Polk County, Nebraska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Polk County is located in Nebraska with a total population of 5,209. It is the 54th most populous county out of 93 in Nebraska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Polk County is 43.7 years. This is 18% higher than the state median of 37.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Polk County is $71,771. This is 4% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% lower. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%. This is 40% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 1.5%. This is 50% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $177,800. Housing costs are 21% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Polk County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 66.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Polk County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.8%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.8%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.

Education

18.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 46% lower than the state rate of 34.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.3%.