IncomeBy County

Polk County, Minnesota

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-9% vs. Minnesota average
$69,136
Median Household Income
$36,332
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$69,136
-9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,332
-8% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
32.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Minnesota
#64 / 87
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Polk County Compares

Polk County$69,136
Minnesota Average$75,757
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$69,136
Median Household Income
$36,332
Per Capita Income
$211,100
Median Home Value
32.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Polk County

Income Verdict

Polk County has a median household income of $69,136 and per capita income of $36,332 — a gap of $32,804, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $843/month and a median household income of $69,136, rent consumes approximately 14.6% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $69,136 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $36,332 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Polk County earns approximately 8.7% below the Minnesota state median household income of $75,757.

Data Story

About Household Income in Polk County, Minnesota

Polk Income Lags National Average

Polk County's median household income of $69,136 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly 7.5%. The county falls in the lower-middle segment of U.S. income distribution.

Below-Average Earner for Minnesota

Polk County's $69,136 median income sits below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it among the less affluent counties statewide. The $6,600 gap reflects rural northern Minnesota economic patterns.

Middle of the Regional Pack

Polk's $69,136 sits between lower-income Pipestone ($66,073) and higher-income Pennington ($72,561), making it a typical community in northwestern Minnesota. The county earns less than prosperous Ramsey County ($81,004) by over $11,000.

Moderate Housing Affordability

Polk County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio shows housing costs are sustainable at current income levels. With a median home value of $211,100, homeownership remains achievable for most working households.

Maximize Every Dollar Earned

Polk County households earning $69,136 benefit from reasonable housing costs, leaving room for financial planning. Automating savings, using employer matching on retirement plans, and diversifying investments can accelerate wealth accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Polk County, Minnesota?
The median household income in Polk County, Minnesota is $69,136, 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 $36,332, 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 $69,136.
How does Polk County compare to the Minnesota average?
Polk County's median household income of $69,136 is lower than the Minnesota state average of $75,757. The per capita income is $36,332, compared to the state average of $39,335.
What is the per capita income in Polk County, Minnesota?
The per capita income in Polk County, Minnesota is $36,332, 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 Minnesota?
Polk County's median household income of $69,136 is below the Minnesota average of $75,757. The per capita income of $36,332 is also lower than the state average of $39,335. 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 Minnesota?
Polk County ranks #64 out of 87 counties in Minnesota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $69,136 and per capita income of $36,332, it falls in the bottom 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: $69,136 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-9%

vs. National Median

-8%

vs. Polk County MedianAbout equal
vs. Minnesota Average▼ 9% below
vs. National Median▼ 8% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.8x

Your monthly income ($5,761) vs. median rent ($843/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Osceola County
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$69,138
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$69,138
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$69,156
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Koochiching County
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$69,115
+0%
Asotin County
Washington
$69,107
+0%
Lamar County
Mississippi
$69,106
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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

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