Polk County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in Missouri
The population of Polk County, Missouri is 32,109 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $56,686, the median home value is $189,600, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Polk County has grown 6.1% since 2010 (31,158 → 33,070), a +0.43% annualized rate.
32,109
Population
+0.43%
Annual growth
51
People / sq mi
$56,686
Median Income
$189,600
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 636 sq mi of land at 50.5 people per square mile.
About Polk County, MO
Polk County is a county in Missouri with a population of 32,109. It ranks #36 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 38.9, in line with the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Polk County is $56,686, below the US median of $74,580. 11.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $189,600, with monthly rent averaging $792. The homeownership rate of 71.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Polk County reflects 21.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.8 minutes each way.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 31,158 in 2010 and 33,070 in 2024, a 6.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 33,070 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.43%.
33,070
Population (2024)
31,158
Population (2010)
33,070
Peak (2024)
0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,158 |
| 2011 | 31,203 |
| 2012 | 31,088 |
| 2013 | 31,126 |
| 2014 | 31,130 |
| 2015 | 31,272 |
| 2016 | 31,415 |
| 2017 | 31,776 |
| 2018 | 32,244 |
| 2019 | 32,228 |
| 2020 | 31,616 |
| 2021 | 32,047 |
| 2022 | 32,669 |
| 2023 | 32,818 |
| 2024 | 33,070 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
18.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,686$-12,234 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,323 |
| Per-capita income | $28,199 |
| Poverty rate | 11.5%+3.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
78.8%
Public transit
8.7%
Work from home
27.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$189,600$-26,000 vs state
Median home value
$792
Median rent
71.3%
Homeownership rate
13,434
Total housing units
89.0%
Occupied
11.0%
Vacant
28.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.5%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
31.0%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
16.5%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.8%
High School+
21.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Missouri has a population of 32,109 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 51 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has grown 6.1% since 2010 (31,158 → 33,070), a +0.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Missouri is $56,686, with mean (average) household income of $73,323 and per-capita income of $28,199. 11.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Missouri is 38.9 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $189,600 and median monthly rent is $792. 71.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,434 total housing units, 11.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.