Polk County

As of the latest estimates, Polk County, OR has a population of about 87,000. The racial makeup is approximately 84% White, 2% Asian, 1% Black or African American, 2% Native American, and 9% from other races. Around 15% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is around $60,000, and about 12% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county is relatively young, with a median age of around 35 years.

Polk County, OR, has seen increasing housing interest. The median home value is approximately $400,000. Monthly rental costs average around $1,200. There are nearly 33,000 households, with a homeownership rate of about 67%. Typically, homes are on the market for 40 days. The average household size is 2.6 people. New construction and developments are ongoing, reflecting growth. Property taxes average 1.1% of home value annually.

Polk County, Oregon, regularly conducts elections for various federal, state, and local offices, as well as ballot measures. The County Clerk's office oversees these elections. For a snapshot of the most relevant election data:

1. Voter Registration: As of the latest update, Polk County has approximately 56,000 registered voters.
2. Turnout: Voter turnout varies; the 2022 midterm elections saw about 70% turnout.
3. Recent Elections: In the 2022 general election, key races included:
   • Governor: Tina Kotek (D), Christine Drazan (R), and Betsy Johnson (I).
   • U.S. House (5th District): Kurt Schrader (D) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R).
   • Oregon State Senate (District 10): Deb Patterson (D) and Raquel Moore-Green (R).
   • Local Measures: Several local ballot measures dealing with taxes, bonds, and governance.

Check the Polk County Elections website for the most current and detailed election information.

Polk County, OR, has educational attainment rates that highlight both strengths and areas for improvement when compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 data, approximately 91% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly above the national average of 88%. However, about 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average of 32% and the Oregon state average of 35%. These figures suggest that while high school graduation rates are commendable, the county faces challenges in advancing residents to higher education levels. Efforts to improve access to and completion of higher education could help Polk County catch up with broader educational trends.

As of the latest data, Polk County, OR, has an employment rate of approximately 94.6%, with an unemployment rate around 5.4%. The civilian labor force totals roughly 36,000 individuals.

Top Industries:

1. Education and Health Services
2. Manufacturing
3. Retail Trade
4. Agriculture

These sectors are key employers, reflecting a diverse economic base.

Comparison to National and State Averages: Oregon's overall employment rate is slightly higher at around 95%, with a similar unemployment rate to the national average, which hovers near 5.3%. Nationally, top industries include Healthcare, Retail, and Professional Services. Oregon shares similar top sectors but places more emphasis on agriculture and manufacturing, especially in Polk County.

Polk County's employment structure is consistent with Oregon's rural and semi-rural economic profile, contrasting with national trends where professional and technical services hold more prominence.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Polk County, Oregon is approximately $62,000 per year. For comparison, the median household income for the entire state of Oregon is about $67,000 annually, while the national median sits around $68,700. This places Polk County slightly below both the state and national averages. Here's a succinct table for clarity:

Polk County's income levels suggest a regional variance that is important for economic planning, social services, and local policy-making.

As of the latest available data, Polk County, OR, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The data indicates the following annual crime statistics per 1,000 residents:

Violent crimes include offenses such as murder, assault, and robbery. Property crimes encompass burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. It's important to stay updated with local law enforcement or community reports for the most current data. Polk County maintains a safer environment compared to larger urban areas in Oregon, with community-driven efforts contributing to the county's overall safety.