Polk County Real Estate and Livability Trends

Polk County, Missouri has demonstrated a noticeable rise in real estate activity, with median home values increasing from $114,600 in 2015 to $171,700 in 2022, offering an attractive option for investors due to still being below state and national averages. Rising property taxes, which climbed from $1,326.32 in 2012 to $2,415.15 in 2021, hint at higher property valuations or shifting tax... Read more

Economic Outlook

Info Icon
poverty line illustration

Polk County, Missouri has seen a steady growth in average taxable income per tax return, peaking at $55,102.44 in 2021, hinting at potential economic growth that may attract real estate investors. However, with this increase, average state and local income taxes have also risen significantly, reaching $10,190.63 in 2021, suggesting a higher local tax burden that could affect cost of living and investment profitability. Additionally, the average total tax liability per tax return has increased... Read more

Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Polk County, MO over the last 9 years

Polk County, Missouri has seen a gradual increase in average taxable income per tax return over the past nine years, with an especially noticeable jump in 2021 reaching $55,102.44. This trend could indicate economic growth in the area, potentially making it an appealing location for investors and real estate professionals. However, such increases might also impact property taxes and insurance premiums, factors worth considering for those looking to build or buy property in the county.

Cost of Living in Polk County

Family Size Housing Food Heath Care Child Care Taxes
2 adults
4 children
$979 $1,339 $2,122 $1,109 $1,143
1 adult
4 children
$979 $1,094 $1,633 $1,109 $1,230
2 adults
3 children
$979 $1,094 $1,836 $1,109 $908
1 adult
3 children
$979 $893 $1,347 $1,109 $943
2 adults
2 children
$746 $896 $1,550 $951 $764
1 adult
2 children
$746 $669 $1,061 $951 $697
2 adults
1 child
$746 $708 $1,264 $436 $677
1 adult
1 child
$746 $457 $775 $436 $567
2 adults
$579 $569 $978 $0 $559
1 adult
$576 $310 $489 $0 $517

Safety trends & Data

Info Icon
safety trends illustration

Polk County, Missouri has experienced a notable decline in larceny-theft incidents, from 87.0 in 2018 to 44.0 by 2022, and burglary peaked at 10.0 in 2020 but decreased to 6.0 by 2022. While motor vehicle thefts spiked at 10.0 in 2019, they have since stabilized. Vandalism has remained consistent, showing slight increases but staying above 5.0. Sporadic incidents of fraud, arson, and forgery indicate these crimes are less frequent but still present. This property crime landscape can inform both... Read more

Property Crime Trends in Polk County, MO Over the Last 5 Years

Over the past five years, Polk County, Missouri has seen a notable decline in larceny-theft incidents, dropping from 87.0 in 2018 to 44.0 by 2022. Burglary incidents have fluctuated but remained relatively low, peaking at 10.0 in 2020 and decreasing to 6.0 by 2022. Motor vehicle thefts saw a spike in 2019 at 10.0 but have since decreased and stabilized. Vandalism has shown a slight increase and then steadiness, with values consistently above 5.0. The scattered occurrences of fraud, arson, and forgery suggest these crimes are less frequent but still present. These trends are critical for potential investors and residents as they provide insight into the property crime landscape, highlighting both improvements and areas needing continued vigilance.

Demographics

Info Icon
age groups illustration

Polk County, Missouri presents a nearly even gender distribution among its adult population, with a slight majority of females. Educational attainment varies widely, with a significant portion holding only a high school diploma or some college experience but no degree. The age distribution skews towards middle age, especially in the 45 to 64-year range, showing stable community growth but presenting challenges for services catering to younger demographics. The vast majority of residents... Read more

Race Distribution in Polk County, Missouri (2022)

Educational Attainment in Polk County, Missouri (2022)

Age Distribution in Polk County, Missouri

Citizen Population in Polk County, Missouri (2022)

Political Trends & Data

Info Icon
policy data illustration

In Polk County, Missouri, approximately 79% of the votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election likely went to the Republican Party, while the Democratic Party trailed at around 19%. Minor parties like the Libertarians and Greens potentially had a minimal impact, with less than 2% of the vote share. This suggests a strong Republican leaning in the county's political landscape, which could influence local real estate trends, potentially attracting buyers and investors who favor conservative... Read more

Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party

In Polk County, Missouri, there's a notable Republican dominance, with nearly 79% of the votes potentially going to the GOP in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. The Democratic Party could barely muster around 19%, suggesting a significant political leaning in this region. Minor parties like the Libertarians and Greens might have an almost negligible presence, collectively accounting for less than 2% of the votes. This trend might imply a deeply entrenched Republican preference among the local electorate.

78.66% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election

19.15% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election

1.85% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election

0.15% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election

0.19% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election

School Data

Info Icon
school data illustration

Polk County, Missouri has maintained student-to-teacher ratios between 11 and 12 students per teacher over the past decade, slightly below the national average of 14. This trend suggests smaller class sizes, potentially offering more personalized student attention, which might translate to better educational outcomes. For real estate investors, agents, and families, this could indicate a beneficial school environment, possibly influencing property values positively and contributing to community... Read more

Student-to-teacher ratio in Polk County, Missouri over the last 10 years

Polk County, Missouri has shown relatively stable student-to-teacher ratios over the past ten years, hovering between 11 and 12 students per teacher, slightly below the national average of 14 students per teacher. This lower ratio could indicate smaller class sizes, potentially providing more personalized attention to students and possibly translating to better educational outcomes. For potential investors, real estate agents, and families considering a move, this trend might suggest a beneficial school environment when compared to the broader national context. Appraisors and insurance agents might view this as a positive factor influencing property values and community stability.