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County

Polk County

#4 in Best Counties to Live in Iowa
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • County in Iowa
  • 2 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. Living in Polk County offers residents a suburban feel and 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
Area Feel
Suburban
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
Home Security Options for Polk County
Learn More
  • 24/7 Whole home protection with no contract
  • CNET Editor’s choice winner 2018

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

    2 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.
    • 12 months ago
    • Overall Experience
    Start Your Review of Polk County
    Rate It!
    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