Polk County, Arkansas

Income Data

-4% vs. Arkansas average
$49,252
Median Household Income
$32,243
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$49,252
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,243
-18% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Arkansas
#42 / 75
by median household income

How Polk County Compares

Polk County$49,252
Arkansas Average$51,156
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$49,252
Median Household Income
$32,243
Per Capita Income
$122,600
Median Home Value
40.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Polk County, Arkansas

Polk County earnings lag far behind U.S.

The median household in Polk County earns $49,252 annually—34% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural northwestern Arkansas compared to more prosperous metros nationwide.

Below-average income within Arkansas

Polk County ranks below the state average, with households earning $49,252 versus Arkansas's $51,156 median. The county's per capita income of $32,243 exceeds the state average of $28,096, suggesting uneven wealth distribution.

Polk outperforms some rural neighbors

Polk County's $49,252 median household income edges out Scott County ($45,955) and Searcy County ($41,978), but trails Pope County ($54,606) and Saline County ($76,534) in the region. Proximity to Saline County's stronger economic center explains some of this variance.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Polk County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing. The median home value of $122,600 is accessible for homebuyers with stable income.

Build financial security in Polk County

With moderate housing costs, Polk County households have breathing room to save and invest for retirement. Local credit unions and financial advisors can help residents develop wealth-building strategies tailored to $49,000-range household budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Polk County, Arkansas?
The median household income in Polk County, Arkansas is $49,252, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Polk County?
The per capita income in Polk County is $32,243, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $49,252.
How does Polk County compare to the Arkansas average?
Polk County's median household income of $49,252 is lower than the Arkansas state average of $51,156. The per capita income is $32,243, compared to the state average of $28,096.
What is the per capita income in Polk County, Arkansas?
The per capita income in Polk County, Arkansas is $32,243, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Polk County a low-income area in Arkansas?
Polk County's median household income of $49,252 is below the Arkansas average of $51,156. The per capita income of $32,243 is also comparable to the state average of $28,096. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Polk County rank for income in Arkansas?
Polk County ranks #42 out of 75 counties in Arkansas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $49,252 and per capita income of $32,243, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Polk County

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Your income is above the Polk County median

County median: $49,252 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-4%

vs. National Median

-34%

vs. Polk County MedianAbout equal
vs. Arkansas Average4% below
vs. National Median34% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.9x

Your monthly income ($4,104) vs. median rent ($699/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.