Polk County, Texas

Income Data

-9% vs. Texas average
$59,066
Median Household Income
$28,346
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$59,066
-9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,346
-28% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
38.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Texas
#164 / 253
by median household income

How Polk County Compares

Polk County$59,066
Texas Average$64,737
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$59,066
Median Household Income
$28,346
Per Capita Income
$154,000
Median Home Value
38.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Polk County, Texas

Polk County Trails National Income

Polk County's median household income of $59,066 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $15,600, representing a meaningful income gap. The county falls in the lower-to-middle range nationally, typical of rural East Texas communities.

Below Texas Average Earnings

At $59,066, Polk County's median household income falls nearly $5,700 below the Texas state average of $64,737. The county ranks in the lower third statewide for household earnings, reflecting limited industrial and professional sectors.

Polk Faces Earnings Headwind

Polk County's $59,066 income significantly lags regional neighbors: Parmer ($68,164), Pecos ($67,689), and Reagan ($70,288) all earn more. The gap underscores Polk's dependence on timber, agriculture, and service employment.

Housing Costs Stretch Budgets

Polk County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% is elevated, meaning housing consumes a meaningful share of household earnings. The median home value of $154,000 requires careful financial planning for buyers earning the county median.

Start Small, Build Momentum

With tighter margins, Polk County households benefit from disciplined budgeting and low-cost investing options. Automate even modest monthly contributions to index funds or IRAs—consistency matters more than size when building long-term wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Polk County, Texas?
The median household income in Polk County, Texas is $59,066, 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 $28,346, 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 $59,066.
How does Polk County compare to the Texas average?
Polk County's median household income of $59,066 is lower than the Texas state average of $64,737. The per capita income is $28,346, compared to the state average of $33,197.
What is the per capita income in Polk County, Texas?
The per capita income in Polk County, Texas is $28,346, 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 Texas?
Polk County's median household income of $59,066 is below the Texas average of $64,737. The per capita income of $28,346 is also lower than the state average of $33,197. 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 Texas?
Polk County ranks #164 out of 253 counties in Texas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $59,066 and per capita income of $28,346, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Polk County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Polk County median

County median: $59,066 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-9%

vs. National Median

-21%

vs. Polk County MedianAbout equal
vs. Texas Average9% below
vs. National Median21% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.9x

Your monthly income ($4,922) vs. median rent ($1,009/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Polk County, Texas? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Texas

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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