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