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Polk County

#36 in Best Counties to Live in Florida
  • B
    Overall Grade
  • County in Florida
  • 12 reviews
    B
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      C
    2. Crime & Safety
      C+
    3. Housing
      C+
    4. Nightlife
      A-
    5. Good for Families
      B-
    6. Diversity
      A
    7. Jobs
      B-
    8. Weather
      A
    9. Cost of Living
      B
    10. Health & Fitness
      B+
    11. Outdoor Activities
      A-
    12. Commute
      B-
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    Polk County is located in Florida with a population of 652,256. In Polk County, most residents own their homes. In Polk County there are a lot of parks. Many families and retirees live in Polk County and residents tend to lean conservative.
    Population
    652,256

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $121,100
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $913
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    —
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      32%
    • Own
      68%
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    Polk County Rankings

    Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C+
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      189.2
      282.7
    • Murder
      0.4
      6.1
    • Rape
      53.1
      40.7
    • Robbery
      66.3
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      471.5
      500.1
    • Theft
      2,526.7
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      170.1
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    A
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      12%
    • 10-17 years
      10%
    • 18-24 years
      9%
    • 25-34 years
      12%
    • 35-44 years
      12%
    • 45-54 years
      12%
    • 55-64 years
      12%
    • 65+ years
      20%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      7%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      13%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      29%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      35%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      16%
      13%

    Working in Polk County

    Jobs
    B-
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $45,988
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Polk County
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
    • Colleges

      Polk County Reviews

      12 reviews
      All Categories
      I have lived in Polk County almost my whole life, and I wouldn't have wanted to be raised anywhere else. There are some areas safer than others, but it is the biggest county in Florida after all! The public schools are okay if a child has advanced or doesn't get involved in bad things then they should be alright. Although, if they tend to get into trouble and are in more intensive classes, the chances of them getting into the wrong crowd is much higher.
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      I moved here from Lake Worth, Florida about 10-11 years ago. Just around the time I started Kindergarten. Polk is nice I guess. I don't think I ever had a problem feeling uncomfortable enough to not stay here. Although, there should be more a variety of stores around here. Since I live around a area where most pizza shops don't deliver to because it's too far out of their range. I noticed their building more like little stores such as, dollar general or family dollar but what we really need is a gas station. Poinciana/Kissimmee by Laurel area there is only ONE route to that area and there isn't a gas station for miles. The closest gas station is like 15-25 minutes away depending which area, which is really frustrating. But, overall the neighborhood is lovely and pretty and if anyone asked me if they should live here I'd definitely recommend them too.
      I have lived in this neighborhood for about 15 years now, and I have to say that it is still one of my favorite places. There is great food, great people, and great music. This community has the most friendly people anyone could ever meet. We all unite as one as we come together and celebrate such a diverse and closely-knitted community. Even though it is a small town, I'd like to think of everyone as family here.