Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 52.9 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.26 |
| Below Poverty | 14.1% ▲ 41% above avg |
| College Grads | 44.3% ▲ 14% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.7% ≈ Avg |
| No HS Diploma | 64 (0.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 4,083 (27.7%) |
| Some College | 1,831 (12.4%) |
| Associates | 2,164 (14.7%) |
| Bachelors | 1,641 (11.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 4,934 (33.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $62,763 ▼ 18% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $294,011 ≈ Avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,112/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 11,289 |
| Vacant Units | 2,535 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Polk County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 5 ZIP codes spanning 5 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 20,001 residents. With a median age of 52.93, it is a mature county.
Polk County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $62,763 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, near the national average. The poverty rate of 14.1% is above the national average.
Housing in Polk County is a mid-range housing market, with a median home value of $294,011 — near the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $1,111. Homeownership rates are high at 76.6%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Polk County are primarily White (87.82%). Educational attainment is well-educated — 44.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Polk County, NC is a solidly middle-class area in North Carolina. The 5 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28722 | Columbus | 5,998 | $60,774 | $277,600 | $1,225 | 2.4% | 43.6% |
| 28756 | Mill Spring | 4,468 | $54,112 | $275,000 | $662 | 7.5% | 30.3% |
| 28773 | Saluda | 3,198 | $80,625 | $359,900 | $1,243 | 6.4% | 48.3% |
| 28782 | Tryon | 6,337 | $61,731 | $289,700 | $1,255 | 4.0% | 52.6% |