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Polk County

#4 in Best Counties to Live in Iowa
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • County in Iowa
  • 3 reviews
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      A-
    2. Crime & Safety
      C
    3. Housing
      B
    4. Nightlife
      A
    5. Good for Families
      A
    6. Diversity
      B+
    7. Jobs
      A-
    8. Weather
      C+
    9. Cost of Living
      B
    10. Health & Fitness
      A
    11. Outdoor Activities
      B
    12. Commute
      A-
    View Full Report Card
    Polk County is located in Iowa with a population of 467,235. Polk County is one of the best places to live in Iowa. In Polk County, most residents own their homes. In Polk County there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Polk County and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Polk County are highly rated.
    Population
    467,235

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $165,500
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $858
    National
    $949
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      33%
    • Own
      67%
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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
      317.9
      282.7
    • Murder
      7.8
      6.1
    • Rape
      29.8
      40.7
    • Robbery
      98.5
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      723.3
      500.1
    • Theft
      2,066
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      360.7
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    B+
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      14%
    • 10-17 years
      11%
    • 18-24 years
      9%
    • 25-34 years
      16%
    • 35-44 years
      13%
    • 45-54 years
      13%
    • 55-64 years
      12%
    • 65+ years
      12%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      11%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      24%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      31%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      25%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      9%
      13%

    Working in Polk County

    Jobs
    A-
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $63,530
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Polk County
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
    • Colleges

      Polk County Reviews

      3 reviews
      There is a plentiful variety of activities around the entire county, year-round! It is a safe environment, littered with wonderful and affordable housing opportunities.
      • May 4 2018
      • Overall Experience
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      I have lived in Iowa ever since I was born. I have enjoyed every site and experience here and don't think anyone would be safer to raise a family here.
      • 7 months ago
      • Overall Experience
      it;s nice i think i have lived in there? not really but i think from, my knowledge of polk country (which is minimal)_ i know for sure it is quite excellenbt but too expensive. also the white opeople (thumbs down emoji) (disgust emoji) plewase.
      • Dec 19 2017
      • Overall Experience