Polk County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Polk County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 19,689. It is the 81st most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Polk County is 54.4 years. This is 39% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 15.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Polk County is $61,005. This is 13% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%. This is 4% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.3%. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $281,100. Housing costs are 8% higher than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x. 76.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Polk County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.5%. The Black or African American population (5.1%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.5%) is well below the state average of 10.9%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

32.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.9%.