Polk County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 81st-largest in North Carolina
The population of Polk County, North Carolina is 19,689 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 81st-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $61,005, the median home value is $281,100, and the median age is 54.4.
The population of Polk County has declined 0.8% since 2010 (20,474 → 20,320), a -0.05% annualized rate.
19,689
Population
-0.05%
Annual growth
83
People / sq mi
$61,005
Median Income
$281,100
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 238 sq mi of land at 82.8 people per square mile.
About Polk County, NC
Polk County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 19,689. It ranks #81 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 54.4, older than the national median. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The median household income in Polk County is $61,005, below the US median of $74,580. 9.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $281,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,089. The homeownership rate of 76.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Polk County reflects 32.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.1% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.6 minutes each way.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 20,474 in 2010 and 20,320 in 2024, a -0.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,723 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.03%.
20,320
Population (2024)
20,474
Population (2010)
20,723
Peak (2019)
-0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,474 |
| 2011 | 20,289 |
| 2012 | 20,251 |
| 2013 | 20,390 |
| 2014 | 20,372 |
| 2015 | 20,417 |
| 2016 | 20,418 |
| 2017 | 20,567 |
| 2018 | 20,673 |
| 2019 | 20,723 |
| 2020 | 19,380 |
| 2021 | 19,709 |
| 2022 | 20,006 |
| 2023 | 20,030 |
| 2024 | 20,320 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.7% |
| Black or African American | 5.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
54.4
Median Age
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Male
32.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.8% · Seniors (65+): 32.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,005$-8,899 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,807 |
| Per-capita income | $38,444 |
| Poverty rate | 9.7%+0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
74.6%
Public transit
12.1%
Work from home
27.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$281,100+$21,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,089
Median rent
76.6%
Homeownership rate
10,949
Total housing units
79.7%
Occupied
20.3%
Vacant
23.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.3%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
53.2%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
17.4%
With a disability
92.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.9%
High School+
32.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, North Carolina has a population of 19,689 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 81st-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 83 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has declined 0.8% since 2010 (20,474 → 20,320), a -0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, North Carolina is $61,005, with mean (average) household income of $85,807 and per-capita income of $38,444. 9.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.7%), Black or African American (5.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, North Carolina is 54.4 years. Residents are 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $281,100 and median monthly rent is $1,089. 76.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,949 total housing units, 20.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.