countyscore
51.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 78.8Schools 77.2Health 70.7

County Report Card

About Polk County, Wisconsin

Above the National Average

Polk County earns a composite score of 51.7, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds half of the counties in the United States.

A Strong Wisconsin Performer

At 51.7, Polk County outperforms the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It maintains a competitive edge in the region, offering a balanced lifestyle compared to many of its neighbors.

High Incomes and Great Schools

The county excels in education and earning potential with a school score of 77.2 and an income score of 78.8. A median household income of $76,208 supports a high standard of living for local families.

Tax and Cost Pressures

High taxes and housing costs present the biggest hurdles, with a tax score of 24.6 and a cost score of 27.3. The effective tax rate of 1.222% is a significant factor for those on a fixed budget.

Ideal for Working Families

Polk County is an excellent fit for established professionals and families who value high-performing schools and strong income levels. The higher cost of living is offset by the quality of local education and community health.

Score breakdown

Tax24.6Cost27.3Safety60.9Health70.7Schools77.2Income78.8Risk36.7Water44Weather49.5
🏛24.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.1
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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46.2
Burnett County
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St. Croix County
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50.8
Isanti 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 run light nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk rents slightly above national comfort zone

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk outearns the nation

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Polk County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Polk County reports a total crime rate of 901.9 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.6 out of 100.

A Top Performer in Wisconsin Safety

With a total crime rate well below the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1, Polk stands out as one of the safer regions in the state. Its safety score of 98.6 slightly exceeds the statewide average of 98.3.

Safe and Quiet Compared to Neighbors

Polk maintains a crime rate of 901.9, outperforming several neighbors like Sauk County, which sees over 1,600 incidents per 100,000 people. It remains a tranquil alternative to the busier southeastern corridors.

Property Crimes Lead Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for 731.3 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 170.6. These figures suggest that while crime is low, local incidents are primarily non-violent in nature.

Maintain Your High Standard of Safety

Even in safe areas like Polk, basic security measures like motion-sensor lighting and smart locks deter opportunistic theft. Staying informed through local reporting helps residents maintain this community's security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Polk County

via HealthByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide-Reaching Rural Education Network

Polk County supports 6,694 students through a network of 26 public schools spread across 8 districts. The infrastructure consists of 11 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 8 high schools that serve the region's widely dispersed population.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, which is significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,193 is lower than the national average, the county's school score of 58.7 remains above the Wisconsin state average.

Traditional Districts Lead the Way

The Osceola School District is the largest in the county, enrolling 1,594 students across four schools. Traditional public districts dominate the landscape, as there are currently no charter schools operating within the county's boundaries.

Small-Town Feel in Every Classroom

With 22 of its 26 schools located in rural settings, education here feels intimate and community-focused. The average school size is just 257 students, with Osceola High standing as the largest institution with 551 students.

Invest in a Community with Academic Success

For families seeking high graduation rates and small school sizes, Polk County is a compelling choice. Explore homes in the Osceola or Amery districts to take advantage of this high-performing education system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County's risk sits just above national norms

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Polk County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Western Border Climate

Polk County averages 43.9°F annually, sitting about 10 degrees lower than the national median. It experiences the sharp seasonal transitions typical of the American Midwest.

Matching the State Average

The county's 43.9°F average is almost perfectly aligned with the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It experiences slightly less precipitation than the state norm, with 32.6 inches annually.

Mid-Range for the Region

Polk is warmer than Oneida (40.3°F) and Pierce (42.8°F), but cooler than Ozaukee (46.7°F). It offers a balanced climate compared to its more extreme northern neighbors.

Standard Snow and Warm Julys

Winter brings 51.9 inches of snow and a 16.6°F average. Summer features a July average of 70.7°F and roughly 6 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Ready for Heavy Snowfall

Residents must prepare for over 50 inches of snow and January lows of 13.0°F. Reliable heating and winter tires are essential for safely navigating this western border county.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

Loamy Mollisols define the Polk landscape

Polk County features a loam texture classified under the Mollisols taxonomic order. With an average pH of 5.17, these soils are significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and fall below the Wisconsin average of 5.63.

A sandy loam mix for easy working

The soil composition is 51.0% sand, 29.0% silt, and 8.4% clay. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work and provides decent aeration for root systems.

High organic matter fuels plant growth

Polk boasts an impressive 10.72% organic matter content, which is five times higher than the national average. While its available water capacity of 0.187 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.204, the rich organic levels support strong growing potential.

Well-drained soils favor active farming

The county's soils are primarily well-drained and fall into hydrologic group B. This combination means water moves through the profile effectively, reducing the risk of ponding during heavy Wisconsin rains.

Hardy gardens thrive in Zone 4b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, Polk County is ideal for cold-hardy vegetables and fruit trees. Gardeners should consider adding lime to balance the 5.17 pH for optimal nutrient uptake in their backyard plots.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

Moderately Easy Lawn Care in Polk County

With a lawn difficulty score of 59.1, Polk County sits just below the Wisconsin average of 64.4 but remains easier than the national median of 50.0. The USDA Hardiness Zone 4b climate means homeowners must select turf that survives harsh, sub-zero winters.

Cold Winters and Moderate Summer Heat

The county receives 32.6 inches of annual precipitation, slightly trailing the state average of 34.5 inches. With only 6 extreme heat days per year and 2,440 growing degree days, your grass enjoys a balanced summer growth cycle without excessive thermal stress.

Acidic Soil Requires Strategic Lime

The soil pH of 5.17 is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, requiring lime applications to unlock essential nutrients. Because the loam is 51% sand and well-drained, it prevents root rot but may require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Managing Seasonal Dryness in Northwest Wisconsin

Lawns faced 12 weeks of drought over the past year, and 72% of the county currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maintain root health while conserving local water resources.

Best Grasses for Polk’s Growing Season

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive here, especially when seeded after the last spring frost on May 5th. Aim to establish new sod or seed well before the first fall frost arrives on October 4th to ensure winter survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Wisconsin?
Polk County ranks #34 among all counties in Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $2,947, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 24.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Wisconsin is $76,208 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 78.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Polk County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Wisconsin. 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.