Polk County, Oregon
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Polk County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Polk County
Income Verdict
Polk County has a median household income of $81,318 and per capita income of $39,423 — a gap of $41,895, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $1,270/month and a median household income of $81,318, rent consumes approximately 18.7% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $81,318 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $39,423 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Polk County earns approximately 16.2% above the Oregon state median household income of $69,965, positioning it favorably within the state.
Data Story
About Household Income in Polk County, Oregon
Polk County households earn solidly
Polk County's median household income of $81,318 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 9%, placing it well above the national midpoint. This comfortable margin reflects a diversified economy spanning agriculture, manufacturing, and government employment.
Second-highest in Oregon
At $81,318, Polk County's median income trails only Multnomah County ($86,247) among Oregon's 36 counties and significantly exceeds the state average of $69,965. With per-capita income of $39,423—well above the state average of $37,652—Polk demonstrates broad-based prosperity.
Clear leader in Willamette Valley
Polk's $81,318 substantially outearns Tillamook County ($66,551), Morrow County ($70,217), and Umatilla County ($68,958). The county's proximity to Salem's government and tech sectors, combined with agricultural and forestry income, creates a stronger earnings profile than surrounding rural peers.
Solid earnings with rising housing costs
Polk County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% indicates manageable housing costs relative to income, below the 30% affordability threshold. However, the median home value of $419,500 has risen sharply, so homebuyers should factor in future price increases when evaluating long-term affordability.
Leverage Polk's income advantage
With incomes above state and national averages and reasonable housing ratios, Polk residents can aggressively save and invest. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, establishing emergency funds, and exploring diverse investment vehicles to build generational wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in Polk County
Your income is above the Polk County median
County median: $81,318 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
+16%
vs. National Median
+9%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($6,777) vs. median rent ($1,270/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.