Polk County, Oregon Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Polk County is located in Oregon with a total population of 88,553. It is the 12th most populous county out of 36 in Oregon.

Age Demographics

The median age in Polk County is 37.6 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Polk County is $81,318. This is 1% higher than the state median of $80,426. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 4% higher. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%. This is 3% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.9%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 4% lower than the state rate of 5.4%. The median home value is $419,500. Housing costs are 8% lower than the state median of $454,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x. 64.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 63.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Polk County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 74.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 15.2%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 1.8%. The Asian population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 4.4%.

Education

30.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% lower than the state rate of 36.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.8%.