Polk County
WI · Pop. 45,327 · Suburban County
Polk County, Wisconsin covers 914 square miles with a population of 45,327 and a density of 49.6 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, hay, soybeans. The median home price is $241,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.22%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 141-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.9°F and average winter lows of 7.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 32.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. St Croix Regional Medical Center is 10.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 96.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- St Croix Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 10.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, hay, soybeans means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low poverty rate of 8.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A 141-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of 7.4°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Polk County, WI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $241k
- Property tax
- 1.22%
- Growing season
- 141 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 32.2"
- Broadband
- 96.3%
- Nearest hospital
- St Croix Regional Medical Center, 10.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Polk County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Polk County?
- Polk County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 141-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.9°F, and average winter lows of 7.4°F. The established crops are corn, hay, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $241,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.22%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- St Croix Regional Medical Center is 10.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 4 hospitals in the county.
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More counties in Wisconsin
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The closest counties to Polk County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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