Polk County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Median home values in Polk County, Iowa, have skyrocketed from $157,200 in 2015 to $232,000 in 2022, suggesting a highly competitive market compared to state and national metrics. Real estate taxes almost doubled from $3,828.53 in 2012 to $6,887.81 by 2021, pointing to a shifting economic environment. Residential energy tax credits saw significant volatility, spiking to $2,957.58 in 2018,... Read more
Polk County Market Trends
In Polk County, Iowa, median home values have surged from $157,200 in 2015 to $232,000 in 2022, significantly outpacing state and national averages. Residential energy tax credits also exhibited notable volatility, with a remarkable spike to $2,957.58 in 2018, reflecting shifting incentives for energy-efficient improvements. Real estate taxes have steadily risen, almost doubling from $3,828.53 in... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Polk County, Iowa Over the Last 8 Years
In Polk County, Iowa, median home values have seen consistent growth over the last eight years, skyrocketing from $157,200 in 2015 to $232,000 in 2022. This significant increase outpaces both Iowa's overall median values, which reached $181,600 in 2022, and the national median, which was $179,400 the same year. This trend could suggest a strong local economy and increasing demand in Polk County, potentially making it an attractive spot for real estate investors and newcomers looking for robust property value appreciation.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Polk County, IA Over the Last 9 Years
Polk County, Iowa has experienced notable fluctuations in average residential energy tax credits per tax return over the last nine years. Following a general upward trend from $414.66 in 2013 to $500.00 in 2015, there was a significant spike in 2018, reaching $2957.58. Though it quickly tapered off to $705.65 in 2019, the average tax credit remained relatively high compared to earlier years, settling at $1028.84 in 2021. This variability suggests shifting incentives or adoption rates for energy-efficient home improvements, making it a compelling consideration for investors, homeowners, and real estate agents interested in the evolving landscape of energy-efficient housing in the region.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Polk County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Polk County, Iowa has seen a notable increase in average real estate taxes per tax return, climbing from approximately $3,828.53 in 2012 to around $6,887.81 by 2021. This upward trend might reflect rising property values, increased municipal spending, or other economic factors and serves as a key consideration for potential investors, property builders, and current or prospective residents. Real estate agents and appraisers should be aware that the considerable jump in 2017 followed by further significant rises indicates a changing landscape in Polk County's real estate market. Insurance agents might want to investigate how these tax increases impact homeownership costs and insurance premiums in the region.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Polk County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Farm tax returns in Polk County, Iowa, have shown a gradual decline over the past decade, dipping from about 0.71% in 2012 to roughly 0.61% in 2021. This trend might reflect a shift away from agricultural activities or a growing diversification of the local economy. For investors, property developers, and new residents, this could suggest a broadening economic base and potential for growth in other sectors. The subtle rise in 2021 to 0.61% could indicate a tentative rebound or variability in agricultural engagement within the county.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Polk County, IA Over the Last 5 Years in Polk County
Polk County, Iowa has shown a noticeable dominance of principal residence mortgages over the last five years, with counts peaking in 2020 at around 44,048. In contrast, investment properties and second residences have consistently trailed far behind, with investment properties rising modestly year over year until 2022 when a slight decline is observed. These trends suggest a strong preference for primary homes, which could imply stability for long-term residents and a thriving local community, whereas the relatively low numbers for investment and second residences indicate limited speculative or vacation use. For investors, this may signal limited competition, and for local government and services, understanding these patterns can help anticipate infrastructure and service needs. Real estate agents, appraisers, and insurance agents can use this information to tailor their strategies and services to the dominant user base, while builders and developers might consider focusing more on primary residence projects to align with demand.
Economic Outlook
Polk County, Iowa has shown a consistent upward trend in average taxable income per tax return, climbing from $64,783.05 in 2013 to $88,031.47 in 2021, especially notable from 2019 to 2021. Correspondingly, state and local income taxes have surged, rising from $6,482.09 in 2012 to a striking $15,315.11 in 2021, with a sharp increase between 2017 and 2018. The total tax liability per tax return has also followed this trend, increasing from $11,056.27 in 2012 to $14,801.52 in 2021. These... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Polk County, IA over the last 9 years
Average taxable income per tax return in Polk County, Iowa has generally trended upwards over the past nine years. Starting from $64,783.05 in 2013, there has been a steady increase, reaching $88,031.47 in 2021. The most significant jumps appear from 2019 to 2021, indicating potential economic growth or changes in income structures. Economic factors and the local job market's performance could be underlying causes, making Polk County potentially attractive for investors and new residents interested in a possibly growing economic landscape.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Polk County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Polk County, Iowa has seen a significant rise in average state and local income taxes per tax return, starting at $6,482.09 in 2012 and escalating sharply to $15,315.11 in 2021. A notable jump occurred between 2017 and 2018, where the figures skyrocketed from $7,726.27 to $11,811.92. This trend indicates a substantial increase in the tax burden, which is crucial for potential investors and residents to consider when evaluating the overall cost of living and the economic climate in the area.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Polk County, IA Over the Last 10 Years
Polk County, Iowa has seen a general upward trend in average total tax liability per tax return over the last decade. From $11,056.27 in 2012 to $14,801.52 in 2021, the most significant jumps occurred post-2017, reaching a peak in 2021. This suggests an increase in either taxpayers' incomes or higher local and state tax rates, or a combination of both. These insights could be particularly relevant for potential investors and new residents aiming to understand the financial landscape of the area.
