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 skews on age — the median resident is 38.9, in line with the national median. Polk County is a county in Missouri with a population of 32,109. It ranks #36 among counties in Missouri by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,686 — below the US median of $78,538. About 11.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $189,600, with typical rent around $792.
Roughly 21.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.7%, and the average commute runs about 28 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.
Polk County, MO Climate
Polk County, MO has an average annual temperature of 13°C (55°F) and receives about 1078 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13°C
Avg Temp
1078
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 41 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 52 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 91 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 101 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 125 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 121 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 84 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 90 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 115 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 101 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 89 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 68 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, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Polk County, MO are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°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.