Polk County, Tennessee

Income Data

+2% vs. Tennessee average
$60,227
Median Household Income
$33,714
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,227
+2% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,714
-15% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
44.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#37 / 95
by median household income

How Polk County Compares

Polk County$60,227
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,227
Median Household Income
$33,714
Per Capita Income
$136,400
Median Home Value
44.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Polk County, Tennessee

Polk County Closest to National Income Benchmark

Polk County's median household income of $60,227 falls $14,528 short of the national median of $74,755, but represents the strongest performance in its peer group. The county earns 81% of the national median—significantly better than rural peers.

Above Tennessee's Statewide Income Average

Polk County exceeds Tennessee's median household income of $58,994 by $1,233, ranking among the stronger performers statewide. The per capita income of $33,714 also surpasses the state average of $31,458.

Highest Income in Rural County Cluster

Polk County's $60,227 median income outpaces all peer counties, leading by $2,094 over Rhea County ($58,133). The county's strong earnings position makes it an outlier in this lower-income rural region.

Excellent Affordability and Housing Stability

At 13.3%, Polk County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in its peer group, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $136,400 represents just 2.3 years of gross household income—the most favorable ratio for wealth-building through homeownership.

Maximize Wealth Through Disciplined Investing

Polk County's strong income and affordable housing create an ideal environment for wealth accumulation. Households should prioritize retirement savings, diversified investments, and long-term financial planning to leverage their income advantage and build generational wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Polk County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Polk County, Tennessee is $60,227, 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 $33,714, 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 $60,227.
How does Polk County compare to the Tennessee average?
Polk County's median household income of $60,227 is higher than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $33,714, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Polk County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Polk County, Tennessee is $33,714, 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.
Why is Polk County income higher than the Tennessee average?
Polk County's median household income of $60,227 is higher than the Tennessee average of $58,994. This difference of $1,233 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Polk County rank for income in Tennessee?
Polk County ranks #37 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,227 and per capita income of $33,714, 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: $60,227 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+2%

vs. National Median

-19%

vs. Polk County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average2% above
vs. National Median19% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,019) vs. median rent ($668/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.