Polk County Demographics

As of the most recent data, Polk County, GA has a population of approximately 42,000. The racial composition is about 72% White, 14% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 10% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is around 38 years. The county has a median household income of roughly $41,000, with about 19% of the population living below the poverty line. Key industries include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. The county spans an area of approximately 312 square miles.

(Note: Please verify with the latest data for the most accurate information, as demographics can change over time.)

Polk County Housing

As of 2023, Polk County, GA, has a median home price of approximately $150,000, with a variety of single-family homes available. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it more affordable for residents. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $850 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 65%, highlighting a strong preference for owning over renting. Housing options range from historic homes to newer developments, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

Elections in Polk County

As of the latest available data, Polk County, GA, has several elected offices, including positions on the County Commission, School Board, and various municipal posts.

  1. County Commission: Typically has five members. Recent elections featured candidates from both major parties. Example: In the 2022 election, Jason Ward and Linda Liles ran for District 1.

  2. School Board: Composed of seven members, each serving staggered terms. Various seats are up for election every two years.

  3. Municipal Elections: Include positions like Mayor and City Council members in cities like Cedartown and Rockmart.

  4. Voter Turnout: In the 2020 general election, Polk County had a turnout of approximately 54.4%, with 13,824 ballots cast from 25,409 registered voters.

Note: Specific candidates and results can vary by election cycle. Check the Polk County Board of Elections for the most current data.

How Educated in Polk County

As of the most recent data available, Polk County, GA, has educational attainment levels below both state and national averages. Approximately 78.2% of Polk County residents have a high school diploma or higher, compared to about 88.7% for the state of Georgia and 88.5% for the U.S. On the higher education front, only about 12.8% of Polk County's population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly lower than the Georgia state average of 32.2% and the national average of 33.1%. This disparity underscores the need for enhanced educational resources and opportunities in Polk County to bridge the gap.

Polk County Employment Rate

As of the latest data, Polk County, GA has an unemployment rate of around 3.2%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 3.7% and close to Georgia's average of 3.3%. The median household income in Polk County is about $42,000, noticeably below the national median of approximately $68,700 and Georgia's median of around $61,200.

Key industries in Polk County include manufacturing, which employs around 25% of the workforce, healthcare and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (10%). Manufacturing, in particular, plays a more significant role in Polk County compared to the national manufacturing employment rate of around 8.5% and Georgia's average of 10%. Healthcare and retail also remain pivotal, although their employment percentages are closer to national and state trends.

The local economy benefits from a strong manufacturing sector but faces challenges in diversifying income sources and increasing wage levels.

Average Income in Polk County

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Polk County, GA is approximately $42,000 per year. This falls below both the national average household income, which is around $68,700 per year, and the Georgia state average household income, which is about $61,200 per year. Below is a statistical table for a clear comparison:

Polk County, GA Georgia Average National Average
Average Income $42,000 $61,200 $68,700

These figures highlight the economic disparity between the county and broader benchmarks, underscoring the need for targeted economic development and support in Polk County.

Polk County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Polk County, GA has a crime rate that encompasses various types of offenses. Below is a summary of crime statistics per 1,000 residents:

Type of Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crimes 3.5
Property Crimes 17.2
Burglary 4.1
Larceny-Theft 10.4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2.7

Violent crimes include offenses such as assault, robbery, rape, and murder. Property crimes consist of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. For a small county, the property crime rate is relatively higher compared to violent crimes, reflecting a common trend in similar rural settings.

Please note that these figures are subject to change and may vary year-to-year. Always refer to the latest law enforcement reports or official statistics for current information.