Polk County

NE · Pop. 18,058 · Rural County

6Homestead Score

Polk County is a rural county in NE with a population of approximately 18,058.

$/Acre: $1,049
Property Tax: 1.73%
Growing Season: 140 days
Broadband: 38%
Safety: 6/10
Density: 16.7/sq mi

Pros

Rural setting, Affordable land, No building codes

Cons

Limited internet, Higher crime rate

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.73%
Local Sales Tax0.44%
Combined Sales Tax5.94%
Cost of Living Index94.4
Median Household Income$70,293
Poverty Rate13.8%
Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$1,049
Median Home Price$126K
Acres for Sale1839
Building CodeNone
Permit Required
Zoning TypeMinimal Zoning
Tiny Home Friendly
Mobile Home Friendly
Min Lot Size2.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8
Growing Season140 days
Annual Rainfall20.6 inches
Avg Summer High86°F
Avg Winter Low5°F
Soil TypeSilt
Soil Quality9/10
Elevation3,608 ft
Top CropsHay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought3/10
Wildfire2/10
Tornado6/10
Flood3/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceMunicipal
Well Depth (avg)149 ft
Water AvailabilityAbundant
Solar (Avg PSH)4.7
Wind Potential8/10
Electric Rate$0.12/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated
HOA PrevalenceRare
Livestock Allowed
Chicken OrdinanceAllowed
Burn Permit Required
Raw Milk AccessNo

Safety

Violent Crime /100K484
Property Crime /100K532
Overall Safety6/10
Sheriff Response27 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital58.1 miles
Emergency Room
Healthcare Facilities2

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage38%
Cell CoveragePoor
Starlink Available
Nearest Town19 miles
Nearest City48 miles
School District8/10
Farmers Markets2
Public Land Nearby37%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate6%
Ag EconomyStrong