Polk County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 72nd-largest in Tennessee
The population of Polk County, Tennessee is 17,702 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 72nd-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $60,227, the median home value is $136,400, and the median age is 46.2.
The population of Polk County has grown 9.1% since 2010 (16,813 → 18,338), a +0.62% annualized rate.
17,702
Population
+0.62%
Annual growth
41
People / sq mi
$60,227
Median Income
$136,400
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 435 sq mi of land at 40.7 people per square mile.
About Polk County, TN
Polk County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 17,702. It ranks #72 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 46.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in Polk County is $60,227, below the US median of $74,580. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $136,400, with monthly rent averaging $668. The homeownership rate of 84.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Polk County reflects 14.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.5 minutes each way.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 16,813 in 2010 and 18,338 in 2024, a 9.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,338 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.63%.
18,338
Population (2024)
16,813
Population (2010)
18,338
Peak (2024)
0.63%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,813 |
| 2011 | 16,772 |
| 2012 | 16,626 |
| 2013 | 16,636 |
| 2014 | 16,690 |
| 2015 | 16,778 |
| 2016 | 16,787 |
| 2017 | 16,769 |
| 2018 | 16,880 |
| 2019 | 16,764 |
| 2020 | 17,567 |
| 2021 | 17,722 |
| 2022 | 17,799 |
| 2023 | 18,066 |
| 2024 | 18,338 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.2
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
20.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.3% · Seniors (65+): 20.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,227$-6,870 vs state |
| Mean household income | $81,605 |
| Per-capita income | $33,714 |
| Poverty rate | 8.2%-1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
80.4%
Public transit
8.0%
Work from home
31.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$136,400$-120,400 vs state
Median home value
$668
Median rent
84.1%
Homeownership rate
8,856
Total housing units
80.7%
Occupied
19.3%
Vacant
15.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.3%
With health insurance
86.6%
With broadband internet
38.9%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
20.7%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.7%
High School+
14.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Tennessee has a population of 17,702 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 72nd-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 41 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has grown 9.1% since 2010 (16,813 → 18,338), a +0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Tennessee is $60,227, with mean (average) household income of $81,605 and per-capita income of $33,714. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), 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, Tennessee is 46.2 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $136,400 and median monthly rent is $668. 84.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,856 total housing units, 19.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
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Full rankings of Tennessee counties
Statewide data for Tennessee
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.