Polk County

IA · Pop. 140,651 · Mixed County

6Homestead Score

Polk County is a mixed county in IA with a population of approximately 140,651.

$/Acre: $15,151

Property Tax: 1.57%

Growing Season: 154 days

Broadband: 75%

Safety: 7/10

Density: 382.2/sq mi

Pros

No building codes, Good internet

Cons

Expensive land

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.57%

Local Sales Tax1.82%

Combined Sales Tax7.82%

Cost of Living Index88.2

Median Household Income$68,818

Poverty Rate19%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$15,151

Median Home Price$717K

Acres for Sale471

Building CodeNone

Permit Required

Zoning TypeMinimal Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size2.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone5

Growing Season154 days

Annual Rainfall34.8 inches

Avg Summer High83°F

Avg Winter Low11°F

Soil TypeSandy

Soil Quality6/10

Elevation3,242 ft

Top CropsWheat

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought5/10

Wildfire2/10

Tornado3/10

Flood3/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceMunicipal

Well Depth (avg)221 ft

Water AvailabilityAdequate

Solar (Avg PSH)4.7

Wind Potential6/10

Electric Rate$0.14/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceRare

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceRestricted

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessYes

Safety

Violent Crime /100K273

Property Crime /100K313

Overall Safety7/10

Sheriff Response35 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital45.3 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities5

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage75%

Cell CoverageFair

Starlink Available

Nearest Town14 miles

Nearest City59 miles

School District5/10

Farmers Markets1

Public Land Nearby39%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3%

Ag EconomyWeak