IncomeBy County

Polk County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+0% vs. North Carolina average
$61,005
Median Household Income
$38,444
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$61,005
+0% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$38,444
-3% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
21.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#43 / 100
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Polk County Compares

Polk County$61,005
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$61,005
Median Household Income
$38,444
Per Capita Income
$281,100
Median Home Value
21.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Polk County

Income Verdict

Polk County has a median household income of $61,005 and per capita income of $38,444 — a gap of $22,561, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,089/month and a median household income of $61,005, rent consumes approximately 21.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $61,005, residents of Polk County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $38,444 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Polk County earns approximately 0.1% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Polk County, North Carolina

Polk County income below national median

Polk County's median household income of $61,005 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by roughly $13,750. Despite this gap, the county maintains a modest but consistent earnings base.

Near the state median income

Polk County's $61,005 median sits nearly at parity with North Carolina's state average of $61,072, placing it squarely at the state median. This reflects a typical earnings profile for North Carolina.

Mid-range earnings in western NC

Polk County's income compares favorably to Rockingham County ($55,796) and Randolph County ($59,047), though per-capita income is highest among peers. The county's $38,444 per capita income outpaces most regional neighbors.

Home values outpace income growth

Polk County's median home value of $281,100 is notably elevated relative to its $61,005 median income, suggesting housing may require stretched finances or significant savings. The 21.4% rent-to-income ratio further indicates housing costs command a larger share of earnings here.

Prioritize housing affordability in planning

Polk County residents should evaluate whether current housing costs align with long-term wealth goals, potentially exploring more affordable neighborhoods or refinancing opportunities. Freeing up housing expenses allows redirection toward investments and retirement security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Polk County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Polk County, North Carolina is $61,005, 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 $38,444, 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 $61,005.
How does Polk County compare to the North Carolina average?
Polk County's median household income of $61,005 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $38,444, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Polk County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Polk County, North Carolina is $38,444, 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 North Carolina?
Polk County's median household income of $61,005 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $38,444 is also comparable to the state average of $33,920. 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 North Carolina?
Polk County ranks #43 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $61,005 and per capita income of $38,444, 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: $61,005 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-18%

vs. Polk County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina AverageAbout equal
vs. National Median▼ 18% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.7x

Your monthly income ($5,084) vs. median rent ($1,089/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Haywood County
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$61,001
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$61,017
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$60,989
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Fremont County
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$61,027
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Greene County
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$60,976
+0%
Idaho County
Idaho
$60,975
+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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