below what higher-scoring counties in the region achieve. Economic opportunity and wage growth appear constrained compared to livability strengths.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious families seeking stability
Polk County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing, good health outcomes, and low taxes over rapid income growth. It's a stable, livable choice for those who value present-day affordability and quality of life over career advancement potential.
Polk County scores 65.9 on the CountyScore livability index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper third of U.S. counties, reflecting solid fundamentals across affordability, health, and tax burden.
Slightly ahead of Wisconsin average
Polk ranks just above Wisconsin's state average composite score of 65.6, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties. The county holds its own among peers in the upper Midwest region.
Health and housing affordability shine
Polk excels in health (74.1) and cost affordability (73.7), with median home values of $241,200 and rent at $958/month keeping housing within reach. A lean effective tax rate of 1.222% also provides tax relief for residents.
Income growth lags behind peers
The county's income score of 33.1 is notably low, with median household income at $76,208—below what higher-scoring counties in the region achieve. Economic opportunity and wage growth appear constrained compared to livability strengths.
Best for cost-conscious families seeking stability
Polk County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing, good health outcomes, and low taxes over rapid income growth. It's a stable, livable choice for those who value present-day affordability and quality of life over career advancement potential.
Score breakdown
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🏛67.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.222%, Polk County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.700%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $2,947, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference explained by regional assessment practices rather than rates.
Among Wisconsin's most affordable rates
Polk County ranks in the bottom third statewide with an effective rate of 1.222%, below Wisconsin's 1.436% average. This means homeowners here pay roughly $134 less in annual property taxes than the typical Wisconsin household.
Lower than most regional peers
Polk County's 1.222% rate beats neighboring Barron County and outpaces Portage County (1.474%). Among nearby counties, only Rusk County (1.207%) edges lower, making Polk competitive for property tax burdens in northwestern Wisconsin.
Median home costs $2,947 annually
A typical Polk County home valued at $241,200 carries an annual property tax bill of $2,947. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,953 in tax, while those owning free-and-clear average $2,935.
Your assessment might be negotiable
Many Wisconsin homeowners pay property taxes on inflated home valuations. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales in your neighborhood, a formal appeal during the annual assessment review period could lower your bill.
Polk County residents spend 15.1% of household income on rent, slightly higher than the national recommendation of 14%. With a median household income of $76,208—just 1.9% above the U.S. average—renters here face modest affordability pressure.
Polk ranks middle of Wisconsin pack
At 15.1%, Polk's rent-to-income ratio sits just above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, placing it in the midrange among the state's 72 counties. Homeowners benefit from a median value of $241,200, offering solid wealth-building potential.
Slightly pricier than nearby Portage
Polk's median rent of $958/month runs $55 higher than neighboring Portage County ($903), though both counties maintain similar affordability ratios near the state average. Polk homeowners pay $118 more monthly than Portage ($1,144 vs. $1,026).
Housing takes 43% of renters' budgets
Renters in Polk spend $958/month on housing, while homeowners allocate $1,144/month for ownership costs. Combined with a median income of $76,208 annually, housing consumes roughly 15% of gross income for renters and 18% for homeowners.
Polk offers stability for budget-conscious movers
If you're comparing Wisconsin counties, Polk delivers above-average income ($76,208) with near-average housing costs—making it a balanced choice. Consider it if you value moderate affordability and a strong median home value of $241,200 for long-term investment.
Polk County households earn $76,208 annually, edging out the national median of $74,755 by 1.9%. This places Polk County above the typical American household, signaling a strong economic foundation in the region.
Top third in Wisconsin
At $76,208, Polk County ranks solidly above Wisconsin's state median of $71,715—a $4,493 advantage that reflects economic resilience. This positions Polk in the upper tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties by household income.
Outpacing regional peers
Polk's median income surpasses nearby Rusk County ($58,322) by 30.5% and Price County ($58,720) by 29.7%. Among its immediate neighbors, Polk commands one of the strongest income profiles in northwest Wisconsin.
Rent stays manageable here
At 15.1% of household income, Polk County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national affordability threshold of 28-30%. With a median home value of $241,200, homeownership remains accessible for many households earning the county median.
Build wealth beyond the paycheck
Polk County's per capita income of $39,402 provides a solid platform for saving and investing. Consider maximizing retirement contributions and diversifying assets—your above-average income gives you real capacity to grow long-term wealth.
Polk County's life expectancy matches nation's average
At 77.8 years, Polk County residents live as long as the U.S. average, though 17.4% report poor or fair health—slightly above the national benchmark. This parity masks underlying challenges: nearly one in six Polk County residents experience chronic health struggles that affect daily life.
Right at Wisconsin's health baseline
Polk County's 77.8-year life expectancy matches Wisconsin's state average exactly, placing it squarely in the middle of health outcomes across the state. However, the 7.1% uninsured rate edges just above Wisconsin's 7.0% average, suggesting modest insurance gaps.
Trailing Portage County's health advantage
Neighboring Portage County residents live 1.5 years longer on average (79.3 vs 77.8), with lower rates of poor/fair health at 14.5% versus Polk's 17.4%. Polk's primary care provider density (79 per 100K) is significantly stronger than Price County (14 per 100K), however, giving Polk an advantage in care access.
Adequate care access, modest insurance gaps
Polk County residents have reasonable access to mental health providers at 216 per 100K—above state standards—but 7.1% lack health insurance, leaving roughly 2,800 residents vulnerable to unexpected medical costs. The 79 primary care providers per 100K suggest manageable appointment availability for most residents.
Check your coverage today
If you're among the 7% of uninsured Polk County residents, now is the time to explore options through the Affordable Care Act marketplace or Wisconsin Medicaid. Every person deserves affordable access to preventive and emergency care—visit HealthCare.gov or contact a local navigator to find coverage that fits your budget.
With a composite risk score of 63.30 and a Relatively Low rating, Polk County faces natural disaster risk slightly higher than the national average. This means residents should stay prepared, but the county isn't among the nation's highest-risk areas.
Mid-range risk within Wisconsin
Polk County's score of 63.30 ranks it above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the middle tier of risk across the state's 72 counties. This above-average standing reflects moderately active severe weather patterns compared to safer Wisconsin counties.
Riskier than neighbors to the north
Polk County faces notably higher risk (63.30) than Price County to the south (32.32) and Rusk County to the east (37.28), both of which are among Wisconsin's safest. However, it's less exposed than Sauk County to the southeast (72.11), which faces more acute flood and tornado threats.
Tornadoes and floods dominate here
Tornados pose the greatest hazard with a risk score of 76.49, making them significantly more likely than the county's flood risk of 55.18. Wildfire risk remains relatively modest at 41.67, so most emergency preparedness should focus on severe thunderstorm and tornado safety.
Bundle coverage for wind and water
Given Polk County's tornado and flood exposure, homeowners should ensure wind coverage is robust and consider separate flood insurance, since standard policies don't cover water damage. Review your policy annually and keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for power outages following severe storms.