Polk County's estimated 2026 population is 20,900 with a growth rate of 1.41% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. Polk County is the 79th largest county in North Carolina. The 2010 population was 20,474 and has seen a growth of 2.08% since that time.
Data after 2023 is projected based on recent change
The racial composition of Polk County includes 87.71% White, 5.09% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for other race, Native American, Asian and multiracial populations.
White (87.71%)
Two or more races (6.26%)
Black or African American (5.09%)
Other race (0.61%)
Native American (0.23%)
Asian (0.1%)
Race | Population | Percentage (of total) |
|---|---|---|
| White | 17,269 | 87.71% |
| Two or more races | 1,232 | 6.26% |
| Black or African American | 1,002 | 5.09% |
| Other race | 120 | 0.61% |
| Native American | 46 | 0.23% |
| Asian | 20 | 0.1% |
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never Married
Polk County's average per capita income is $38,112. Household income levels show a median of $61,005. The poverty rate stands at 13.66%.
Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Married Families | $88,315 | - |
| Families | $80,273 | $106,446 |
| Households | $61,005 | $85,807 |
| Non Families | $34,136 | $49,307 |
Average Income
Median Household Income
Poverty Rate