Polk County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Polk County, Arkansas is 19,348 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $49,252, the median home value is $122,600, and the median age is 44.4.
The population of Polk County has declined 6.0% since 2010 (20,669 → 19,434), a -0.44% annualized rate.
19,348
Population
-0.44%
Annual growth
23
People / sq mi
$49,252
Median Income
$122,600
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 857 sq mi of land at 22.6 people per square mile.
About Polk County, AR
Homeownership is the standout figure in Polk County: 82.2% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Polk County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 19,348. It ranks #35 among counties in Arkansas by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $49,252, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.3%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $122,600, with typical rent around $699.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.2% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Polk County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 20,669 in 2010 and 19,434 in 2024, a -6.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,669 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
19,434
Population (2024)
20,669
Population (2010)
20,669
Peak (2010)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,669 |
| 2011 | 20,560 |
| 2012 | 20,421 |
| 2013 | 20,344 |
| 2014 | 20,257 |
| 2015 | 20,205 |
| 2016 | 20,164 |
| 2017 | 20,163 |
| 2018 | 20,019 |
| 2019 | 19,944 |
| 2020 | 19,186 |
| 2021 | 19,326 |
| 2022 | 19,368 |
| 2023 | 19,490 |
| 2024 | 19,434 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.4
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
22.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 22.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,252$-9,521 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,460 |
| Per-capita income | $32,243 |
| Poverty rate | 15.3%+3.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
5.2%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$122,600$-52,700 vs state
Median home value
$699
Median rent
82.2%
Homeownership rate
9,647
Total housing units
81.7%
Occupied
18.3%
Vacant
17.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.3%
With health insurance
90.4%
With broadband internet
40.8%
Foreign-born
9.3%
Veterans (18+)
21.4%
With a disability
94.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.4%
High School+
17.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Arkansas has a population of 19,348 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 23 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has declined 6.0% since 2010 (20,669 → 19,434), a -0.44% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Arkansas is $49,252, with mean (average) household income of $75,460 and per-capita income of $32,243. 15.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.4%), Hispanic or Latino (5.3%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Arkansas is 44.4 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $122,600 and median monthly rent is $699. 82.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,647 total housing units, 18.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.7%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Polk County, AR Climate
Polk County, AR has an average annual temperature of 14.9°C (59°F) and receives about 1476 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.9°C
Avg Temp
1476
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 82 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 98 mm |
| March | 10° / 51° | 144 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 137 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 172 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 124 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 118 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 78 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 124 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 138 mm |
| November | 10° / 49° | 135 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 126 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Polk County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Polk County, AR are typically September, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Polk County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.