Polk County, Georgia

Income Data

-9% vs. Georgia average
$55,308
Median Household Income
$27,807
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$55,308
-9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,807
-30% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
33.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Georgia
#84 / 159
by median household income

How Polk County Compares

Polk County$55,308
Georgia Average$60,488
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$55,308
Median Household Income
$27,807
Per Capita Income
$163,500
Median Home Value
33.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Polk County, Georgia

Polk falls short of national income median

Polk County's median household income of $55,308 trails the national median of $74,755 by 26%, placing it among lower-income counties nationwide. This gap highlights economic pressures facing many rural and industrial communities across the region.

Below Georgia's state income average

Polk County earns $55,308 against Georgia's state median of $60,488, falling 9% behind state norms and ranking in the lower half of Georgia counties. Its per capita income of $27,807 also lags the state average of $31,115 by 11%.

Struggling alongside regional peers

Polk's income of $55,308 sits just above Pulaski County ($47,688) but trails Pierce County ($56,691), creating a cluster of modest earners in northwest Georgia. Economic disparities within the region suggest uneven development and opportunity distribution.

Housing strains household budgets

Polk's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% exceeds the 15% affordability benchmark, meaning renters and homebuyers stretch further for housing than is ideal. The median home value of $163,500 remains relatively accessible, but affordability pressure remains meaningful.

Strategic saving unlocks future security

Though income is modest, Polk County households can build resilience through automated savings plans and low-cost index funds requiring minimal ongoing attention. Even $50–100 monthly contributions compound over decades into meaningful emergency reserves and retirement assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Polk County, Georgia?
The median household income in Polk County, Georgia is $55,308, 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 $27,807, 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 $55,308.
How does Polk County compare to the Georgia average?
Polk County's median household income of $55,308 is lower than the Georgia state average of $60,488. The per capita income is $27,807, compared to the state average of $31,115.
What is the per capita income in Polk County, Georgia?
The per capita income in Polk County, Georgia is $27,807, 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 Georgia?
Polk County's median household income of $55,308 is below the Georgia average of $60,488. The per capita income of $27,807 is also lower than the state average of $31,115. 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 Georgia?
Polk County ranks #84 out of 159 counties in Georgia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $55,308 and per capita income of $27,807, 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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County median: $55,308 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-9%

vs. National Median

-26%

vs. Polk County MedianAbout equal
vs. Georgia Average9% below
vs. National Median26% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,609) vs. median rent ($870/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.