Polk County, Florida

Income Data

-3% vs. Florida average
$63,644
Median Household Income
$31,927
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$63,644
-3% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,927
-19% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
26.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Florida
#38 / 67
by median household income

How Polk County Compares

Polk County$63,644
Florida Average$65,468
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$63,644
Median Household Income
$31,927
Per Capita Income
$240,000
Median Home Value
26.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Polk County, Florida

Polk trails national and state averages

Polk County's median household income of $63,644 falls 15% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects the county's significant agricultural, phosphate mining, and blue-collar employment base in Central Florida's working-class heartland.

Below-average earner in Florida

At $63,644, Polk County sits roughly $1,800 below Florida's state average of $65,468, ranking in the lower-middle tier of Florida's 67 counties. The county's per capita income of $31,927 also lags the state average, indicating fewer high-income households overall.

Among lowest earners in region

Polk County's $63,644 income trails all surveyed neighbors including Osceola ($68,711), Pasco ($67,384), and Pinellas ($70,293). This positions the county as a more affordable but lower-income area within the broader Tampa Bay and Central Florida region.

Most affordable housing in the region

Polk County offers exceptional housing affordability with a 24.0% rent-to-income ratio and the lowest median home value of $240,000 in the county set. This makes homeownership mathematically feasible for typical households, though tight overall budgets remain a challenge.

Strategic budgeting unlocks small wins

With median income around $63,600, Polk County households must prioritize disciplined budgeting to free up 5-10% of earnings for savings. Even $100-150 monthly in a high-yield savings account or low-cost index fund can grow meaningfully over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Polk County, Florida?
The median household income in Polk County, Florida is $63,644, 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 $31,927, 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 $63,644.
How does Polk County compare to the Florida average?
Polk County's median household income of $63,644 is lower than the Florida state average of $65,468. The per capita income is $31,927, compared to the state average of $35,698.
What is the per capita income in Polk County, Florida?
The per capita income in Polk County, Florida is $31,927, 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 Florida?
Polk County's median household income of $63,644 is below the Florida average of $65,468. The per capita income of $31,927 is also lower than the state average of $35,698. 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 Florida?
Polk County ranks #38 out of 67 counties in Florida by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $63,644 and per capita income of $31,927, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $63,644 per year

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vs. National Median

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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.