Polk County, Georgia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in Georgia
The population of Polk County, Georgia is 43,365 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in Georgia. The median household income is $55,308, the median home value is $163,500, and the median age is 38.5.
The population of Polk County has grown 7.4% since 2010 (41,537 → 44,610), a +0.51% annualized rate.
43,365
Population
+0.51%
Annual growth
140
People / sq mi
$55,308
Median Income
$163,500
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 310 sq mi of land at 139.7 people per square mile.
About Polk County, GA
The poverty rate is what most separates Polk County from the typical county: 17.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Polk County is a county in Georgia with a population of 43,365. It ranks #48 among counties in Georgia by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $55,308, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 17.6%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $163,500, with typical rent around $870.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.5%, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.8% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Polk County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 41,537 in 2010 and 44,610 in 2024, a 7.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 44,610 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.51%.
44,610
Population (2024)
41,537
Population (2010)
44,610
Peak (2024)
0.51%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,537 |
| 2011 | 41,277 |
| 2012 | 41,097 |
| 2013 | 40,972 |
| 2014 | 40,876 |
| 2015 | 41,209 |
| 2016 | 41,584 |
| 2017 | 41,842 |
| 2018 | 42,373 |
| 2019 | 42,616 |
| 2020 | 42,922 |
| 2021 | 43,322 |
| 2022 | 43,706 |
| 2023 | 44,363 |
| 2024 | 44,610 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.5% |
| Black or African American | 11.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.5
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
15.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.8% · Seniors (65+): 15.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,308$-19,356 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,563 |
| Per-capita income | $27,807 |
| Poverty rate | 17.6%+7.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
82.4%
Public transit
4.8%
Work from home
29.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$163,500$-109,400 vs state
Median home value
$870
Median rent
64.5%
Homeownership rate
17,301
Total housing units
90.1%
Occupied
9.9%
Vacant
35.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.0%
With health insurance
91.9%
With broadband internet
15.4%
Foreign-born
5.3%
Veterans (18+)
17.8%
With a disability
88.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.1%
High School+
14.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Georgia
Other counties in Georgia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Georgia has a population of 43,365 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in Georgia. Population density is 140 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has grown 7.4% since 2010 (41,537 → 44,610), a +0.51% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Georgia is $55,308, with mean (average) household income of $74,563 and per-capita income of $27,807. 17.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.5%), Black or African American (11.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Georgia is 38.5 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $163,500 and median monthly rent is $870. 64.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 17,301 total housing units, 9.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Georgia is manufacturing, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Atlanta is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Georgia, with a population of 499,287.
Polk County, GA Climate
Polk County, GA has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1407 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1407
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 133 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 126 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 163 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 134 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 115 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 113 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 125 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 98 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 94 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 81 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 104 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 121 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, GA
The most comfortable months to visit Polk County, GA are typically September, May 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 -1°C low). March 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.