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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Polk County: 84.1% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 17,702 residents, Polk County is a county in Tennessee.
Median household income is $60,227, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $136,400, with typical rent around $668.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Polk County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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.
Polk County, TN Climate
Polk County, TN has an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F) and receives about 1472 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14°C
Avg Temp
1472
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 139 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 129 mm |
| March | 9° / 49° | 159 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 119 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 124 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 108 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 132 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 108 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 110 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 91 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 121 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 132 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, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Polk County, TN are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Polk County
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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.