Cost of Living in Polk County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,468 | $1,572 | $1,712 | $1,906 | $1,691 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,468 | $1,284 | $1,316 | $1,906 | $1,890 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,468 | $1,285 | $1,482 | $1,906 | $1,437 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,468 | $1,049 | $1,086 | $1,906 | $1,604 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $1,071 | $1,052 | $1,252 | $1,676 | $1,098 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $1,071 | $785 | $856 | $1,676 | $1,167 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $1,071 | $831 | $1,022 | $930 | $941 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $1,071 | $537 | $626 | $930 | $837 |
| 2 adults | $886 | $668 | $792 | $0 | $685 |
| 1 adult | $789 | $364 | $396 | $0 | $583 |
Safety trends & Data
Property crime in Polk County, Iowa, has seen some notable shifts over the past five years. Larceny-theft topped out at 2,378 incidents in 2019 but dropped to 762 by 2022, while burglary cases fell dramatically from 311 to just 37 in the same period. Motor vehicle thefts mirrored this pattern, spiking in 2019 but trending downward afterward. Vandalism was highest in 2020 with 423 incidents, declining to 96 in 2022. These fluctuations might reflect improved crime prevention efforts, a relevant... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Polk County, IA Over the Last 5 Years
Property crime in Polk County, Iowa, has experienced noticeable variations over the past five years. Larceny-theft consistently makes up the majority of offenses, peaking at 2,378 incidents in 2019 before progressively dropping to 762 incidents by 2022. Similarly, burglary saw a sharp rise to 311 cases in 2019 but has since decreased significantly to just 37 cases in 2022. Motor vehicle theft also shows a concerning spike in 2019 but trends downward afterward. Arson remains relatively rare, with numbers fluctuating slightly. Vandalism incidents were highest in 2020 at 423 but have declined to 96 in 2022. These trends could imply increasing efforts and effectiveness of crime prevention measures, influencing decisions for new residents and investors considering the area.
Demographics
Polk County, Iowa, showcases a balanced adult population with a fairly equal gender split. The region sees a significant proportion of residents holding at least a high school diploma, while a notable portion has attained a Bachelor's degree or higher, likely contributing to the county's skilled workforce. Age distribution indicates a relatively young population, with a sizable group in the 25 to 34-year range, which could drive demand for housing and education services. In terms of racial... Read more
Race Distribution in Polk County, Iowa (2022)
Educational Attainment in Polk County, Iowa (2022)
Age Distribution in Polk County, Iowa
Citizen Population in Polk County, Iowa (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Polk County in Iowa appears to lean Democratic based on an estimated 56.50% of votes, with Republicans getting about 41.60%. Minor parties such as the Libertarians and Greens captured a smaller share, suggesting a potential for a diversifying political scene. This political composition might influence local policies and development trends, which could be crucial for prospective real estate... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
Polk County in Iowa showed a tendency towards Democratic preferences with an estimated 56.5% of votes. Republicans garnered approximately 41.6%, while minor parties like the Libertarians and Greens attracted a notably smaller share of the electorate. This split may point towards a diversifying political landscape in the county.
41.57% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
56.52% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
1.28% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.19% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.44% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
Over the past decade, the student-to-teacher ratio in Polk County, Iowa, has hovered around the national average of 14 students per teacher. Notable fluctuations were seen with a peak at 15.17 students in 2020 and a dip to 14.31 in 2021. This slight increase in class sizes over time might suggest pressures on educational resources, a significant consideration for families and investors. Understanding these trends is crucial for appraisers, insurance agents, and real estate agents as they assess... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Polk County, Iowa over the last 10 years
Over the past decade, the student-to-teacher ratio in Polk County, Iowa has fluctuated around the national average of 14 students per teacher. Although it peaked at 15.17 students in 2020 and dipped to a low of 14.31 in 2021, the ratio consistently hovered close to or slightly above the national benchmark. This slight increase in class sizes over time could suggest pressures on educational resources, which might be of interest to families considering a move or investors in educational services. Understanding these trends can be crucial for appraisors, insurance agents, and real estate agents as they assess property values, potential risk assessments, and market appeals based on the quality of education—a notable factor for many homebuyers.
