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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 423 people per square mile. With 760,961 residents, Polk County is a county in Florida. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Florida in the country, at #9 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $63,644 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.1%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $240,000, with typical rent around $1,272.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.8% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Polk County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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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County rankings
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.
Polk County, FL Climate
Polk County, FL has an average annual temperature of 22.5°C (73°F) and receives about 1253 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
22.5°C
Avg Temp
1253
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16° / 61° | 57 mm |
| February | 17° / 63° | 75 mm |
| March | 20° / 67° | 84 mm |
| April | 22° / 71° | 46 mm |
| May | 25° / 77° | 106 mm |
| June | 27° / 81° | 185 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 195 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 180 mm |
| September | 27° / 81° | 156 mm |
| October | 24° / 75° | 64 mm |
| November | 20° / 68° | 53 mm |
| December | 17° / 63° | 52 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, FL
The most comfortable months to visit Polk County, FL are typically April, November and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 10°C low). July 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.