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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Polk County: a median age of 54.4, older than the national median. Polk County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 19,689.
The typical household here earns about $61,005, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $281,100, with typical rent around $1,089.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 32.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 12.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Polk County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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+
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Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
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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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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.