Polk County, Florida Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Florida
The population of Polk County, Florida is 760,961 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Florida. The median household income is $63,644, the median home value is $240,000, and the median age is 39.6.
The population of Polk County has grown 41.4% since 2010 (603,119 → 852,878), a +2.51% annualized rate.
760,961
Population
+2.51%
Annual growth
423
People / sq mi
$63,644
Median Income
$240,000
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 1,798 sq mi of land at 423.2 people per square mile.
About Polk County, FL
Polk County is a county in Florida with a population of 760,961. It ranks #9 among counties in Florida by population. The median age is 39.6, in line with the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Polk County is $63,644, below the US median of $74,580. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $240,000, with monthly rent averaging $1,272. The homeownership rate of 70.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Polk County reflects 22.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.2 minutes each way.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 603,119 in 2010 and 852,878 in 2024, a 41.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 852,878 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.51%.
852,878
Population (2024)
603,119
Population (2010)
852,878
Peak (2024)
2.51%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 603,119 |
| 2011 | 610,026 |
| 2012 | 615,581 |
| 2013 | 622,808 |
| 2014 | 634,624 |
| 2015 | 648,823 |
| 2016 | 666,271 |
| 2017 | 685,790 |
| 2018 | 707,095 |
| 2019 | 724,967 |
| 2020 | 730,179 |
| 2021 | 755,712 |
| 2022 | 790,530 |
| 2023 | 824,172 |
| 2024 | 852,878 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.8% |
| Black or African American | 14.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
19.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,644$-8,067 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,031 |
| Per-capita income | $31,927 |
| Poverty rate | 11.1%+2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
10.8%
Work from home
30.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$240,000$-85,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,272
Median rent
70.0%
Homeownership rate
329,750
Total housing units
83.9%
Occupied
16.1%
Vacant
30.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.0%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
38.6%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
13.9%
With a disability
73.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.5%
High School+
22.6%
Bachelor's+
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Common questions about Polk County, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Florida has a population of 760,961 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Florida. Population density is 423 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has grown 41.4% since 2010 (603,119 → 852,878), a +2.51% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Florida is $63,644, with mean (average) household income of $84,031 and per-capita income of $31,927. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (59.8%), Black or African American (14.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Florida is 39.6 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $240,000 and median monthly rent is $1,272. 70.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 329,750 total housing units, 16.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Florida is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Jacksonville is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Florida, with a population of 961,739.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.